Hike Iceland's Tallest Waterfall: Glymur
Glymur Trailhead, Iceland
Description
Added by Eric Bennett
Distance: 7.5 km roundtrip. Elevation: 245m. Duration: 3 hours. Biggest waterfall in Iceland (196m). Tunnels and caves.
This amazing waterfall empties into a giant, beautiful canyon and with such a short hike, the reward is well worth the time. There are several caves to walk through and smaller waterfalls along the hike, which are all equally awesome to shoot. This is a great spot to hit up on your drive around the Western Peninsula or on your way back. It's also near the Golden Circle, a popular driving loop that hits several waterfalls and geisers that is definitely worth checking out.
To get to Glymur, drive northwest on Hwy 1 out of Reykjavik for 31 km then make a slight right onto Hwy 73. Drive another 30km and look for the parking lot on the side of the road. From the parking lot, follow the obvious trail away from the road. It is pretty straight forward all the way to the falls but keep track of signs, cairns, and yellow painted stones as there are some off shoot trails that will lead you astray.
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Reviews
Log bridge, cliff side trails and a river crossing. Much more of an adventure than I thought it would be and would do again in a heartbeat. Photos do not do justice the magnitude of the fall and the depth of the canyon. Would not recommend if you have a fear of heights as some of the trail is right on the cliff edge.
5.0
This was a great hike - did it with a group of people who don’t hike often and it was very doable. Make sure to have good waterproof hiking boots and a good jacket.
5.0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD_9add-zfI
5.0
It was awesome and a real adventure. Pack rain pants if a storm is coming through. Make sure your boots are super waterproof. Lots of streams.
5.0
Just returned from Iceland last month - did this hike our last full day - favorite hike of the trip! Had 7, 9, and 11 y.o. Boys along - great adventure!
5.0
One thing to note about this trail is that it can be very wet and muddy from snowmelt in the spring. I did it in late April and the trail was very muddy and slippery at the steeper parts so just make sure you have good and grippy waterproof hiking boots. Thankfully there are stakes and chains to hold on to during the steep parts. There is also a log crossing the river that you will have to make your way across. This part can be tricky even though there is a cable wire you can hold on to. One major recommendation I have is to not settle for the frontal view of the waterfall. Although it is a good view, your best bet is to keep climbing up and then come back around to get to the last ledge almost directly over the waterfall. Even if you are not afraid of heights, it is such an adrenaline rush looking down and seeing the water plunge almost 1,000 feet below you. Obviously, be extremely careful here, but the view is so worth it. Looking up from the waterfall, you will be able to see down the whole canyon and down the river into the mountains and the ocean in the distance. Trust me on this one.
5.0
Super beautiful area to explore but I was just here a few months ago and the small, log/rope bridge that is used to cross the water was completely gone, hopefully it is replaced soon because you can't reach the waterfall without it, unless you wade kneed-waste deep in water.
5.0
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