The hike to Glymur Waterfall is not the hike you do if you seek solitude. This is one of the most popular hikes within a short driving distance from Reykjavík. And there is a reason for that. It’s an amazing hike. So if you don’t mind hiking a trail with a lot of other people, you should definitely check it out.
Glymur Waterfall is the second highest waterfall in Iceland and falls into a very deep and narrow gorge. Birds fly around between the rock walls and it gives you the chills to stand close to the edge of this steep and stunning gorge.
The hike from the parking lot to the top of the waterfall and back is about 7km/4.3mi. It’s quite demanding, not only because of the elevation of about 400m/1312ft but also because the trail is a bit tricky some places. Let’s just say this hike is not for the faint of heart.
The hike to the top is quite diverse. You start by hiking through some typical Icelandic birch bushes that cover a large part of this area. When you get closer to the river, the trail leads you through a pretty cool cave.
The Hike to Glymur Waterfall Requires Rivercrossing
Then when you reach the river, you cross it on a big tree log that is placed there every spring for hikers. Normally you can cross without getting your feet wet but occasionally the water level in the river becomes so high that the water flows over the log. Then it depends on the shoes you’re wearing if you get wet or not.
Speaking of shoes. Wearing some ordinary sneakers is definitely not recommended for this hike. The combination of a pretty steep trail and loose gravel requires shoes with a good grip. So in order to keep you from falling flat on your face, wear your hiking boots 🙂
You are able to see or at least get a glimpse of the waterfall on your way up. To get the best view though, you have to hike all the way up to the top. This waterfall makes you work for it for sure. But it’s totally worth it. I promise.
Amazing Gorge a Big Part of the Experience
The hike to the top doesn’t just give you a great view of the waterfall itself but also of the deep, narrow and breathtaking gorge. In my opinion the gorge is a huge part of the experience. The waterfall is beautiful and all but I think it’s the whole package that makes this hike so awesome.
The amazing gorge with its mossy rock walls and birds flying around in it. The view over the surroundings and all the way to the ocean. The birch bushes, the cave and the crossing of the river. All these things add up to an awesome experience. A great day out in nature.
Hike Back and Forth or in a Loop?
You have two options when doing this hike. One is to hike to the top and back down again. However, there is another option many take advantage of. When you reach the top, you can cross the river above the waterfall. You’ll have to wade across the river as there is no bridge or anything to help you cross it. Depending on how tall you are and the water level in the river, the cold water can easily reach you up to your knees.
I will have to say though, the trail along the gorge on the other side of the river isn’t nearly as clear. I had some problems finding it. Actually I didn’t find it! Ended up on another trail further away from the gorge. I’ve also talked to a few other people that tell the same story. That they had problems finding the right way back down, through the birch bushes along the gorge.
Not that the trail I ended up on wasn’t a great one. It was an old gravel road that actually offered some really good ocean views. It was quite different from the hike on my way up along the gorge. Which I thought was great. Always down for some diversity.
Consider to Use a Hiking App
If you decide to cross the river above the waterfall and do a loop instead of hiking the same way down, I recommend you to find a track you can use. I plan to add a track for this hike on my Wikiloc account this spring or summer to share with you here. So stay tuned!
That being said, I don’t think it really adds a whole lot to the hike to do the loop instead of going back and forth. At least if you hike along the gorge on both sides. When come to think of it, I actually think it adds more to the hike if you do the trail I did on my way down. It offers a bit different environment and views. So I guess it wasn’t all bad that I didn’t find “the right way” 🙂
Just consider to bring some water shoes if you plan to do a loop instead of hiking back and forth. A small towel would also be nice to have.
How to find the Trailhead for the Glymur Waterfall Hike
The trailhead to Glymur is about one hour drive from Reykjavik. The waterfall is located in the bottom of a fjord called Hvalfjörður, which means fjord of whales. Driving Hvalfjörður is a very scenic drive which is a nice added bonus to this trip.
Simply write “Glymur” in the search on google maps and choose “Glymur Waterfall” from the list of results.
When you reach the bottom of the fjord, you turn off the main road. The last bit of the way you drive on a gravel road which leads you to the parking lot.
I prefer doing this hike in summer. Simply because I think the environment is most beautiful that time of year. Then there are leaves on the bushes and the gorge’s walls are beautifully green. But of course every season has its charm. I’m not sure though, if the trailhead is accessible in winter if there is much snow in the area. It will also be a tricky hike under those conditions. Don’t really recommend it. Unless you’re with a guided group.
Speaking of guided hikes. If you don’t have a car or would just rather do this hike with somebody who has done it before, there are a number of options to choose from. Here is one example. I don’t know this guide but I can see that she has received a lot of great reviews for this hike on airbnb.
Hiking with Helga, an Icelandic geologistAlso, if you do this hike in winter or early spring/late fall, the tree log you use to cross the river below the waterfall, won’t be there. It’s only there in late spring/summer. An important detail to keep in mind.
Looking for More Hikes Close to Reykjavík?
If you are looking for hikes close to Reykjavík, one or more of these might also be something for you:
Móskarðshnjúkar – a Great Mountain Hike Seltún Geothermal Area Easy But Rewarding Hike to a Volcanic Crater A Gorgeous Little Known Geothermal Area in the Hengill Area A Lava Hike close to the Blue LagoonHappy hiking!
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