Dynjandi (Fjallfoss)

Dynjandi is an iconic waterfall in Iceland’s Westfjords (Vestfirðir) that has a cascading set of drops totaling to over 100 meters (328 feet) in height. This impressive wall of water begins 30 meters (98 feet) wide at the top of a high cliff and crashes down the mountain in a trapezoidal shape, widening to 60 meters (198 feet) at its base. It’s about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Hrafnseyri where Route 60 weaves around the northeastern corner of Arnarfjörður. Most of the roads in the region are unpaved and bumpy, but they are traversable with two-wheel drive vehicles.

Dynjandi means "the thunderous one," and upon your approach you’ll immediately appreciate this designation. (It is also referred to as Fjallfoss which means “mountain falls.”)  Despite the remote location, there are likely to be many people and tour buses on site. There are well-established walkways, toilets (kr 200), large car parks, and information signs. From the parking area, follow the path past a number of smaller waterfalls until you reach the main section of flow.  There are spectacular views over the surrounding meadows that stretch out into the fjord. Dynjandi plunges over a series of basalt boulders on its way down the mountain and into the Dynjandisvogur inlet. Continue up the mountain trail and signs will designate the names of each of these sub tiers; Bæjarfoss, Hundafoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Göngumannafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, and Hæstajallafoss. This grand staircase may take some time to ascend, but each successive tier brings another incredible perspective. Upon reaching the top you’ll get up close to the massive base of the upper falls and be able to fully embrace its thunderous mist. When you are ready, descend back down the same path.

If you would like to cut out some driving around all of the fjords, take the Baldur car ferry across Breiðafjörður between Stykkishólmur (in the north of the Snæfellsnes peninsula) and Brjánslækur (on the south side of the West Fjords) with a stopover at Faltey Island. There are two departures per day from June until August, and there are daily departures during winter. The ride will take about 3 hours, and if you are travelling from Reykjavík, it will save you about 100 kilometers (62 miles) of driving. If you are traveling from Snæfellsjökull National Park, this ferry will save you over 200 kilometers (124 miles) of driving. Dynjandi is about 35 kilometers north of Brjánslækur on Route 62 followed by Route 60.

In the summer there is a Westfjords Adventures Bus between Ísafjörður, Brjánslækur, Flókalundur, Dynjandi, Þingeyri, and Ísafjörður. A second route also stops in Látrabjarg and Rauðasandur.  Check their schedules for more specific information.