Distance
7 km
Round trip to the main viewpoint (out and back)
Glymur Trail: Hike to Iceland's Second Tallest Waterfall
Hike to Iceland's second tallest waterfall in Hvalfjörður
Difficulty
Moderate
The route choice changes both distance and risk. A loop above the falls includes an unbridged river crossing; it is not simply a longer version of the viewpoint walk.
Quick Answer
The Glymur trail in Hvalfjörður leads to Iceland's second-tallest waterfall at 198 m, a 7 km hike that crosses a river on a log and passes through a cave.
The Glymur trail leads to Iceland's second tallest waterfall, a 198-meter cascade plunging into a narrow, moss-draped canyon in Hvalfjörður. The hike is one of the more demanding day hikes near Reykjavík: it includes a scramble through a small cave, a crossing over a log bridge, and steep paths along canyon edges with long drops to the Botnsá river. From the top viewpoint you see the waterfall in full, a narrow white ribbon falling almost 200 meters into the mossy canyon.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
The trail has exposed ground and river crossings. Do not use a calendar month as assurance that a ford is safe. Turn back if the crossing or descent is beyond your ability.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Elevation gain
~400 m
Waterfall drops 198 m into the canyon
Duration
3–4 hours
Out-and-back; loop route takes 4–5 hours
What to Expect
Trail distance and elevation
The route choice changes both distance and risk. A loop above the falls includes an unbridged river crossing; it is not simply a longer version of the viewpoint walk.
Cave passage and log bridge
Early on, the trail passes through a 10m natural cave (bring headlamp) and crosses the Botnsá river via a log bridge, which is replaced seasonally and can be slippery. In early season, the bridge may not yet be in place.
Canyon edge walk
The trail follows the rim of a deep, narrow canyon with steep drop-offs and no guardrails. The path looks straight down to the turquoise river below; a head for heights is required.
The 198m waterfall
Iceland's second tallest waterfall falls in a single drop into the canyon. The main viewpoint across the canyon gives a full view, with mist rising from the impact pool.
Terrain and water crossing
Trail surface is rocky and root-covered with steep exposed sections near the top. The loop route requires fording the Botnsá river above the falls; it is only safe in mid-summer when flow is low (July–August).
Lush canyon vegetation
The sheltered canyon supports unusually lush vegetation for Iceland: thick moss, ferns, birch, and wildflowers coat the canyon walls in summer.
Getting There
The trailhead is at the end of a short gravel spur road at the head of Hvalfjörður, about 80 km (1 hour) north of Reykjavík. Take Route 1 north, then turn onto Route 47 into Hvalfjörður (do not take the Hvalfjörður tunnel, which bypasses the fjord entirely). Follow Route 47 along the fjord to its end, where a signed gravel turnoff leads to the trailhead parking area. No 4WD is required; the road is passable in a regular car. No public transport reaches the trailhead, so a rental car is necessary. Parking is free but limited, and it fills early on summer weekends.
Best Time to Hike
Check current trail and crossing conditions before setting out. The log crossing is seasonal and can be slippery; do not assume it is in place for a particular date. Rain, snowmelt and ice can change the route. A published summer itinerary is not an assessment of the river you find on the day.
Read SafeTravel’s river-crossing guidance before choosing a loop. It stresses the ability to judge a crossing and obtain local condition information; it does not certify Glymur’s ford for July or August.
Planning help
Glymur Trail FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Is the Glymur trail dangerous?
The trail involves a river crossing (using a log bridge early in the season), a short cave passage, and steep exposed sections near the top. The final approach to the waterfall viewpoint has significant drop-offs. It is not suitable for young children or those uncomfortable with heights. Proper hiking boots with good grip are essential.
Can I hike Glymur as a loop?
A loop above the falls involves an unbridged crossing of Botnsá. A summer date or low-looking water does not establish that it is safe. Turn back along a route you can safely retrace if you cannot assess the crossing or conditions have changed.
Is Glymur still Iceland's tallest waterfall?
Glymur held the title of Iceland's tallest waterfall at 198 m until 2011, when the retreat of the Morsárjökull glacier revealed Morsárfoss in Vatnajökull National Park, which plunges approximately 227 m. Glymur is now considered Iceland's second tallest waterfall.
How long does the Glymur hike take?
The round trip takes 3–4 hours for the out-and-back route to the main viewpoint (about 7 km total). The loop route via the river crossing at the top takes 4–5 hours. Allow extra time for photos and for the cave passage if there is a queue.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.