Trail to Iceland's second-highest waterfall (198m), requiring a river crossing on a log bridge. The reward is a dramatic canyon viewpoint with the waterfall plunging into a narrow gorge below.
The trail to Glymur begins at a car park on Route 47 in Hvalfjörður, about an hour's drive north of Reykjavík, with no public transport directly to the trailhead and no permit required. The 8 km round trip gains roughly 450m and typically takes three to four hours, following the Botnsá river gorge from the parking area. Shortly after starting, hikers pass through a short cave-like tunnel in the rock before reaching the river crossing point, where a fallen log or fixed rope aids balance over the fast-flowing glacial water; this crossing is the trail's main obstacle and can be impassable after heavy rain or snowmelt. Beyond the crossing, a steep, eroded dirt and rock path climbs the canyon's west side through birch scrub, with narrow sections close to unfenced drop-offs into the gorge. The path is not shaded and offers little shelter from wind funnelling through the fjord. The main viewpoint overlooks Glymur, Iceland's second-highest waterfall at 198m, plunging into the narrow basalt canyon; hikers can continue along the rim for a full loop back down the opposite side of the gorge to the car park, or turn back the way they came for a shorter out-and-back. There are no mountain huts or facilities beyond the trailhead car park, and no reliable drinking water source along the route.
| Distance | 8 km return |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Best season | May to October |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Hvalfjörður, 1 hour north of Reykjavik
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Highlights
- Log bridge river crossing
- Canyon views
- Glymur waterfall (198m)
- Hvalfjörður fjord panorama
Tips for visiting
- The river crossing on a log or rope near the start can be dangerous after rain or during spring snowmelt; turn back if the water looks high.
- Wear boots with good grip for the steep, eroded sections near the canyon rim.
- The loop route (crossing at both ends) avoids retracing the same path but adds a second crossing.
- Trekking poles help with balance on the narrow, unfenced sections above the gorge.
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds that build at the viewpoint by midday in summer.
When to visit
Weekday mornings between June and September offer the clearest trail conditions and fewer crowds at the main viewpoint.
Accessibility
The trail includes a river crossing and steep, narrow, unfenced sections along the canyon rim, so it is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Is the river crossing required to see the waterfall?
The classic loop requires crossing the Botnsá river on a log or rope near the start, but hikers uncomfortable with the crossing can still reach a lower viewpoint from the same side without crossing, though the best views are from beyond it.
How long does the Glymur hike take?
The 8 km round trip typically takes three to four hours at a moderate pace, including time at the viewpoint, though the full loop around both sides of the canyon can take longer.
Is the trail suitable for beginners?
The trail is manageable for hikers with reasonable fitness, but the river crossing and narrow, unfenced canyon-edge sections make it unsuitable for young children or those uneasy with exposure.
When is Glymur waterfall at its most dramatic?
Flow is heaviest during spring snowmelt in May and June, though the river crossing is also at its most difficult during that period.