This trip was an obvious choice for us, although for the more adventurous, the alternative ATV or Motorbike tours seemed very appealing. The coach trip itself gives an interesting tour of both the long, sometimes single file, tunnels and the very picturesque Westfjords. It was an early 8:30am start but still plenty of time to enjoy the breakfast buffet and get the tender to the awaiting coaches. The Dynjandi waterfalls are the only destination on this trip and given a 4 hour round trip there is plenty of time at the falls to have a steady walk up and down without any stress.
Whilst there were a many coaches at the falls, there was no stress or anxiety about missing your coach that can come with these excursions. There are toilet facilities at the falls and the tour operators put on some water, yogurt and fruit for refreshment that was a nice touch and very welcome.
When we get to the falls and park up, we are warned that we will be alongside the a nesting ground of the Arctic Tern. On exit from the coach we are not particularly welcome. Most visitors made their way toward the falls, but hanging around the nesting ground was a hazardous pastime. These little birds are among the feistiest I have encountered. They dive bomb you and get very close to warn you off. After attempting some photos, I simply had the wrong lenses for the job and didn’t get the quality I would have liked. Still I came to take landscapes and waterfalls, so onwards and upwards.
Dynjandi is a series of waterfalls on the Dynjandisá river flowing into the Dynjadavogur Bay at the end of the Arnarfjörður in the Icelandic Westfjords. What a beautiful place to see. Stunning scenery surrounds the fjord and with the sun out, on an early summer day it was well worth the visit.
There are eight named falls in the series with the top fall being the Dynjandi or Fjallfoss. Starting at the coach park the falls are, Bæjarfoss, Hundafoss, Kvíslarfoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Göngmannafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, Hæstahjallafoss and finally Dynjandifoss. I will attempt to translate these names, but not being an expert in any language it will be difficult.
The initial path up the falls is good with a boardwalk up to Hrísvaðsfoss for accessibility. From there on, the path is relatively flat up to Göngmannafoss. After that the path becomes steep and rocky, but many take it on right up to the Dynajandi Terrace. Others may just admire the wonderful views from this point then return to base. The telling thing is, can you climb over the boulders to start with.
Bæjarfoss, Hundafoss, Kvíslarfoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Göngmannafoss
The lower falls are Bæjarfoss, Hundafoss, Kvíslarfoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Göngmannafoss. The river splits at Göngmannafoss and rejoins downstream at Hundafoss. Kvíslarfoss is on the northern side of the rivers so to get a close look you would need to walk up the opposite side from the main footpath. These are all close by, so nothing too dramatic.
Images of Bæjarfoss. Bæjar has the meaning of village or community, so probably closest to any settlement that was there historically.
Up above Bæjarfoss is the rapids of Hundafoss. Hunda, obvioulsly refers to hounds or dogs. Probably more dramatic in the early spring thaw.
Kvíslarfoss can be seen over the other side but has no access from the main footpath. Kvíslar means branch, so appropriately on the other river branch.
Hrísvaðsfoss is the next falls on the footpath branch of the river. The translation drew a blank on this one. It could be a dwarf, as in a small version of Dynjandi. Just a guess.
The two branches of the river now come back together at Göngmannafoss. Göng meaning passage and manna meaning man. It sort of looks like a passage a man could get through?
Now if you can get over the rocks and up the steep slope you are on your way to Strompgljúfrafoss.
Strompgljúfrafoss
The reason for the climb is that Strompgljúfrafoss is the tallest fall after the main Dynjandi, at 20 meters. Strompgljúfra has the meaning of chimney or canyon, quite a drop. You can take a side path to the edge of the falls and get as close as you want. Not too close though, as this is one fall that would be your last.
As you get further up the terrain levels off a little and the path is smooth as you ascend to the terrace below the main falls. Descending from the terrace is a fall called Hæstahjallafoss.
Hæstahjallafoss
At the base of the main cascade is the terrace and off that falls Hæstahjallafoss. Translated as the highest? Of course it’s the highest up the mountain of the other falls but very small in comparison to the main Dynjandi fall.
It’s a fall that you can approach right to the edge and you certainly wouldn’t want to take a swim.
Once you are up to the terrace the main fall with all its majesty comes into full focus.
Dynjandi or Fjallfoss
Dynjandi means something like thunderer and Fjallfoss, mountain waterfall. Very apt, as when you are stood at the bottom both apply equally.
The terrace is flat and wide giving a safe place to explore the main waterfall. It is difficult to appreciate the hight of these falls at over 90 meters or 300ft. The noise and spray are a big part of the experience.
Timewise, it took 30 minutes from the car park to get to the terrace, including all the photo stops. 10 minutes at the terrace level, then 20 minutes back to the car park. You do need to stop and appreciate the beautiful scenery below you as it is stunning in the sunshine with the clouds casting shadows over the landscape.Worth every penny of the time and expense incurred. Highly recommended.
