With over 10,000 beautiful waterfalls nationwide, it can be difficult to decide which should make it onto your Iceland trip itinerary. Dynjandi Waterfall is not the tallest, widest, or most powerful, but it’s still worth the extra time and effort. In this area of the country, it’s a must-visit spot.
Find out the where, how, and why in this article as we dive deep into the foaming pool of knowledge about the Dynjandi Waterfall.
Dynjandi Waterfall in Short
The Dynjandi Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Icelandic Westfjords. It’s a whopping 100 meters tall and roughly 30 meters wide. Yet the most striking feature of this waterfall is the 7 steps it takes before it reaches the bottom. The Dynjandi Waterfall is either described as a wedding cake or a bridal veil and to be completely honest, both descriptions fit the waterfall very well.
Many Icelandic Waterfalls are named after prominent characteristics, legends, or their surroundings. So, the Dynjandi Waterfall should therefore (logically) also be named after a prominent physical feature, right? “Dynjandi” does not translate into “veil”, “cake”, or anything similar. It translates into “throbbing”, which is a nod to the sound it makes as it makes its way down the rocky tiers.
Where is Dynjandi Waterfall?
As previously mentioned, the Dynjandi Waterfall is located in the Westfjords in Iceland. You’ll find the waterfall at the innermost part of the Arnafjördur Fjord, not far from Road 60 and just shy of 50 minutes from Isafjördur – the capital of the Westfjords.
How Do You Get to Dynjandi Waterfall
As with most attractions in Iceland, you can visit Dynjandi Waterfall as a part of a tour, by driving yourself, or by taking the bus.
Drive Yourself
To get from Reykjavik to Dynjandi in Iceland, you first have to drive the Ring Road, heading north, and continue for about 100 kilometers until you pass the town of Bifröst. After that, you need to take a left onto Road 60 and follow that road for about 244 kilometers. When you reach the Arnafjördur Fjord, you’ll see a short route to your left that will take you to the bottom of the hiking trail.
This will take about 5 hours to complete if you don’t make any stops. We do, however, strongly suggest you stop by the other attractions in the area to enhance your visit to the Westfjords.
Join a Tour
The tours to Dynjandi Waterfall in Iceland will either be day tours from Isafjördur or one stop on a multi-day tour that takes you through the Westfjords. There are plenty of tour packages to choose from, and the only important thing to remember is that the tours quickly get full during peak season, so you must plan ahead.
Take the Bus
If you happen to be in the Westfjords and are not in the mood to drive, then taking the bus is a convenient option. The bus passes the Dynjandi Waterfall twice a day and gives you enough time to comfortably hike up and down the path and spend some time at the waterfall. Just make sure you don’t miss the bus going back. If you do, you had better make yourself comfortable since there won’t be another one until the following day.
How Long is the Walk to Dynjandi Waterfall?
The Dynjandi Walking Trail is a short 1.5 kilometers long and not challenging at all. Some parts can be a little steep and rocky, but for the most part, it’s a very easy hike. If you walk at a moderate pace, it should take roughly 30 minutes. Just remember to wear proper hiking boots and bring some snacks and water for the trip.
How Much Time Do You Need for Dynjandi?
How much time you need at Dynjandi Waterfall depends on how fast you walk on your hikes and how much time you want to spend at the waterfall. The hike usually takes 30 minutes one way, and it’s recommended to spend an hour or so at the waterfall to explore the surroundings and get those perfect pictures.
All in all, you should allocate at least 2 hours to visit the Dynjandi Waterfall in Iceland. There are 5 smaller waterfalls between the parking lot and the main waterfall, so you should take the time to see all of them along the way. A pro tip is to try to capture all of them from the bottom of the hike in one photo. You’ll see it’s worth the effort.
When is the Best Time to Visit Dynjandi Waterfall?
Like most other waterfalls in Iceland, Dynjandi Waterfall is open all year round. The different seasons will provide unique experiences, but for this particular attraction, visiting in the summer will be the better option.
The winter in Iceland tends to make it difficult to navigate the roads in the Westfjords. The tours are less frequent, and the buses are sometimes canceled due to poor road conditions. During the summer in Iceland, between May and October, the Westfjords come to life, and you’ll find attractions and activities around every corner.
What to Do Near Dynjandi Waterfall
We love visiting the Dynjandi Waterfall and admiring the cascading water. But it’s important to also make time for all the other cool things nearby. The Westfjords is well known for many attractions with unique features, and we have gathered some of them below:
See the Latrabjarg Bird Cliff – the westernmost point in Iceland and one of Europe’s largest bird cliffs.
Hike in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve – the last untouched wilderness in Iceland.
Walk along the Raudistrandur Red Sand Beach.
Drive Ring Road 2 around the Westfjords and marvel at the fjords and mountains.
Visit the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft to get a glimpse into the occult part of Iceland’s history.
Soak in the Hellulaug Hot Spring to relax those tired traveling muscles and rejuvenate body and mind.
Visit the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum to find out what hides beneath the waves.
Follow the Flow to the Pride of the Westfjords
The Dynjandi Waterfall is a must-visit for anyone who travels into the west wilderness of the Westfjords. Here, you get 6 waterfalls in one short hike, so don’t be afraid to take your time when you visit.
Taking your time in Iceland is a sure way to exponentially make your trip better. The best way to do that is to rent a campervan in Iceland. That way, you can stop at all attractions for as long as you’d like without worrying about missing a check-in time at a hotel or guesthouse. Simply park your van at the nearest campsite when you feel done with the day’s adventures.