How tall is Glymur, and is it Iceland's highest waterfall?

Glymur is 198 meters (650 ft) high. Since the discovery of Morsarfoss in 2007, which was measured at 239 meters (780 ft), Glymur is Iceland's second-highest waterfall - but Morsarfoss flows under a glacier and can practically never be seen in one piece, so Glymur remains the tallest waterfall a visitor can actually see.

How long is the hike to Glymur?

The loop from the parking lot at the head of Botnsdalur is 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) with about 300 meters (1,000 ft) of climbing, and takes about 3 to 4 hours there and back, with stops. Together with the drive from Reykjavik, count on half a day.

Do you have to cross the river to see Glymur?

The full loop crosses the Botnsa river twice. Low in the valley you cross on a log with a rope to hold on to. Above the waterfall there is no log at all, only a wide ford - the water is shin-deep and ice cold, so rubber boots or bare feet and a small towel are worth taking.

When is the best time to hike to Glymur?

Between June and September. It is warmer then and the days are long enough that you do not have to worry about walking back in the dark. In winter the trail is covered with snow and there are only a few hours of daylight, which makes the hike dangerous.

How do you get to Glymur from Reykjavik?

Drive road 1 north and turn onto road 47 before Hvalfjordur fjord. Road 47 runs along the fjord to its head, where signposts point to the access road leading to the parking lot in Botnsdalur, where the trail begins.

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