Glymur Waterfall
198 m
Iceland's second-tallest waterfall
Hvalfjordur (Hvalfjörður): Glymur Waterfall & WWII History
Hvalfjörður
Updated February 5, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
'Whale Fjord' — a scenic fjord valley bypassed by an undersea tunnel, home to Glymur waterfall and rich WWII history.
Region
West Iceland
Best time: June – September
Quiet and less visited thanks to the undersea tunnel that most travelers use to bypass it, Hvalfjörður rewards those who take the scenic route. The fjord is home to Glymur, Iceland's second-tallest waterfall at 198 meters, surrounded by lush vegetation, dramatic cliffs, and remnants of its WWII role as an Allied naval base.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-05
The Glymur hike involves river crossings and steep sections — wear proper hiking boots and check conditions. The fjord road is paved and accessible year-round.
Sources to check
WWII History
Allied Base
Former British and American naval staging area
Best Season
Jun–Sep
Best for Glymur hike and lush vegetation
Region
West Iceland
~50 km from Reykjavík via the scenic route
Tunnel
Hvalfjarðargöng
5.7 km undersea tunnel bypasses the fjord, but the scenic drive around is rewarding
History
Whaling Station
Former whaling station at Hvalur hf, one of the last commercial operations in Iceland
Key Highlights
Glymur Waterfall
Iceland's second-tallest waterfall at 198 m, reached via a scenic challenging hike
WWII Heritage
Remnants of Allied naval operations including barracks foundations and a torpedo station
Lush Vegetation
One of Iceland's greenest areas with birch woods and wildflowers
Quiet & Less Visited
Most travelers take the tunnel, leaving the fjord road peaceful and uncrowded
Scenic Fjord Drive
A beautiful alternative to the tunnel with mountain and sea views
Hiking Opportunities
Multiple trails beyond Glymur, including paths along the fjord's shores
How to Get There
- Route 47 circles the fjord, branching off Route 1 about 20 km north of Reykjavik
- Most travelers take the Hvalfjörður Tunnel under the fjord — take the turn BEFORE the tunnel
- The circular drive around the fjord is approximately 60 km (1-1.5 hours without stops)
- Glymur waterfall trailhead is at the head of the fjord, well-signposted from Route 47
- An easy day trip or half-day detour from Reykjavik or en route to Borgarfjörður
Best Time to Visit
- June-August: Glymur waterfall trail fully accessible, wildflowers, midnight sun for long hikes
- May: Waterfall at impressive flow from snowmelt, but log bridge may not yet be in place
- September-October: Fewer hikers, autumn colors, northern lights visible on clear evenings
- Winter: The fjord road is maintained but Glymur trail can be icy and impassable
- July: Best month for Glymur — bridge in place, trail dry, long daylight for the 3-hour hike
Planning help
Hvalfjordur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.