Glymur Waterfall Hike: Iceland's Second-Highest Falls

Glymur (198m) is Iceland’s second-highest waterfall — a narrow, violent drop into a deep basalt gorge at the head of Hvalfjörður fjord, approximately 55km north of Reykjavík. The trail to the top of the falls is one of the best day hikes within reach of the capital: varied terrain, a cave passage, a river crossing on a log bridge, and a rope-assisted scramble to the viewpoint above the falls.

Getting There

By car: 55km from Reykjavík. Take Route 1 north, then Route 47 along the south side of Hvalfjörður fjord to the car park at the fjord head. Note: if using the Hvalfjörður tunnel (toll approximately ISK 1,500 per car) you’ll emerge past the trail head — take Route 47 from the Borgarnes side without the tunnel, or return to the east portal and follow the fjord road south.

By bus: No direct bus service to the trail head. Strætó runs to Borgarnes but the trail head is not served. A car is effectively required.

The Trail

Car Park to Cave (30 minutes, 1.5km)

From the car park at Botnssúlur, the marked trail crosses a footbridge and enters Hvalfjörður’s side valley along the Botnsá river. The path climbs moderately alongside the river before reaching a distinctive cave (Þórsgróf — a short tunnel through the rock through which the trail passes). Duck your head.

River Crossing (the log bridge)

Above the cave, the trail requires a river crossing of the Botnsá. A log bridge is in place — single log, approximately 1 metre wide, can be slippery when wet. This crossing requires care. In very high water (spring snowmelt) the bridge can be submerged; the hike is not recommended during these conditions.

Ascent to the Top (45 minutes above crossing)

The trail climbs steeply above the crossing on the south side of the gorge. A rope section (approximately 20 metres of scrambling) assists the steepest section before the trail flattens out on the canyon rim above the falls.

Top Viewpoint

The falls drop 198m into the gorge below. On clear days you can look down the full height of the falls and across the Hvalfjörður valley. The gorge is dramatic from above — the narrow, violent drop and the dark basalt walls make it one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfall settings.

Alternative route back: The trail loops — you can return on the north side of the gorge for a different perspective. This adds approximately 30 minutes.

What to Wear and Bring

• Sturdy hiking boots with good grip (grip matters on wet rock and the log crossing)
• Waterproof jacket (spray from the falls reaches the path)
• Trekking poles (helpful for balance on steep sections)
• Water and snacks — no facilities on the trail
• Microspikes or crampons in early spring (snow on the upper path possible through May)

Season

Year-round in principle, but best from June through October. Spring can mean high water at the river crossing and snow on the upper path. Winter means snow and ice on the path requiring microspikes; the log crossing is risky in ice.