Getting to the trailhead
70 km from Reykjavik via Route 1 north and Route 47 into Hvalfjordur — 55 minutes. Do not take the tunnel; follow the old fjord road around. The trailhead is at Botnsa farm at the head of the fjord; parking is free, and there is a small info board. No entry fee. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and if you go outside July-August, waterproofs — the trail crosses a river twice.
The hike
Loop trail, 7.5 km, 3-4 hours with photos. The route drops through a lava cave, crosses a log-and-cable river ford (removed October-May for safety), then climbs through birch forest to a series of viewpoints. The waterfall reveal at the top is genuinely breathtaking — a slot canyon with the river plummeting 200 metres down mossy walls. Return via the higher north-side path for a completely different angle and another river crossing near the top.
Combining with Hvalfjordur
Make it a full day: after the hike, drive the Hvalfjordur loop (Route 47) which most tourists skip because of the tunnel. Stop at the Hvalfjordur whaling museum (small, $10), the WW2 abandoned oil tanks, and Hotel Glymur for lamb and a soak in the outdoor hot tub with fjord views ($22 for lunch mains, $40 for the tub for non-guests). Back in Reykjavik by 7pm.
Gott að vita
Algengar spurningar
Is Glymur hikeable in winter?
The lower section yes, but the river crossings are removed and dangerous in high water. Solo winter hiking here is not recommended — check with the tourist office in Reykjavik.
Do I need a guide?
No. The trail is well marked and busy in summer. Just download the map from safetravel.is before you go — no cell service.
What is Iceland's tallest waterfall?
Morsarfoss in Vatnajokull National Park at 227 metres, but it is remote and only visible from a distance. Glymur is the tallest one you can actually hike to.
Can kids do this hike?
Fit kids over 10 with hiking experience yes, but the river crossings and steep slot-canyon edges make it a bad choice for younger children.
Að gera gott er reksturinn: hver bókun í gegnum Stay Iceland fjármagnar eitt staðfest tonn af kolefnisbindingu — sama herbergi, sama verð, engin álagning.
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