Glymur

Overview

Glymur cascades 198 metres down the walls of Hvalfjörður fjord, making it Iceland's second-highest waterfall after Morsárfoss. Located just 50 kilometres from Reykjavík, this dramatic waterfall remained Iceland's tallest for decades until recent glacier recession revealed higher falls in Vatnajökull National Park. The waterfall plunges from Botnsdalur valley through a narrow canyon carved into ancient lava formations, creating one of the most spectacular natural amphitheatres in southwestern Iceland.

What sets Glymur apart is not merely its height, but the adventurous hike required to reach it. The trail involves crossing a river via a fallen log, scrambling up rocky canyon walls, and navigating exposed ridges with views across Hvalfjörður. The waterfall draws its power from Botnsá river, which drains the highlands above, ensuring a consistent flow throughout the year. The surrounding landscape showcases Iceland's volcanic geology, with columnar basalt formations and moss-covered lava fields creating a distinctly Icelandic backdrop to this natural wonder.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 64.3783°N, 21.2100°W

**Entry Fee:** Free

**Opening Hours:** 24/7 (access road conditions permitting)

**Best Time to Visit:** June to September for optimal conditions

**Difficulty:** Moderate to challenging hike, 3-4 hours return

**Distance from Reykjavík:** 65km via Hvalfjörður tunnel

**Nearest Town:** Akranes (25km)

**Elevation Gain:** Approximately 200 metres

How to Get There

Driving

From Reykjavík, take Route 1 (Ring Road) north for 47km to the Hvalfjörður tunnel entrance. Pay the 1,000 ISK toll and drive through the 5.8km tunnel. Exit the tunnel and immediately turn right onto Route 47, following signs for Glymur. Continue for 8km along the fjord's northern shore. Turn left onto a gravel road marked by a small brown sign for Glymur. Follow this rough track for 3km to reach the car park. Total journey time is approximately 75 minutes from central Reykjavík.

Alternative scenic route: Take Route 1 north, then Route 47 around Hvalfjörður's perimeter (avoiding the tunnel). This adds 30km and 45 minutes but offers dramatic fjord views and passes the historic Glanni waterfall.

Parking

The car park accommodates roughly 30 vehicles on a gravel surface. Parking is free but spaces fill quickly during summer weekends. The final 3km access road is rough gravel suitable for standard cars in dry conditions, though higher clearance vehicles are preferable. Four-wheel drive is not essential but recommended during wet weather when the track becomes rutted and muddy.

Access

The trailhead begins at the car park's eastern edge, marked by wooden posts. The initial 500-metre section follows a clear path through low birch scrubland before reaching Botnsá river. Here, hikers must cross via a fallen log or wade through shallow water (knee-deep maximum). The path then ascends steeply through Glymsgil canyon for 2km, involving some scrambling over rocks and exposed roots.

What to See and Do

The primary attraction is reaching Glymur's base or the viewpoint above the waterfall's lip. The hike splits into two options after the river crossing: the easier left-hand path leads to an elevated viewpoint overlooking the falls from the opposite canyon wall, whilst the more challenging right-hand route climbs directly beside the waterfall to its source.

The left-hand path offers the classic Glymur experience, providing spectacular views across the canyon to the waterfall's full height. This route involves steep sections with fixed ropes for assistance and takes 1.5-2 hours each way. The viewpoint sits 150 metres above the fjord with panoramic vistas across Hvalfjörður to Mount Esja.

The right-hand path is significantly more demanding, requiring sure footing on loose rock and exposed ledges. This route leads to Glymur's source, where Botnsá river disappears over the cliff edge. The terrain includes near-vertical sections and should only be attempted by confident hikers with proper footwear.

Photography opportunities abound throughout the hike, particularly where the canyon frames the distant fjord. The contrast between the dark basalt walls and the white waterfall creates dramatic compositions, especially during morning and late afternoon light.

Best Time to Visit

**June to August** represents peak season with warmest weather, longest daylight hours, and most reliable access road conditions. Expect crowds, particularly at weekends, with car park typically full by 10am on sunny days.

**September** offers excellent conditions with fewer visitors, autumn colours in the vegetation, and stable weather. Days are shortening but still provide adequate hiking time.

**May and October** present shoulder season challenges including unpredictable weather, possible snow on higher sections, and muddy access roads. However, winter waterfall ice formations can be spectacular.

**November to April** brings severe limitations due to snow, ice, and extreme weather. The access road is often impassable, and hiking conditions become genuinely dangerous. Only experienced winter hikers should attempt this period, and even then, conditions must be carefully assessed.

Water flow varies seasonally, with spring snowmelt (May-June) creating the most dramatic displays. Summer maintains good flow, whilst late winter can see reduced volume.

Safety

River crossing presents the primary hazard, particularly during spring melt or after heavy rainfall when water levels rise significantly. The log crossing can be slippery; test stability before committing full weight. Wading is always an option but water temperature remains cold year-round.

Canyon sections involve scrambling on loose rock with significant exposure. Fixed ropes assist in steeper sections but should not be solely relied upon. Proper hiking boots with ankle support are essential; trainers are inadequate for the terrain.

Weather changes rapidly in the canyon environment. Fog can reduce visibility to mere metres, whilst wind funnels through the gorge creating challenging conditions. Check weather forecasts and be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate.

The access road becomes treacherous in wet conditions, with deep ruts and mud potentially stranding vehicles. Mobile phone coverage is intermittent throughout the area.

Nearby Places

**Þingvellir National Park** (45km southeast) - Iceland's most historically significant site where the ancient parliament met, featuring dramatic rift valley geology and excellent hiking trails.

**Akranes Lighthouse** (25km north) - Distinctive concrete lighthouse offering panoramic views across Faxaflói bay, with a small maritime museum detailing local fishing heritage.

**Deildartunguhver** (35km northeast) - Europe's most powerful hot spring, producing 180 litres per second of boiling water, with associated geothermal greenhouse facilities.

**Reykholt** (40km northeast) - Medieval centre of learning associated with Snorri Sturluson, featuring historical exhibitions and reconstructed medieval buildings.

**Borgarnes** (50km northeast) - Regional centre with the excellent Settlement Centre museum, providing comprehensive insight into saga-age Iceland and early settlement patterns.

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