Glymur Hike: Iceland's Best Waterfall Trail

Standing at 198 metres, Glymur cascades down the basalt cliffs of Hvalfjörður with the raw power that defines Iceland's most spectacular waterfalls. Until 2011, when the 228-metre Morsárfoss was officially recognised, Glymur held the title of Iceland's tallest waterfall. Yet for many hikers, it remains the island's most rewarding waterfall trail—a challenging 7.2-kilometre round trip that combines river crossings, rope climbs, and panoramic views that justify every demanding step.

The hike to Glymur isn't merely about reaching a waterfall; it's an odyssey through some of Iceland's most varied terrain, from the mysterious Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord) to ancient lava fields carved by millennia of glacial melt and volcanic activity.

The Route: A Trail of Contrasts

The Glymur trail begins deceptively gently from the car park at the end of Botnsdalur valley, following a well-marked path through low birch scrubland. Within the first kilometre, however, the terrain reveals its true character. The trail splits at the Botnsá river, where your first major decision awaits: clockwise or anticlockwise around the gorge.

Most experienced hikers recommend the clockwise route, crossing Botnsá immediately and tackling the challenging eastern approach first whilst energy levels remain high. This crossing requires careful timing—spring snowmelt and heavy rainfall can render the river impassable, particularly between May and July. The water typically reaches knee-deep levels, with a strong current that demands respect and proper footwear.

The Eastern Ascent: Ropes and Revelations

The eastern side presents the hike's most technically demanding section: a 15-metre near-vertical climb assisted by a fixed rope. This isn't a casual scramble—it requires genuine upper body strength and confidence with exposure. The rope, regularly maintained by local hiking groups, provides essential assistance up the smooth basalt face, but hikers must still support their own weight whilst finding footing on the polished rock.

Above the rope section, the trail continues climbing through increasingly dramatic terrain. Ancient lava flows, dating from post-glacial volcanic activity roughly 9,000 years ago, create a lunar landscape punctuated by hardy Arctic willow and moss campion. The geological story unfolds with each step: columnar basalt formations reveal the slow cooling of prehistoric lava flows, whilst erratics—massive boulders deposited by retreating glaciers—stand as monuments to Iceland's glacial past.

The eastern rim of Glymur's gorge provides the hike's most spectacular viewpoints. From 200 metres above the fjord, Hvalfjörður stretches towards Reykjavík, its 30-kilometre length framed by mountains that rise directly from sea level to over 1,000 metres. On clear days, the Reykjanes Peninsula appears across Faxaflói Bay, whilst Snæfellsjökull glacier crowns the western horizon 120 kilometres distant.

The Waterfall and Western Return

Glymur itself emerges gradually as you approach the head of the gorge. The waterfall plunges from Lake Hvalvatn, a 2.5-square-kilometre glacial lake perched 200 metres above sea level. The Botnsá river, which you crossed hours earlier, begins its journey here, gathering the lake's overflow before carving this dramatic gorge over thousands of years.

The western descent follows a less technical but equally demanding route down steep scree slopes and across boggy plateaus. This side requires different skills—balance and patience rather than raw strength—as loose volcanic gravel shifts underfoot and hidden streams emerge without warning. The final section returns through Botnsdalur valley, completing a circuit that typically requires 4-6 hours depending on conditions and experience level.

Planning Your Glymur Adventure

When to Hike

The optimal window for Glymur extends from June through September, when daylight hours remain extensive and weather conditions prove most stable. July and August offer the warmest temperatures—typically 12-15°C at the trailhead—but also the highest river levels from glacial melt. Early September often provides ideal conditions: lower water levels, stable weather, and the bonus of early autumn colours in the birch scrubland.

Winter hiking remains possible for experienced mountaineers equipped with crampons and ice axes, but snow and ice transform the rope section into a serious alpine undertaking requiring technical climbing skills.

Getting There

Glymur lies 60 kilometres northeast of Reykjavík via Route 1 and Route 47. The drive requires 50 minutes, following Hvalfjörður's dramatic coastline beneath towering peaks. Public transport doesn't serve the trailhead directly, making a rental car essential—budget approximately 8,500 ISK (€60) daily for a standard vehicle.

The final 3 kilometres from Route 47 to the car park follow a rough gravel track suitable for most vehicles, though high clearance helps during wet conditions. Parking remains free, with space for roughly 30 vehicles—arrive before 9:00 AM during peak season to secure a spot.

Essential Equipment and Safety

Glymur demands proper preparation. Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support prove non-negotiable for the river crossing and steep terrain. Pack layers for rapidly changing conditions—mountain weather can shift from sunshine to horizontal rain within minutes. Waterproof jacket and trousers, insulating layer, and spare socks should occupy every pack.

Bring more water than expected—the 7.2-kilometre distance and significant elevation gain (400 metres) create substantial fluid requirements. No reliable water sources exist along the route, despite the river's proximity.

Emergency communication deserves serious consideration. Mobile coverage exists at the trailhead and higher elevations, but disappears entirely within the gorge. Inform others of your planned route and expected return time—Icelandic Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) responds to several Glymur incidents annually, typically involving injured hikers on the rope section or those caught by rising river levels.

The Verdict: Iceland's Most Complete Waterfall Hike

Glymur combines technical challenge, geological fascination, and visual drama in a package that rewards serious hikers whilst remaining accessible to determined beginners. The trail demands respect—inadequate preparation or poor decision-making can create genuine danger—but offers experiences unavailable elsewhere in Iceland.

This isn't a casual waterfall visit like Gullfoss or Seljalandsfoss. Glymur requires commitment, proper equipment, and acceptance that conditions may force retreat. For those willing to meet these demands, it delivers Iceland's most complete hiking experience: a journey through landscapes that encapsulate the island's geological story, crowned by one of its most powerful natural spectacles.

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