Glymur Waterfall: One of Iceland’s Most Rewarding Day Hikes
- Einar Páll Svavarsson
- Jul 22
- 7 min read
Admission to Glymur is free
Glymur does not reveal itself from the road. There is no viewing platform beside the parking area and no short paved path leading to the waterfall. To see it properly, you must hike into Botnsdalur valley, cross the river Botnsá and climb along the edge of a deep, narrow canyon.
That effort is precisely what makes Glymur different from many of Iceland’s better-known waterfalls.
With a drop of 198 metres, Glymur was long considered the highest waterfall in Iceland. That title now belongs to Morsárfoss, which emerged from beneath the retreating Morsárjökull glacier. Glymur remains Iceland’s highest readily accessible waterfall and one of the most impressive waterfall hikes within easy driving distance of Reykjavík.
The waterfall is part of the river Botnsá, which flows from Hvalvatn lake before plunging into the dramatic canyon between Hvalfell and the surrounding mountains. Because the gorge is exceptionally narrow, the entire waterfall is difficult to see from any single viewpoint. Instead, it appears gradually during the ascent—first as glimpses through the canyon and later as a powerful cascade dropping into the depths below.
Glymur hike at a glance
Information | Details |
Location | Botnsdalur, Hvalfjörður, West Iceland |
Height | 198 metres |
Driving time from Reykjavík | Approximately 60–75 minutes |
Hiking time | Usually 3–4 hours |
Distance | Approximately 6–7 kilometres for the full route |
Difficulty | Moderate to challenging |
Best season | Usually June to September |
River crossings | One assisted summer crossing and an optional upper ford |
Parking | Parking area at the trailhead |
Entrance fee | No fee at the time of writing |
Toilets | Do not expect toilet facilities at the trailhead |
Allow additional time if you intend to photograph the waterfall, stop at several viewpoints or complete the full circular route.
The hike to Glymur
The trail begins at the parking area in Botnsdalur. The first section is comparatively gentle, crossing open heathland towards the lower part of the canyon. Yellow markers and a visible path indicate the route, although hikers should never rely entirely on markings in poor visibility.
The landscape soon becomes more interesting as the path descends towards Þvottahellir, a small cave and natural rock arch close to the river. The route passes through or beside the cave before reaching the first crossing of Botnsá.
During the main summer season, a log is normally placed across part of the river, with a cable or rope providing support. The arrangement is seasonal and may not be available in late spring, autumn or after difficult conditions. If the crossing has not been installed, or if the river is high and fast-flowing, do not attempt to improvise a crossing.
On the opposite side of the river, the character of the hike changes. The trail climbs steeply along the canyon, sometimes over loose gravel, mud, rocks and uneven ground. Some sections are narrow, and there are exposed drops close to the path. Ropes or chains may assist hikers at individual points, but this should not be mistaken for a fully secured mountain trail.
As the path gains height, several viewpoints open towards Glymur. The waterfall is partly concealed within the gorge, but the combination of the falling water, dark canyon walls, green vegetation and fulmars circling below creates a far more dramatic experience than the height measurement alone suggests.
The views in the opposite direction are equally important. From the upper trail, Botnsdalur opens towards Hvalfjörður, with mountains rising on both sides of the long fjord.
Should you complete the circular route?
After reaching the principal viewpoints, hikers have two choices.
The simplest option is to return by the same route. This avoids the upper river crossing, although the steep descent back towards the lower crossing still requires care.
The other option is to continue above the waterfall, cross Botnsá and descend on the other side of the canyon. This creates a longer circular hike and provides a broader view of the surrounding landscape. The upper crossing is normally a ford rather than a bridge. Water depth and current vary considerably according to rainfall and snowmelt.
Anyone planning to complete the loop should bring suitable river shoes and a small towel. Crossing barefoot is not advisable because the riverbed is rocky, cold and slippery. If the water is high, fast or unclear, turn back. A circular route is never worth taking an unnecessary risk.
Trail arrangements may change as improvements to paths and safety equipment are carried out. Follow signs and local instructions rather than assuming that the route will be identical to older maps or online descriptions.
Is the Glymur hike difficult?
Glymur is frequently described as a moderate hike, but that description needs some qualification. It is not technically difficult in good summer conditions, yet it includes several features that may be demanding for inexperienced visitors:
A river crossing using a log and support cable
Steep and sometimes slippery slopes
Loose stones and gravel
Narrow paths close to exposed canyon edges
A possible ford above the waterfall
Rapidly changing Icelandic weather
The hike is best suited to people in reasonable physical condition who are comfortable on uneven ground and near heights. It is not a casual family walk, and the main route is generally unsuitable for very young children.
When is the best time to visit Glymur?
The normal hiking season is from June until September, but dates cannot be guaranteed. Snow, ice, rainfall and water levels matter more than the calendar.
The lower crossing is generally prepared for hikers during summer and removed again before winter. Early in the season, the crossing may not yet be in place. After heavy rain, Botnsá can rise quickly and both river crossings may become unsafe.
The main Glymur trail can be extremely dangerous in winter. Snow and ice conceal the path, while the steep slopes and canyon edges leave little margin for error. A winter attempt should only be considered by experienced hikers with appropriate equipment and a clear understanding of the conditions.
Before leaving Reykjavík, check the local weather forecast, road conditions and current travel alerts. Conditions at the head of Hvalfjörður can be very different from those in the capital.
What to bring
Even on a bright summer morning, prepare for wind, rain and rapidly falling temperatures.
Recommended equipment includes:
Proper hiking boots with good grip
Waterproof and wind-resistant outer clothing
Warm layers
Water and food
Fully charged mobile phone
Hiking poles if you use them regularly
River shoes and a small towel for the upper crossing
A small bag for all litter and sanitary waste
There are no shops or dependable services at the trailhead. Bring what you need and leave nothing behind.
Photographing Glymur
Glymur is an impressive but surprisingly difficult waterfall to photograph. The narrow canyon hides parts of the cascade, and there is no single viewpoint that neatly presents the entire 198-metre drop.
A wide-angle lens is useful for showing the scale of the gorge, while a short telephoto lens can isolate the waterfall, canyon walls and birds flying below the trail. In bright sunlight, the contrast between the dark gorge and the water can be severe. Cloudy or lightly overcast conditions often produce more balanced photographs and reveal greater detail in the rock and vegetation.
A polarising filter may reduce reflections on wet surfaces, but take care not to remove all natural highlights from the water. Carry a lens cloth, as moisture and spray can quickly collect on the front element.
Most importantly, do not step beyond the established trail merely to improve a composition. The edges of the canyon can be unstable, and loose vegetation may conceal a much steeper drop than expected.
The legend behind Glymur
Like many places in Iceland, Glymur is connected to an old folk tale.
The story tells of Rauðhöfði, a dangerous whale that was driven into Hvalfjörður and pursued inland by a priest using magic. The whale forced its way up Botnsá and through the canyon, causing the ground to shake and the rocks to echo with noise. According to the legend, this thunderous sound gave Glymur its name.
The story also connects the whale with several neighbouring place names, including Hvalfjörður, Hvalfell and Hvalvatn. Whether taken as folklore or imaginative geography, it adds another layer to a landscape already shaped by water, volcanic rock and erosion.
How to drive to Glymur from Reykjavík
From Reykjavík, follow Route 1 north towards Borgarnes. Shortly before reaching the Hvalfjörður Tunnel, turn right onto Route 47 and continue around Hvalfjörður instead of driving through the tunnel.
Near the head of the fjord, follow the sign towards Glymur and Botnsdalur. The final section to the trailhead is along a smaller road, partly unpaved, for approximately three kilometres. Under normal summer conditions, it is generally passable in an ordinary two-wheel-drive car, but road conditions should always be checked after prolonged rain.
The journey usually takes between one hour and one hour and fifteen minutes from central Reykjavík. Driving Route 47 also allows visitors to experience Hvalfjörður itself—one of the most attractive fjords in southwest Iceland and a destination that is often overlooked by travellers using the tunnel.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see Glymur without hiking?
Not properly. Glymur lies deep inside a canyon and cannot be seen from the parking area or main road. Reaching the useful viewpoints requires a substantial hike.
Is there an entrance fee?
There is currently no general entrance fee for visiting Glymur. Parking and access arrangements can change, so visitors should follow any signs at the trailhead.
Are there toilets at Glymur?
Visitors should not rely on finding toilets or other sanitary facilities at the parking area. Use available facilities before entering Botnsdalur and carry out all waste.
Can children hike to Glymur?
Older children with hiking experience may manage the route under close supervision. The river crossing, exposed slopes and steep trail make it unsuitable for small children.
Can Glymur be visited in winter?
The waterfall exists year-round, but the principal hiking route can be extremely dangerous when covered by snow or ice. It should not be treated as an ordinary winter attraction.
Is Glymur still the highest waterfall in Iceland?
No. Glymur was considered Iceland’s highest waterfall for many years, but Morsárfoss is now recognised as higher. Glymur, at 198 metres, remains the country’s highest easily accessible waterfall and one of its finest waterfall hikes.
A waterfall that must be earned
Glymur is not the easiest waterfall to visit in Iceland, nor is it meant to be. The experience depends on the journey into the canyon: the cave, the river, the steep ascent, the changing view and the sudden sense of height when the gorge opens below.
For travellers who arrive prepared and respect the conditions, Glymur offers something increasingly rare near Reykjavík—a major natural attraction that still feels like a genuine hike rather than a roadside stop.
Location of Glymur on the map of Iceland
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