Glymur Waterfall Hike, West Iceland

3.0 (3 reviews)

Overview

In West Iceland, about a 1-hour drive northeast of Reykjavik, is Glymur Falls. Although this particular cascade used to be the highest in Iceland (at about 650 feet (198 m) tall), the recent retreating of the Vatnajokull glacier tongue created a slightly more towering waterfall, Morsarfoss! Still, Glymur is one of the most picturesque cascades in the country, as it falls deep into a scenic river canyon. 

Hiking Glymur Falls is a popular experience for active travelers. To get to the trailhead, you'll drive to the Hvalfjordur fjord and park your car in a designated area. Then, set out along the trail, which, although not difficult overall, has a couple of challenging spots. In general, the trek is moderate but steep at times and requires a log crossing. The effort is worth it though, as you'll walk through a narrow and picturesque valley called Botnsdalur.

After reaching the falls, enjoy the views of Glymur plunging deep into a steep ravine, offering truly majestic scenery. You'll also pass caves and cross the river by stone, adding some excitement to the trek. 

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Traveler reviews

3 total ratings, 3 with reviews
3.0
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
3.0
S
Sheri D.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Oct 24, 2025
We couldn’t do the river crossing because it was too deep- we would have had to get wet up to our shins. So, waterproof boots weren’t enough. Hikers should be aware that they have to walk in the river for several meters before they get to the log that spans the rest of the river. So, we never got to see the falls. Read more

We couldn’t do the river crossing because it was too deep- we would have had to get wet up to our shins. So, waterproof boots weren’t enough. Hikers should be aware that they have to walk in the river for several meters before they get to the log that spans the rest of the river. So, we never got to see the falls.

Quality of Experience
I wish the area would put in a small bridge to cross the river, so we could have completed the hike.
Sue
Sue F.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Oct 13, 2025
This is a beautiful hike. I am giving it only 4 stars because there was a log crossing (round log and a wire to hold onto once you got in position) that proved too daunting for us. So, we hiked back to the beginning and tried to go up the other way which was considerably steeper and while we were there, had 60+ mile per hour wind gusts. Otherwise, it would have been amazing Read more

This is a beautiful hike. I am giving it only 4 stars because there was a log crossing (round log and a wire to hold onto once you got in position) that proved too daunting for us. So, we hiked back to the beginning and tried to go up the other way which was considerably steeper and while we were there, had 60+ mile per hour wind gusts. Otherwise, it would have been amazing

Tips for future travelers

Just know that the log is round and pretty narrow--there is no flat spot to walk on. The wire is not easy to hold on to. Going the other direction would be doable (and steep) without furious wind gusts.

Quality of Experience
Caroline
Caroline K.
Portland, OR | Reviewed on Oct 07, 2025
This is only for very experiences hikers- there is a log but to get to the log you have to get over a large area of rocks, just hanging onto a wire hand rail. Neither of us went across and it looked like lots of other people did not want to chance it as well. Read more

This is only for very experiences hikers- there is a log but to get to the log you have to get over a large area of rocks, just hanging onto a wire hand rail. Neither of us went across and it looked like lots of other people did not want to chance it as well.

Quality of Experience

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