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
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Difficulty
Moderate
7 km round trip · 3–4 hours · West Iceland
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 most adventurous day hikes near Reykjavík, involving a scramble through a small cave, a crossing over a log bridge, and steep paths along canyon edges with vertigo-inducing views straight down to the Botnsá river. At the top, the waterfall reveals itself in full—a slender white ribbon falling almost 200 meters into the green abyss below.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
The trail has steep exposed sections and a river crossing. Do not attempt in icy conditions. The river crossing at the top is only safe when water levels are low—typically mid-summer.
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
7 km round trip (out-and-back) or 8 km loop with approximately 400m elevation gain. Difficulty rated moderate. The loop route adds a thigh-deep river crossing above the falls.
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—replaced seasonally and sometimes 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. Views straight down to the turquoise river below are breathtaking but require a head for heights.
The 198m waterfall
Iceland's second tallest waterfall cascades in a single elegant drop into the canyon. The main viewpoint across the canyon offers a full-frame 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—only safe 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, creating an almost subtropical atmosphere 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—that 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 required—the road is passable in a regular car. No public transport reaches the trailhead; a rental car is necessary. Parking is free but limited—arrive early on summer weekends.
Best Time to Hike
June through September offers the best conditions. June: The waterfall is most impressive when snowmelt swells the river; the log bridge is typically placed by early June. July–August: Warmest weather (10-15°C), lowest river levels making the loop crossing safest, and up to 20 hours of daylight. September: Fewer visitors and autumn colors in the canyon birch, but cooler and wetter. October–May: The trail is passable in dry conditions but the log bridge is removed, the cave can be icy, and steep sections become dangerous. The trail can be muddy and slippery after rain at any time of year.
Planning help
Glymur Trail FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.