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Glymur

198 m drop43 km from ReykjavíkFree parking
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WaterfallWest Iceland

Glymur

West Iceland198 m drop43 km from ReykjavíkFree parking

About

Glymur is a 198-meter waterfall on the Botnsá river in West Iceland.

Iceland's second tallest waterfall at 198 meters. Getting there is an adventure — cave passage, river crossing, steep climb. Not for everyone, but if you're up for it, the reward is massive.

The hike builds anticipation. Through a cave, across a log bridge over a river, up steep trails — then suddenly the canyon opens and 198 meters of white water drops before you. Earned views are the best views.

Was considered Iceland's tallest until Morsárfoss was discovered in 2007. The canyon it falls into, Botnsdalur, was carved by glacial meltwater over thousands of years. The river is called Botnsá.

The hike takes 3-4 hours round trip. The river crossing is easiest in morning before snowmelt raises water levels. Bring good shoes and don't attempt in bad weather. The cave at the start is short but dark — a flashlight helps.

Map of Glymur

Map

64.3908°N, 21.2515°W · West Iceland

Plan your visit

Getting there
Road 47 (around Hvalfjörður), to Botnsdalur valley · in Botnsdalur valley at the head of Hvalfjörður
The walk
About 4 hours round trip
Best time
Summer (winter explicitly warned against)
Heads up
Winter hiking path can be dangerous; proper equipment and hiking experience needed. Not suitable for those uneasy with heights or challenging hikes.
Off the main road
5 km from Route 47
Nearest town
Melahverfi — 28.2 km away
Distance from Reykjavík
43 km in a straight line
What else is close
389 mapped places within 20 km
Good to know
Iceland's tallest waterfall (per the board)Trail crosses the Botnsá river on a logRoute passes through a rock arch / cave passageSource lake Hvalvatn is dammed by old lava and ~160 m deep

Glymur weather and conditions

Last updated

3°Clight drizzle · feels -3°C7 m/sgusts 129 h 49 mdaylight · 08:16 – 18:05
In season now · Winter in IcelandInto The Glacier - From Húsafellfrom 27.900 ISK · 4 hAll 1,648 tours

Photos & videos

Glymur Falls Iceland Travel 4kWalking Cities with Brian Clough
📍Glymur waterfall, IcelandJuliaSomething | Travel Guides & Road Trips
Hiking to Glymur Waterfall | Iceland Ring Road Trip (Day 1)Travel With Mansoureh
GLYMUR WATERFALL HIKE | 2nd Highest In Iceland, Cinematic 4K Drone FootageQuench Your Adventure
Glymur - Iceland's highest waterfallArctic Adventures Iceland
Glymur Waterfall Hike | West IcelandIceland with a View

Nearby

Fuel

  1. 1Ferstikla17 km · 308.7 kr/L
  2. 2Grundartangi26 km · 308.7 kr/L
  3. 3Reykholt30 km · 310.9 kr/L
All fuel →

Supermarkets

  1. 1Krambúðin32 km
  2. 2Krónan33 km
  3. 3Nettó33 km
All supermarkets →

Frequently
asked
questions

How hard is the Glymur hike?
Challenging. River crossing, steep sections, some exposure. 3-4 hours. Not for beginners.
Do you need to cross a river?
Yes, twice if doing the loop. Use the log bridge. Water is lowest in morning.
Is Glymur the tallest waterfall in Iceland?
Second tallest at 198m. Morsárfoss (227m) is taller but less accessible.
Can kids do the Glymur hike?
Only older kids comfortable with heights and river crossings. Not for young children.
When is the best time to hike Glymur?
Summer, early in the day when river levels are lower. Check weather before going.

Data & sources

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