Hiking Glymur Waterfall Trail: Guide, Tips, and Hidden Gems
The country’s second-tallest waterfall, Glymur waterfall is a hour drive away from Reykjavik.
Glymur is only accessible to hikers and it’s the most beautiful trail in the Reykjavik area. Although it’s quite popular in summer, it’s still not as crowded as waterfalls that are accessible by cars and busses.
This blog post will tell you everything you need to know to plan your hike to Glymur and back.
Glymur Trail Characteristics
The Glymur trail covers approximately 7 kilometers round trip, typically taking hikers between 3 to 4 hours to complete.
The Glymur hike is rated moderately challenging due to its elevation gain, steep ascents, river crossings, and uneven terrain. The trail rewards hikers with spectacular canyon views and close-up experiences of the powerful waterfall.
It’s a circular trail and the second half requires crossing the river with wading. For that reason, some hikers turn back after the highest point and return the same way they came.
Planning Your Visit
The best season to hike Glymur is from late spring through early autumn (May to September), when river crossings are manageable, and the trail is safer.
Outside of these warmer months, the log that as the bridge is removed. So there is no safe way to cross the river. In winter and early spring, the trail can be also covered with ice, which makes dangerous.
In the summer time, arriving early helps avoid crowds, ensures parking availability, and allows ample time to fully enjoy the hike and take photos.
Getting to Glymur
Driving is the only way to get to Glymur, no public busses or tours go there.
Glymur is about an hour drive away, situated deep in the Hvalfjurdur, a “whale fjord” (which doesn’t actually have whales).
But you might want to add more time for the drive. It’s scenic road and you might want to make plenty of stops for photos. There are also a couple smaller waterfalls on the way, including one right next to the road.
The parking lot for the Glymur hike is hard to miss, it’s in the end of the road. Just in case, here is the exact location:
The Hiking Experience
The Glymur hike is only moderately difficult yet it offers a varied terrain that will impress both newbies and experienced hikers.
Every time, I’ve been to Glymur, I saw people with kids under 10. But they looked experiences and their parents were prepared, that wasn’t there first hike.
Trail Sections
At the trailhead you’ll see a detailed map with marked sections.
Trailhead and Path Through the Lower Part
The journey starts with a gentle, scenic path winding through fields and woodlands, gradually leading hikers towards the canyon.
Cave Passage
One unique feature of the Glymur hike is a short cave-like passage early in the trail, heightening the sense of adventure. The cave is 1.3 km away from the parking lot.
First River Crossing with Log Bridge
Soon after the cave, you’ll encounter a log bridge spanning a narrow river. It’s an exciting, albeit manageable, crossing that sets the tone for the adventure ahead. You might need to wait in the short line to take your turn to cross the river. The log is 1.7 km away from the parking lot.
Ascent Through the Glymur Canyon
After crossing, the trail ascends steeply alongside the dramatic canyon, offering breathtaking views of Glymur waterfall in its full glory.
Some parts of the ascent are exposed, narrow and require sure-footedness.
In some parts you’ll see ropes. Hold on to them for extra safety.
The ascent in the canyon is shielded from winds and on a sunny day you might feel quite hot (rare in Iceland!)
Viewing Platforms
Several natural viewing platforms (marked 4 and 5 on the map) provide perfect vantage points to capture unforgettable views of Glymur and its cascading waters. These spots are also perfect for taking some rest, drinking water and eating snacks. The platforms are 2.4 and 2.6 km away from the parking lot.
Second River Crossing with Wading
Near the trail’s highest point, hikers face a shallow river crossing requiring careful wading. Suitable water shoes or sandals are highly recommended. The water is very cold! For that reason, some hikers turn around walk back the same way they came.
You can also use this as an opportunity to refill your water. It’s clean and I drank from it every time I’ve been there (just I do with most rivers in Iceland).
Final Viewpoint
The final viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the entire canyon, part of the waterfall, and surrounding landscape—ideal for photography and reflection.
Descent
The descent route offers gentler terrain with continuous scenic views of the djord, eventually reconnecting with the original trail near the cave passage. The descent is usually more windy and you might need an extra layer to keep you warm.
There are two ways down. The more popular route is easy and is a bit longer. It’s wide and hard to miss. The other route is steeper and follows the canyon.
Trail Signs and Wayfinding
The Glymur trail is well-marked with clear signs. Staying on the marked paths ensures both safety and preservation of the sensitive environment.
In the summer time you’ll see many other hikers so getting lost is practically impossible. The only tricky wayfinding is around chosing the place where to ford the river at the top. Different people prefer different parts. The river shape also depends on how much water there is on that day and season. If in doubt, just wait for other hikers (ideally Icelanders) to cross and follow them.
In winter time almost nobody goes to Glymur. The trail might be covered in snow and it can be tricky to find it. It’s best to avoid visiting in in winter if it’s your first time on this trail.
Natural Features Along Glymur Hike
The Canyon
The canyon carved by Glymur is astonishingly steep and narrow, with sheer cliffs draped in moss and ferns. Its dramatic scale is awe-inspiring from every angle.
Flora and Fauna
The trail’s diverse ecosystem hosts lush vegetation, wildflowers, and abundant birdlife, nesting in cliff crevices during summer.
The Waterfall Experience
Glymur’s thunderous waters plunging down the dramatic cliffs create a sensory spectacle. Mist sprays, roaring echoes, and breathtaking visuals combine for a truly immersive natural encounter. On a sunny day, it’s a magical place.
Practical Hiking Considerations
Essential Gear
- Sturdy hiking boots or trailrunning sneakers, ideally with ankle support
- Waterproof clothing layers
- Water shoes or sandals for river crossings
- Snacks and sufficient water
- Additional warm layer for descent or bad weather
- Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
Hiking poles aren’t required. The ascent is also quite narrow and your poles might be an obstacle to other hikers.
River Crossings
Careful preparation and attention during river crossings are vital.
The first crossing over the log might looks scary but it’s quite easy. The log is removed for the winter for safety reasons.
The second cross requires wading. Check conditions beforehand and cross cautiously. Some people go barefoot but the stones can be either slipper or sharp.
The water is very cold year around. When you enter water, move fast and don’t spend too much time in the water to avoid cramps.
It’s also ok to just turn back and return the same way.
Safety Precautions
Always inform someone about your hiking plans, adhere strictly to marked paths, and remain mindful of weather conditions that can change rapidly in Iceland.
Some parts of the hike are exposed and the path is narrow. On rainy days these parts can be slippery and/or unstable. Also if you are afraid of heights, it’s best to skip this trail altogether.
Tips for Glymur hike
The Glymur trail offers an unforgettable hiking experience filled with natural wonder and adventure, perfect for those looking to explore Iceland’s quieter treasures.
To make it even better here are some tips:
- Go early as the parking lot can get full, especially on a nice sunny day
- Plan for a long day to have enough time for photo stops on the way there
- Have enough food and drinks as there are no shops or restaurants near the trail or even in that part of the fjord
- Plan to return through the other part of the fjord to make the most of different scenery
- Take your swimsuit and soak in the hot springs in Hvammsvik, the sea-hot tub in Akranes, or the public swimming pool on the way back to Reykjavik
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