About

Glymur is Iceland's second highest waterfall at 198 metres (650 feet), located at the head of Hvalfjörður fjord in West Iceland, about 50 km from Reykjavík. The waterfall is formed by the Botnsá river, which drains from Hvalvatn lake and plunges over a cliff into a narrow canyon before flowing into the fjord. The hike: - **Distance**: 7 km roundtrip - **Duration**: 3–4 hours - **Difficulty**: Moderate to challenging - **River crossing**: Log and wire cable system (can be impassable in high water) - **Cave passage**: Short scramble through natural rock tunnel - **Viewpoints**: Upper and lower overlooks of the waterfall Highlights: - Multiple perspectives of the 198-metre cascade - Hvalfjörður fjord views - Dramatic canyon scenery - Wildlife (ravens, occasionally Arctic foxes) Access: - Route 47 around Hvalfjörður (not the tunnel) - Parking area near Botnsá river - Trail marked but challenging in places Best visited May–September when river levels are manageable and weather stable. Early summer offers highest waterfall flow from snowmelt. Glymur is one of Iceland's classic day hikes — challenging enough to be rewarding but accessible to fit hikers without technical gear.

📖 Story

Glymur was thought to be Iceland's tallest waterfall for decades until Morsárfoss was measured in 2007. At 198 metres, it's still second-tallest and far more accessible. The hike is an adventure: ford a river using a log and wire system, scramble up rocky trails, walk through a small cave, and emerge at viewpoints overlooking the massive cascade. The waterfall's name means 'resounding crash' — fitting as you hear it thundering long before you see it.

Key Facts