Best for
Hikers & canyon views
The falls drop into a deep, narrow canyon.
Glymur Waterfall
Iceland's second-tallest waterfall at 198 meters, reached by a 3-4 hour hike through a cave and across a river in West Iceland's Hvalfjordur.
Region
West Iceland
Requires a 3-4 hour round-trip hike.
Long considered Iceland's tallest waterfall, Glymur is a 198-meter cascade at the end of Hvalfjörður. Reaching it means hiking through a cave, across a river log, and up steep paths along the rim of a deep canyon.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This page is for trip planning. The log crossing is seasonal (summer only). Do not attempt to cross the river if the water is high or the log is missing unless you are prepared to wade safely.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Access
Moderate hike
Steep sections, loose gravel, and a river crossing.
Pro tip
Bring hiking poles
They help significantly with the steep slopes and stability.
What to Expect at Glymur
- A proper hike (not a roadside stop)
- Walking through a small natural cave
- Crossing a river on a log with a cable handrail
Nearby Attractions to Glymur
- Hvalfjörður scenic drive
- Hvammsvík Hot Springs (good post-hike soak)
- Þingvellir National Park (45 min drive)
How to Get to Glymur
- Located at the end of Hvalfjörður, about 80 km north of Reykjavik
- Drive time from Reykjavik is approximately 1-1.5 hours
- Free parking at the Botnsá trailhead
- The hike is 7 km round trip with 400m elevation gain
- Allow 3-4 hours for the complete hike to the viewpoint and back
Best Time to Visit Glymur
- Late spring to early autumn (May-September) for log crossing access
- Summer has the longest daylight and driest trail conditions
- Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends
- Spring snowmelt increases the waterfall's flow
- Winter hiking is only for experienced hikers with proper gear
Planning help
Glymur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.