Dynjandi Waterfall Trail

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Dynjandi Waterfall Trail: Short Westfjords Waterfall Hike

Published 17 July 2025 Updated 5 June 2026

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Ranked #792 of 974

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HikeList Score

Dynjandi Waterfall Trail scored 74/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.

Very Good

See score breakdownHide breakdown

Ideal length 55
Balanced challenge 100
Scenery & wildness 98
Varied terrain 71
Accommodation 45
Food & support 52
Path quality 98
Season flexibility 63

Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.

The Dynjandi Waterfall Trail is a short, steep 2 km out-and-back walk in Arnarfjordur, in Iceland’s Westfjords, climbing from the Road 60 car park to Dynjandi, also called Fjallfoss. It is a one-day visit, usually taking 1 to 1.5 hours if you stop at the smaller cascades. Rated moderate, it suits hikers who are comfortable on rocky steps and short climbs, but it is not wheelchair-accessible. For more routes in the country, see our Iceland hiking routes.

Route Overview

The walk starts and ends at the paved Dynjandi car park beside the Westfjords Way / Road 60 in Arnarfjordur. From the toilets and picnic area, the stepped path climbs beside the Dynjandisá river, passing six named cascades below the main fall: Hæstahjallafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, Göngumannafoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Hundafoss and Bæjarfoss. The standard out-and-back reaches the base of Dynjandi; a steeper continuation gives access towards a higher viewpoint near the top. There is no shop or café on site, and camping is no longer allowed at Dynjandi. It pairs well with other Westfjords walks such as the Bolafjall Viewpoint Trail and the multi-day Hornstrandir Trek, or compare it with mainland Iceland's tallest cascade on the Glymur Waterfall Trail.

Dynjandi history and protection

Dynjandi means “thundering” or “resounding”, a fitting name for the fan-shaped main fall. It is also known as Fjallfoss, meaning “mountain fall”. Dynjandi and the other waterfalls of the Dynjandisá river were designated a protected natural monument in 1981, helping preserve the moss, river and cascades. The stepped path used by walkers today was laid by local volunteers in 1996. Above the falls, Dynjandisheiði carried one of the first car-accessible roads towards Ísafjörður.

Notable highlights

Dynjandi / Fjallfoss (about 100 m): The main fall is the largest waterfall in the Westfjords, dropping in a broad fan shape from about 30 m wide at the top to about 60 m at the base.
Six cascades below Dynjandi: The approach passes Hæstahjallafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, Göngumannafoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Hundafoss and Bæjarfoss, making the short climb feel like a chain of viewpoints rather than a single stop.
Arnarfjordur views: As you gain height, the path opens out over Arnarfjordur, a large Westfjords sea fjord backed by steep mountains.
Cliff-top viewpoint: A steeper continuation lets walkers climb close to the top of Dynjandi, with a view down the full cascade and back over the fjord.
Protected natural monument: Dynjandi and the Dynjandisá falls have been protected since 1981, so stay on the built path to avoid damaging moss and riverbank vegetation.

Challenges to expect

The distance is short, but the path is genuinely steep and stepped, with rocky, gravel and dirt sections. Expect slippery footing when wet or in waterfall spray, and bring a layer even in summer: Westfjords days are often cool, windy and changeable. Road 60 access to Dynjandi is typically closed or impassable in winter. Fit children can manage it, but the trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility.

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Ranked #792 of 974

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