Glymur Waterfall
Iceland's second-highest waterfall, reached via a rugged, adventurous hike with river crossings and stunning canyon views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lower river levels, pleasant weather
Glymur Waterfall
Best Time
Lower river levels, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iceland's second-highest waterfall, reached via a rugged, adventurous hike with river crossings and stunning canyon views.
"One of the best day hikes I've ever done. Beautiful, not too difficult, and rather short!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Bring hiking boots and water shoes for river crossings. Essential for navigating rocky and wet terrain.
💧 River Crossing Advice
The second river crossing can be knee-deep. Consider going counter-clockwise for easier access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Glymur Waterfall
Hvalfjörður
Iceland's second-highest waterfall, plunging 198m into a dramatic canyon. A truly epic sight!
The Canyon Hike
Trail to Glymur
An adventurous trek with river crossings, a cave, and steep paths offering breathtaking views.
River Wading Experience
Top of the falls
A unique opportunity to walk through the river at the top for a different perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for an Adventurous Hike
+1Best Time for River Crossings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Bring hiking boots and water shoes for river crossings. Essential for navigating rocky and wet terrain.
💧 River Crossing Advice
The second river crossing can be knee-deep. Consider going counter-clockwise for easier access.
🔦 Explore the Cave
Don't miss the small cave along the trail – it's a fun and unique part of the hike!
📸 Capture Epic Views
The trail offers incredible photo opportunities of the waterfall and canyon.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Bring hiking boots and water shoes for river crossings. Essential for navigating rocky and wet terrain.
💧 River Crossing Advice
The second river crossing can be knee-deep. Consider going counter-clockwise for easier access.
🔦 Explore the Cave
Don't miss the small cave along the trail – it's a fun and unique part of the hike!
📸 Capture Epic Views
The trail offers incredible photo opportunities of the waterfall and canyon.
🚗 Free Parking Available
The parking lot at the trailhead is free, making it a convenient starting point.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Glymur Waterfall for its stunning natural beauty, impressive cascade, and the adventurous hike. While challenging, many find it more manageable than expected, with the river crossings being a memorable part of the experience. Some note the steepness and potential difficulty of the second river crossing.
"A stunning hike, gorgeous views, impressive waterfall, and easier than many seem to suggest. First river crossing has a log and a cable, so fairly straightforward. Second one you need to walk through the river (it is shallow and pretty slow) so ideally take your shoes off. At its deepest it reached miss shin for me. You can also decide to go up to the summit and go back down the same way, avoiding the second river crossing. Went counter-clockwise.
Strongly recommended."
Lucas Allner
"One of the best day hikes I've ever done. Beautiful, not too difficult, and rather short (4-5 hours). It does require a steep climb and a barefoot walk crossing the river but definitely worth it!"
Achiad Hess
"Not the easiest hike, but definitely worth going! It takes around 1.5h one way to get to the highest viewpoint and another 30 minutes to get all the way to the top! There’s also a small cave, and a little wooden beam that you have to cross the river with at the beginning of the hike. There’s also a free parking."
Dominik Komarnicki
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Glymur Waterfall is located in Hvalfjörður, about an hour's drive north of Reykjavik. Take Route 1 and then turn onto Route 47, which winds through the scenic fjord. The drive itself offers beautiful coastal views.
Yes, there is a free parking lot at the trailhead for Glymur Waterfall. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, as it can get busy.
Absolutely! Glymur Waterfall is a perfect day trip from Reykjavik. The hike typically takes 3-4 hours, so you can easily fit it into a single day, perhaps combining it with other activities in the area.
The drive to Glymur Waterfall is through the beautiful Hvalfjörður fjord. The road is well-maintained and offers stunning ocean and mountain vistas, making the journey itself a scenic experience.
While many visitors drive themselves, some tour operators in Reykjavik offer guided hikes to Glymur Waterfall. This can be a good option if you prefer not to drive or want local insights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Glymur Waterfall. The hike and access to the waterfall are free of charge.
Glymur Waterfall is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, hiking conditions can be challenging in winter due to snow and ice.
Hiking Glymur Waterfall in winter is generally not recommended due to icy conditions, potential avalanches, and difficult river crossings. It's best to visit during the warmer months.
While some brave souls wade through the river at the top, swimming in the icy pool below the waterfall is not generally advised due to the extreme cold and strong currents.
The hike to Glymur Waterfall typically takes between 3 to 4 hours for the round trip, including time to enjoy the views and navigate the trail.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is considered moderate to challenging. It involves steep ascents, narrow trails, and two river crossings, one of which requires wading. Good physical condition is recommended.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Bringing water shoes or sandals for the river crossings is highly recommended. Layers of clothing are also advisable as weather can change quickly.
There are no facilities like restrooms or visitor centers directly at the trailhead or along the hike. Be prepared to be self-sufficient.
The trail is generally well-trodden and relatively easy to follow, especially if you go counter-clockwise. However, always pay attention to trail markers and your surroundings.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the waterfall, the deep canyon, the surrounding mountains, and even glimpses of the ocean. It's a truly spectacular landscape.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The trail itself offers numerous vantage points along the canyon rim. The area near the waterfall and the river crossing at the top provide particularly stunning photo opportunities.
While a good camera helps, you can capture amazing shots with your smartphone. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to fit the vast canyon and waterfall into your frame.
Morning light can be beautiful for illuminating the canyon, while late afternoon can offer softer light. Midday sun can be harsh, but the dramatic landscape often holds up well.
Experiment with different angles, try capturing the scale of the waterfall with a person in the frame, or focus on the textures of the rocks and water. The cave also offers a unique framing opportunity.
A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to capture the water's movement. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water and enhance colors. Protect your gear from potential spray.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Recommendations for families: Ensure children have sturdy, well-fitting hiking boots. Pack plenty of snacks and water. Consider the counter-clockwise route for easier river access. Be prepared for the possibility of turning back if the river crossing seems too challenging for younger or less experienced hikers.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
+1Solo hiker tips: Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. Carry a fully charged phone and consider a portable charger. Be aware of your surroundings, especially on steep sections and near the canyon edge. The river crossings are manageable, but exercise caution.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips: Bring a wide-angle lens and consider a tripod for long exposures. Look for unique framing opportunities, such as through the cave or with the river in the foreground. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and protect your gear from moisture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Glymur Hike: An Adventure Unveiled
+1Further along, you'll encounter a second river crossing at the top of the falls. This often requires wading through shallow, slow-moving water, which can reach knee-high for some. Many visitors opt to go barefoot for this section. For those who prefer to avoid this, it's possible to return the same way you came, or explore further down the canyon rim. The entire hike, including stops for photos and rest, usually takes between 3 to 4 hours.
Key elements of the hike include the log bridge, the cave, the steep climbs, and the river crossings. While challenging, the rewards are immense, with unparalleled views of Iceland's second-highest waterfall and the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. It's a hike that truly immerses you in Iceland's wild nature.
+1Navigating the River Crossings
+1The second crossing, situated at the top of the falls, is where most of the discussion and concern arises. This section typically involves wading through the river. While the water is generally shallow and slow-moving, its depth can vary, potentially reaching knee-high for shorter individuals. Many hikers choose to remove their footwear and go barefoot for this part of the trek.
Tips for river crossings: Wear quick-drying shoes or bring water shoes. If you're concerned about depth, consider visiting during drier summer months or checking recent conditions. Some visitors opt to turn back after the first crossing if they are uncomfortable with the second.
Photography at Glymur: Capturing the Grandeur
When photographing the waterfall, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the canyon and the height of the falls. Experiment with long exposures using a tripod to create a silky smooth effect of the water, especially if you have a neutral density filter. The cave along the trail also offers a fantastic opportunity for framing shots of the waterfall.
Don't forget to capture the details of the hike as well – the textures of the rocks, the lush moss, and the adventurous river crossings. The changing light throughout the day can dramatically alter the mood of your photos, so consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon for softer, more dramatic lighting.
+1
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