Travel Explore Enjoy

Our stay in Akureyri was beautiful. The place was surrounded by stunning fjords and peaceful landscapes, with incredible views of snow-capped mountains. It was one of those places where you just want to sit quietly, enjoy the view, and forget about time. We honestly didn’t want to leave, but another adventure was waiting for us. 

The next morning, we started our day early and began our drive from North Iceland toward Dynjandi in the Westfjords. We knew it was going to be a full day on the road, so we decided not to rush. We just wanted to enjoy the drive, and stop whenever something caught our eye. 

Instead of sticking to the traditional Ring Road, we decided to drive through the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. It added a little extra time to our journey, but we loved every minute of it. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and it turned out to be one of our favorite drives in Iceland.  You can see more photos from our drive through the Tröllaskagi Peninsula here.

We joined the Ring Road again at Blönduós, where we stopped for food and fuel before continuing toward the Westfjords.

As we entered the Westfjords, the landscape started to change. The roads here are unlike anywhere else in Iceland, with winding mountain roads, deep fjords, colorful hills, and beautiful coastal views around every corner. We kept stopping along the way because the views were just too good to pass by.

Before reaching Dynjandi, we quickly realized that the drive itself was part of the adventure. Some sections of the road were still gravel, narrow, single-lane, and winding, with sharp turns, steep up and downs, little or no guardrails. In a few places, we were driving around 20 km/h. 

We even wondered, was it worth all the effort just to see one waterfall?

Absolutely.

The scenery along the way was amazing. Driving through the wild and remote landscapes of the Westfjords, with mountains and fjords all around us, made every challenging section of the road worth it. When we finally reached Dynjandi, we knew the drive was worth every minute.

As we got closer to Dynjandi, we could already see the waterfall cascading down the mountainside. Even from far away, it looked impressive, a wide white curtain of water flowing down the brown and green cliffs. The contrast was incredible.

But as we turned onto the road leading to Dynjandi, our hearts sank. From a distance, it looked like the road was completely blocked. We could see construction vehicles and traffic cones ahead, and after driving all that way, we thought we might not be able to reach the waterfall.

Then we noticed a car coming out, so we decided to drive a little farther. To our relief, the construction vehicles and cones were off to the side and were not actually blocking the road to the parking lot. We could still get through!

We can’t even describe how happy and relieved we felt. After such a long drive, knowing we could finally see Dynjandi was the best feeling.

When we finally reached the parking area, it took about two seconds to realize why Dynjandi is called the “Jewel of the Westfjords.” It was even more impressive than we imagined. Unlike many waterfalls where you just walk up to one viewpoint, Dynjandi is a series of seven waterfalls flowing down the mountainside, with the main waterfall at the top spreading out like a giant white curtain. 

From the parking area, we started the short walk toward Dynjandi. The trail is about a 1.5 km (0.9 miles) round trip and takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how many stops you make. There are several view points  and the uneven uphill path passes smaller waterfalls along the way. 

Some places are hard to describe with words or capture in photos. You just have to stand there, see it with your own eyes, and feel the moment. Dynjandi was one of those places. 

We spent some time there, just enjoying the peaceful surroundings. With very few people around, it felt like we had this beautiful place almost to ourselves. 

Here are some highlights from our visit to Dynjandi on June 22, 2025.

Note: The good news is that the road is improving. We saw new roads and bridges under construction, which should make the drive easier in the future. Even with the rough sections, this is not an F-road, and our regular 2WD handled it without any problems. Just take your time, drive carefully, enjoy the views, and remember that the drive is part of the adventure.

Before planning your visit, take a look at the Quick Facts and Tips section below for useful information and things to know.

Quick Facts and Tips

• Best Time to Visit
  • Summer (June to August): Longer daylight hours, easier road access, and safer hiking conditions.
  • Shoulder Seasons (May & September): Fewer visitors and beautiful scenery, but roads and weather conditions can change quickly.
  • Winter: Access can be difficult due to snow, ice, and limited daylight.
• Dynjandi is located in the Westfjords region of Iceland, near the Arnarfjörður fjord. It is about 370 km (230 miles, about 5 hrs) from Reykjavík and around 430 km (267 miles, about 6 hrs) from Akureyri by road. 
• Driving times can vary depending on road conditions, weather, and how many stops you make along the way. The drive is scenic but remote, so plan extra time for stops along the way.
• Weather can change quickly. Check road conditions at road.is and weather forecasts at vedur.is before visiting.
• There is no entrance fee to visit Dynjandi. A parking fee applies, and payment can be made through Parka.is or by scanning the QR code at the parking area. Parking policies and fees can change, so check Parka.is for the latest information before your visit. 
• The hike from the parking area to the waterfall is about 1.5 km (0.9 miles) round trip, and takes around 30 to 45 minutes depending on stops and photography.
• The trail is uphill and uneven in some sections with a couple of view points, but manageable for most visitors.
• Wear sturdy shoes, as parts of the trail can be uneven, rocky, or muddy.
• Bring layers and waterproof clothing, Westfjords weather can change quickly.
• Restrooms and picnic tables are available.
• There are no restaurants or major services directly at Dynjandi, so bring water and snacks.
• Fill up on gas and supplies before heading into remote areas of the Westfjords.
• Drone use may be restricted in some areas; always check local signs and regulations before flying.
• Nearby Attractions
  • Látrabjarg Cliffs
  • Rauðisandur Beach
  • Flateyri Village
  • Þingeyri Village
  • Ísafjörður
  • Hólmavík

Conclusion

Dynjandi was one of our favorite waterfalls in Iceland. The waterfall itself is stunning, it’s not just a quick roadside stop. The remote location, scenic drive, and the adventure of getting there are what make Dynjandi so special. If you’re exploring the Westfjords, don’t miss it.