Dynjandi Waterfall Iceland: A bridal veil Falls

Dynjandi Waterfall, also known as ‘Fjallfoss,’ is one of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Situated along the shores of the Arnarfjörður fjord in the Westfjords region, near the village of Bíldudalur, it is visible from across the fjord as you approach from Þingeyri.

The Dynjandisá River originates from Lake Stóra-Eyjavatn, located 350 metres above sea level, and cascades dramatically over a 100-metre-high cliff before tumbling through several smaller waterfalls. The river eventually flows into Dynjandisvogur Bay in Arnarfjörður, creating an unforgettable scene.

Declared a protected monument in 1981, Dynjandi offers well-maintained paths that allow visitors to explore each of the smaller waterfalls on the way to the majestic main falls.

Dynjandi Waterfall

Dynjandi, meaning “thunderous” in Icelandic, perfectly reflects the sound that greets you as you approach this majestic waterfall. The main cascade is a stunning 100-meter waterfall that flows like a delicate veil down the cliffside.

At the top, the falls are narrow, just 30 meters wide, but as the water descends, it fans out to 60 metres, spilling over hundreds of smaller cascades that cover the cliff face. However, the future of these falls is uncertain due to the construction of a new hydroelectric dam upstream, which could potentially alter their flow.

The cliffs surrounding Dynjandi are a vibrant tapestry of colour. Rich red hues from iron deposits and deep green mosses contrast beautifully with the black volcanic rock, creating a striking visual display.

At the base of the waterfall, a broad plateau provides an ideal vantage point to admire its power and beauty. As you ascend the trail, watch for people standing on the plateau below as they offer a sense of just how immense this waterfall truly is.

Dynjandi Waterfall Walking Trail

This stunning waterfall isn’t just one fall but a sequence of waterfalls that lead from the parking area to The journey to Dynjandi’s main cascade is an experience in itself, as the waterfall is not a single drop but a series of distinct and mesmerising falls leading from the car park to the grand finale at the top. Each of these falls has its own unique character and name:

• Hæstahjallafoss
• Strompgljúfrafoss (Strompur)
• Göngumannafoss
• Hrísvaðsfoss-Kvíslarfoss
• Hundafoss
• Bæjarfoss (Sjóarfoss)

As you ascend the gravel path, the waterfalls grow in size and intensity, building anticipation for the breathtaking view of Dynjandi at the final plateau. Like many places in Iceland, this area is steeped in folklore, with tales of supernatural beings said to inhabit the surroundings, adding a mystical energy to the cascading waters.

Archaeology at Dynjandi

In addition to its stunning waterfalls, Dynjandi was once a thriving farming area. Although the turf farmhouses are no longer standing, the remains of the old farmstead can still be found just a short walk from the falls.

Among the ruins is a protected hot spring pool known as Volgra or Dynjandislaug. The land was farmed until 1951, leaving behind a glimpse of its past life amidst the natural beauty.

Dynjandisheiði Heath

The journey to Dynjandi from the south takes you across the rugged and remote Dynjandisheiði heath, sitting at an elevation of 500 metres. The road is unpaved and gravelly, weaving through wild landscapes and passing by Lake Stóra-Eyjavatn, the source of the Dynjandisá River that feeds the waterfalls.

Although the top of Dynjandi is not visible from the road, the route offers breathtaking views over the vast Arnarfjörður fjord. On a clear day, the sheer size of the fjord becomes apparent, with its calm waters framed by steep, dramatic cliffs. This drive is as much a part of the adventure as the destination, immersing you in the remote beauty of Iceland’s Westfjords.

Walking at Dynjandi

The hiking trail to the main viewpoint at Dynjandi is steep and rocky, but it remains clear and accessible in most weather conditions. The 800-metre trail involves a 200-metre ascent and takes approximately 15 minutes at a brisk pace.

Along the way, there are small benches and viewpoints where you can pause to catch your breath, take in the scenery, and capture photos of the cascading waterfalls. These stops provide perfect moments to appreciate the beauty and scale of the surroundings before continuing upwards.

For those unable to make the hike, the view of Dynjandi’s main waterfall is still spectacular from the parking area and along the lower sections of the path, ensuring everyone can enjoy this natural wonder.

Useful information

• Check the road conditions before setting off to the waterfall. The mountain passes on either side of Arnarfjörður can be closed in the winter months
• While this area does not get busy like other waterfalls, it is still busy during the day. Coming early and late in the day can ensure a quieter visit
• Make sure you wear boots. The path is rough gravel and can be slippery even in dry conditions
• Allow at least an hour for your stop at Dynjandi and make it a planned comfort break as it has some of the few toilets around!

The best time to visit

Dynjandi is challenging to access during the winter months, so the best time to visit is between April and October when the roads are generally free from snow and ice.

Spring brings the highest water levels as the melting winter snow feeds the waterfalls, creating an even more dramatic spectacle. However, this also means it can be trickier to approach the falls without getting wet, as the spray intensifies.

In both spring and autumn, the setting sun casts a golden glow over Arnarfjörður and the waterfalls, offering breathtaking light for photography and a serene atmosphere to enjoy the view.

How to get to Dynjandi Waterfall

Dynjandi waterfall is accessible from both the north and south via Route 60, located 85 km south of Ísafjörður.

If approaching from the south, the route from Flókalundur or Bíldudalur takes you across the Dynjandisheiði Heath before descending a series of hairpin bends to the waterfalls. Parts of this road are unpaved, so caution is advised, especially if driving a 2WD vehicle.

From the north, the road crosses the Hrafnseyrarheiði Heath from Þingeyri. This stretch includes steep gravel roads with hairpin bends, which can be closed for extended periods due to weather conditions. However, a newly constructed tunnel has made this journey more manageable, offering a safer and more reliable route.

Visiting Dynjandi in the winter

Dynjandi can be difficult to reach in the winter as parts of Route 60 close due to avalanche risk and bad road conditions with ice, snow, and low visibility. A large 4WD and experience of the conditions are essential, as is checking road conditions on road.is.

How long to spend at Dynjandi

As with everything in Iceland, you can spend a whole day at Dynjandi watching the waterfall as it changes in the light. However, allow at least an hour. The walk from the parking area to the first waterfall is about 5 minutes, and then the path follows the river to the bottom of the main waterfall. It took us about 40 minutes with photo stops to get to the base of the main fall, but without stops it can be done in just 20 minutes.