Glymur
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Glymur
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.
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.
Iceland's tallest waterfall (per the board)- Trail crosses the Botnsá river on a log
- Route passes through a rock arch / cave passage
- Source lake Hvalvatn is dammed by old lava and ~160 m deep
Drive: Good·
Visit now·
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsOpen
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Entry: Free
Parking: Free
No booking
Entry feeFree
ParkingFree
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
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Blue hour—Cars & campers
KEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Dacia Duster 4x4
Cheapest real 4WD in the fleet — gravel, the Westfjords and easy summer F-roads without truck prices.
TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol/diesel
Seats5
Drive4WD
VW Caravelle
Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.
TransmissionAutomaticFuelDieselSeats9Drive2WD
Key Camper Wild Duo
Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.
TransmissionManualFuelPetrol
Sleeps2Drive4WDTours near Glymur
Small groups
Duration
Pickup
Activity
VehiclePhotos & videos
Reviews
Nearby
Waterfalls
A waterfall in West Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in West Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in Iceland.
A waterfall in Iceland.
Hot Springs
Krosslaug is a small 42°C natural hot spring in West Iceland, used mostly by locals…
Natural hot spring. Water temp varies but usually comfortable. Best with few people.
Swimming_pool hot spring
Natural hot spring. Off the tourist path. Check conditions before going.
Campsites
Bjarteyjarsandur is a farm in the fjord Hvalfjörður. A small and family friendly camp…
Greater Reykjavík area campsite. Urban convenience with easier booking than central city…
Greater Reykjavík area campsite. Urban convenience with easier booking than central city…
Greater Reykjavík area campsite. Urban convenience with easier booking than central city…
Supermarkets
Krambúð supermarket — supplies
Krónan supermarket — supplies
Nettó supermarket — supplies
Bónus supermarket — supplies
Gas stations
ÓB · 308.7 kr/L petrol
ÓB · 308.7 kr/L petrol
N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol
N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol
Tours
Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.
Frequently
asked
questions
How hard is the Glymur hike?
Do you need to cross a river?
Is Glymur the tallest waterfall in Iceland?
Can kids do the Glymur hike?
When is the best time to hike Glymur?
Data & sources
Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.
UnsplashHero & gallery photography · Alexander Milo / Unsplash
Visit West Iceland (west.is)Visitor access & practical facts · tourism board
WikipediaEncyclopedic description · CC BY-SA 4.0
VegagerðinLive road status & cameras · Icelandic Road Administration
Open-MeteoWeather forecast · CC BY 4.0
NOAA SWPCAurora (planetary Kp) forecast · public domain
OpenStreetMapInteractive-map data · ODbL
Esri, Maxar & Earthstar GeographicsSatellite imagery for the 3D terrain render · GIS User Community
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