We’ve stopped in Ísafjörður twice now, and both times we’ve made the same choice: skip exploring the town and head straight for Dynjandi waterfall. We can’t speak to what the town itself has to offer, but we can tell you the drive and the falls are worth planning your whole day around.
The Drive: Half the Experience
Getting to Dynjandi takes a little over an hour each way, and it’s one of the prettiest drives we’ve done on any port stop. You wind through mountains dotted with sheep, pass waterfalls tucked into the hillsides, and cross a bridge where — if you look down — you can spot jellyfish drifting in the water below.
Part of the route runs through the Breiðadalur tunnel, a long single-lane stretch carved through the mountains north of Ísafjörður. It’s a strange, almost tense little moment in an otherwise scenic drive — you’re sharing one lane with oncoming traffic and pulling into passing bays as needed — but it’s a normal part of getting around the Westfjords, and it’s over before you know it.
The Falls and the Jilted Bride
We book the 3.5-Hour Sightseeing Tour to Dynjandi Waterfall through Viator, and it’s an easy way to get out to the falls without renting a car. 
Dynjandi is often called the “jewel of the Westfjords,” and once you see it, you’ll understand why. The main falls cascade down in seven distinct tiers, widening as they fall, so the whole thing looks like a giant bridal veil draped down the mountainside. On the walk up, you’ll also pass five smaller waterfalls tumbling along the same river — each one pretty enough to stop for, even before you reach the main event.
That resemblance isn’t an accident to the story either. Local legend says Dynjandi is the wailing of a giantess who was jilted before her wedding — her veil turned to water, her heartbreak turned to that constant roar you hear as you approach. It’s the kind of detail that makes the hike up feel like more than just a nice view.
The Hike Up
This has become a popular excursion for cruise ships, so expect company. There’s only one path up and down the falls, which means a fair amount of waiting for other groups to pass — patience is part of the experience here.
The path itself is steep, rocky, and can be muddy depending on the weather. Our first visit, we wore athletic shoes and felt every bit of it. The second time, we switched to boots, and it made a noticeable difference. Only about 10% of the hike is a real climb, and the trail ends at the base of Dynjandi itself. It took us about 30 minutes to get to the top, including stops to take photos along the way.
We were both geared up in waterproof gear, which came in handy — Jody ended up standing in one of the smaller side falls just for fun, since staying dry wasn’t really a concern. 
Back in Ísafjörður: Beer and Fish & Chips
Once the tour drops us back in Ísafjörður, we head straight to Dokkan Brugghús for a beer and a plate of fish and chips. The IPA is a solid pour, and the fish and chips hit the spot after a morning of hiking. It’s a popular spot, so don’t be surprised if you end up sharing a table with strangers — that’s just part of the charm. 
Worth the Trip
If your ship stops in Ísafjörður, we’d put the Dynjandi excursion near the top of your list. It’s a long day, but the drive alone is worth it, and the falls are some of the most beautiful we’ve seen anywhere in Iceland. Pack real boots, bring a rain layer, and save room for a beer when you get back.
Want to see the falls in motion? Check out our social media for a reel from the hike up.