Glymur Waterfall Hike: Iceland’s Second-Tallest Falls in Hvalfjörður

Glymur drops 198 metres into the moss-green Botnsá canyon at the head of Hvalfjörður, making it Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall after Morsárfoss. It is one of the closest big hikes to Borgarfjörður, and the loop up to it is genuinely rewarding, but it is not a casual stroll. Here is the honest version.

The hike itself

The classic route is a loop of about 7 kilometres, taking most walkers 3 to 4 hours with roughly 300 metres of climbing. From the Botnsdalur car park the path runs up the valley, then passes through Þvottahellir, a natural cave you walk into and out the far side of. Shortly after, you reach the first crossing of the Botnsá river: a single log with a guide cable strung across it. On the far bank the trail climbs the south side of the canyon, where a series of viewpoints open onto the falls tumbling down the far wall.

You can return the same way, or continue up to a shallow ford above the falls and come back down the north side to make a full loop. Both river crossings are cold, and the rocks are slippery, so take your time and expect wet feet.

Timing it around the seasons

This matters more than anything else. The log across the lower crossing is only in place during the warmer months, roughly June to September, put in by local volunteers once the river drops and removed before winter floods sweep it away. Outside that window you cannot safely do the classic loop, and the trail is often icy. Aim for July or August for the lowest water and the longest daylight.

The south-side path has real canyon-edge exposure in places. If you or anyone in your group struggles with heights, or you are hiking with small children, this is worth taking seriously; the return-the-same-way option keeps you off the most exposed upper sections.

Getting there and what to bring

• Getting there: Drive to the Botnsdalur car park at the head of Hvalfjörður. From The Hvítá Inn it is about a 50-minute drive south on Route 1, then onto Route 47 around the fjord (skip the tunnel).
• Duration: Roughly 3 to 4 hours for the full 7 km loop; allow longer with photo stops or a picnic at the top.
• When to go: Roughly June to September, when the log crossing is installed. Start in the morning to have the light and daylight on your side.
• What to bring: Proper hiking boots, layers and a waterproof, plenty of water, and sandals or a spare pair of socks for the river crossings. There are no facilities at the trailhead beyond parking.

Where to Stay

Base yourself at The Hvítá Inn, a countryside inn on the bank of the Hvítá river in Borgarfjörður with private-bathroom rooms. Its position in West Iceland puts you closer to the Botnsdalur trailhead than most Reykjavík hotels, so you can reach the car park early, hike Glymur before the day-trippers arrive, and be back for dinner. Book direct on Ourhotels.is for the best rate.

Photo: Pjt56 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.