Glymur

West

At 198 meters, Glymur was Iceland's tallest waterfall until Morsárfoss was measured in 2011. It remains the highest reachable on foot, and the hike is one of the better half-day walks near Reykjavík. The trailhead sits at the end of Hvalfjörður, about 70 kilometers from the capital. The 7-kilometer loop gains around 425 meters, passing through a small lava cave called Þvottahellir near the start before climbing to narrow cliff-edge sections with chain ropes. Two river crossings are part of the loop. A log with a cable assist spans the Botnsá and is typically in place from June through September. Above the falls, you wade the river itself — cold and knee-deep or less in summer. The best viewpoint is the canyon rim looking straight down 198 meters and back out to the fjord. This trail has genuine exposure and no guardrails. Anyone uncomfortable with heights should reconsider. Wear proper hiking boots — the cliff sections are dangerous when wet. The full loop takes 3–4 hours. Arrive before 9 AM for a quieter canyon.

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