VISITING DYNJADNI WATERFALL: A SHORT + PRACTICAL GUIDE.
The Westfjords of Iceland aren’t on the typical Ring Road itinerary. And, that’s exactly why we visited. We didn’t want to restrict ourselves to the typical tourist sights in Iceland. And so, we spent 5 days seeing as much of the magical and misty West Fjords as we could.
One highlight of our experience in this area of Iceland, was visiting Dynjandi Waterfall.
Known as the “jewel of the Westfjords,” Dynjandi is an absolutely majestic natural wonder. A thunderous cascade, it is quite remarkable. It’s the largest waterfall in the Westfjords region, and while it’s not the tallest in Iceland, it has a unique presence.
So, is it worth visiting? And how exactly do you get there? Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Is Dynjandi Worth the Journey?
I’ll be honest, we were visiting the West Fjords and had loads of things we wanted to see and do. But somehow, Dynjandi had alluded us and wasn’t even on our radar.
Then, we were peacefully hanging out in Isafjörður, enjoying a beer at a brewery and we noticed the beer was called “Dynjandi”. I googled it, saw the amazing pictures and we agreed that if there’s a beer named after it, it’s probably worth visiting. So we did! We took an extra day to continue our exploration of the West Fjords, including visiting this waterfall.
I am so pleased that we took the time to visit. Although we also saw Gulfoss and Skogarfoss whilst travelling around Iceland, I can safely say that Dynjandi was the most unique waterfall I have ever seen. The cascades look like a giant bridal veil, it is truly mesmerizing. It’s 60 meters wide, I mean that is really quite spectacular.
The experience begins with a short hike from the car park, passing six smaller waterfalls along the way. Each has its own character and charm, and by the time you reach the main cascade.
The waterfall is free to enter, you just have to pay parking charges. And whilst there are tourists there, of course, there are nowhere near as many as you’d find at Gulfoss or other attractions on the ring road.
How long is the walk at Dynjandi?
Many people talk about the walk up to the waterfall as a “hike”. In all honesty, it’s really not. It’s much more a short stroll up a few steps. It takes probably 5 minutes to get from the car park to view points for the main waterfall. You can climb a little further – another 2-3 minutes up, for photos from different angles. But in general, it’s a lot more accessible than say Skogar (which seems to have millions of steps up to the top.)
The one thing I would say – wear good shoes. The ground is uneven. And there aren’t any railings or steps, it’s more of a trail. Whilst you don’t need full on hiking gear, you will want sturdy footwear.
Getting to Dynjandi
By Car
Dynjandi is located on the western coast of the Westfjords, about a 5-hour drive from Reykjavík, or 1.5 hours from Ísafjörður, the regional hub. It’s situated just off Road 60, which runs through the Westfjords and connects the various fjord communities.
Most of the journey is paved, but the final 1.5 kilometres are on a dirt and gravel road. This last stretch can be a bit of a bone-rattler. It’s absolutely passable with a 2WD vehicle, particularly in the summer months, but it’s not a pleasant drive.
I’ll admit that we were nervous (we blew a tire whilst driving on gravel in Patagonia), but this road is actually not nearly as bad as that. That said, you can expect potholes, loose stones, and a slow crawl at 20–30 km/h. Take your time and be prepared for a bit of a bumpy finish.
If you’re hiring a car, check your rental agreement—many Icelandic companies don’t cover damage from gravel roads unless you’ve taken out additional insurance. It’s worth having that peace of mind if you’re venturing this way.
It’s worth noting that when we visited (June 2025) there was a lot of construction work happening on the roads around the waterfall. I suspect that the road is being properly paved and may be a much easier drive soon. But as always, check the latest conditions before you travel.
Seasonal Access
The road to Dynjandi is generally open from late May to October. In winter, heavy snowfall and avalanche risks mean the route is often closed or only accessible by specialised vehicles. If you’re visiting outside of the summer months, it’s best to check on Vegagerdin for updates.
Parking and Facilities
There’s a designated car park right at the base of the trail to Dynjandi, and at the time of writing, parking costs 750kr (£4.50). You can pay on card.
Facilities are limited—there are basic toilets, but no café or shop, so come prepared with water, snacks, and any layers you might need for the changing weather.
From the car park, it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the base of the main waterfall, climbing past six smaller falls like Göngumannafoss and Hundafoss.
Taking a Tour from Ísafjörður
If you’re staying in Ísafjörður and don’t fancy navigating the Westfjords’ winding roads yourself, there are a handful of organised tours that include Dynjandi as part of a day trip. These typically last around 3–4 hours and sometimes include stops at other scenic viewpoints or local farms.
It’s a good option if you’re short on time, uncomfortable driving on gravel, or simply want to sit back and enjoy the landscape.
If you just want a direct tour to Dynjandi – this tour is ideal, and quite cost effective too.
What to See Nearby
While Dynjandi is the star attraction, the surrounding area offers plenty of reasons to linger.
- Arnarfjörður, the fjord in which Dynjandi sits, is very beautiful and it’s worth enjoying a little time enjoying the view back out to the fjord from the waterfall. There are picnic tables near the car park ideal for this.
- Just a short drive north of Dynjandi, you’ll find the small village of Flateyri. It’s one of the oldest settlements in the Westfjords and home to Iceland’s oldest bookstore. The shop retains it’s original charm, complete with creaky wooden floors. Flateyri is also a good spot for a coffee break and it makes for a peaceful stop on your way to or from Dynjandi.
- Rauðasandur Beach, with its striking red sands, lies further west and offers a completely different coastal experience—wind-swept, remote, and hauntingly beautiful. Note, this is only accessible with a 4WD.
- Látrabjarg Cliffs, one of the westernmost points in Europe and home to thousands of puffins in summer, make for a long but worthwhile day trip if you’re staying nearby. Note, this is only accessible with a 4WD.
If you want to visit the West Fjords but don’t have a car, consider this three day tour from Reykavik which includes many of the amazing West Fjords highlights like Dyndani and the puffins at Látrabjarg Cliffs.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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