There’s something special about standing at the base of a waterfall that’s taller than the Statue of Liberty. Glymur, at 196 meters (643 feet), is Iceland’s tallest waterfall, and it’s absolutely worth the effort to reach it. This isn’t just a quick roadside pit stop—it’s a proper adventure that combines hiking, a river crossing, and some genuinely spectacular scenery. If you’re serious about experiencing Iceland’s natural wonders, Glymur needs to be on your list.
Why Glymur Is Worth Your Time
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Glymur requires effort. It’s not a five-minute walk from a parking lot. But that’s exactly why it’s worth doing. The relatively small number of people who attempt it means you’ll have a quieter, more intimate experience than you’d get at Iceland’s more famous waterfalls. Plus, the actual achievement of reaching it—complete with a river crossing—makes standing beneath those falling waters feel like something you actually earned.
The waterfall itself is fed by the Botnsá river, which flows down from the highlands. When you finally see the water dropping off the mountainside, especially if it’s a clear day and you can see the full height, it’s genuinely breathtaking. The power and sheer scale of it hits differently when you’re standing beneath it.
Getting There: The Journey
Location: Glymur is located in North Iceland, near Borgarnes, about 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Reykjavik. If you’re based in the capital, it’s very doable as a day trip.
Parking: There’s a parking area at the trailhead. GPS coordinates are approximately 64.6328°N, 21.2717°W if you’re plugging into a GPS device. The parking lot is small but usually has space unless it’s peak summer season.
Getting to the Parking Lot: From Reykjavik, head northeast on Route 1 (the Ring Road) toward Borgarnes. Before reaching Borgarnes proper, turn north on Route 50 toward Akranes. Shortly after this turn, you’ll see signs directing you to Glymur. The roads are paved all the way to the parking area, though they can be narrow in spots.
The Hike: What to Expect
The hike to Glymur isn’t incredibly long—only about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) one way—but don’t let that distance fool you into thinking it’s easy. This is where terrain and elevation combine to create a legitimate hiking experience.
The Trail: From the parking area, the trail initially heads through beautiful birch forest. This is the easy part, and it gives you a chance to warm up and get your hiking legs underneath you. The forest here is magical, especially if you’re hiking in late spring or summer when everything is lush and green. The canopy filters the light in a particularly Icelandic way—there’s something almost mystical about it.
After about 20-30 minutes of forest walking, the trail opens up and you’ll spot the Botnsá river ahead. This is where the real adventure begins.
The River Crossing
Here’s the thing that separates casual hikers from Glymur hikers: you have to ford the Botnsá river. There’s no bridge, no stepping stones (usually), and no way around it. You’re getting wet. Period.
When to Cross: The difficulty level of this crossing depends entirely on water levels, which depend on rainfall and snowmelt. In early summer (May-June), the water can be dangerously high and fast from snowmelt in the highlands. This is when many hikers wisely decide to skip Glymur or wait for water levels to drop. By July through September, the water is usually much more manageable.
Before you commit to the crossing, scout it from the shore. Check how fast the water is moving, where the safest crossing points are, and whether your nerves can handle it. There’s no shame in turning back if you’re uncomfortable.
Crossing Technique: Most hikers remove their boots and socks to keep them dry, then wade across in whatever footwear they can’t get wet—hiking boots, trail runners, or just bare feet if you’re brave. Others just accept that their boots will get soaked. One walking pole or hiking staff becomes incredibly valuable here; two poles are even better. They give you stability against the current and help you feel your way across the rocky bottom.
The water is cold, always. Like, properly cold. Your legs will notice. The bottom is rocky and uneven, so watch your footing. Take your time, move deliberately, and don’t rush. The current wants to push you downstream, so angle your body slightly upstream and move diagonally across rather than straight across.
Pro tip: If you hike with a partner, cross linked together for mutual stability.
After the Crossing: The Final Push
Once you’ve successfully forded the river, you’re about halfway in terms of elevation gain, but only a quarter of the way in terms of effort. The trail now climbs more steeply through moorland and up the mountainside toward the waterfall.
This section of the hike is where it gets legitimately challenging. The trail becomes rockier, the elevation gain is noticeable, and your legs will definitely know they’re working. The good news is that the views start opening up. You can look back toward the valley you just crossed and start to see the landscape from a higher perspective.
The closer you get to the waterfall, the more the sound builds. First, it’s a distant roar. Then it gets louder. Then it’s this constant, thunderous presence that you feel more than hear. Your excitement will probably build proportionally to the volume.
The Payoff: Arriving at Glymur
When you finally round the last bend and Glymur comes into full view, it’s genuinely moving. One hundred ninety-six meters of water falling down a mountainside is legitimately impressive. The scale is hard to grasp from pictures—you need to be there, standing beneath it, to really understand the enormity.
The spray reaches you even from a distance, and if there’s wind, it can shift the waterfall’s spray in different directions. The sound is intense—not in an unpleasant way, but in a way that reminds you how powerful nature is.
Photos: The best photos usually come from different angles. Some people climb a bit higher for a more aerial view. Some stay down low to capture the drama. Some focus on the water detail. Don’t just take one shot and leave—experiment with your angle and framing. The light changes throughout the day, which changes how the waterfall looks.
Time to Spend: Plan on spending at least 30 minutes here, ideally longer. Bring snacks, sit down, and actually experience the place. This is why you did the hike—don’t rush through it.
Difficulty Assessment
Overall difficulty: Moderate to Moderate-High
- Hiking difficulty: The trail itself is well-established and clear, but the elevation gain is real. The steep sections will have you breathing hard, especially if you’re not used to mountain hiking.
What to Bring (Essential)
Hiking Boots: Good, waterproof hiking boots are essential. You’re going to get at least your feet wet, so waterproofing matters. Boots with good ankle support are better than trail runners for this terrain.
Walking Poles: At least one, ideally two. They’re invaluable for the river crossing and help with the steep terrain.
Waterproof Jacket: Weather in Iceland changes rapidly. You might have perfect sun one moment and rain the next. A lightweight, packable waterproof jacket is essential.
Water: Bring at least 2 liters. The elevation and physical effort mean you’ll be thirsty, and there’s no reliable water source along the way (the river crossing water isn’t safe to drink without treatment).
Snacks: High-energy snacks like energy bars, nuts, fruit, or chocolate. You’ll need fuel for the hike back up after your time at the waterfall.
Warm Layers: Even in summer, it can be cool. A fleece or insulating layer under your waterproof jacket is smart.
Hat and Sunglasses: The sun reflects off water and rock, and it’s intense. Protect your eyes and head.
What to Bring (Highly Recommended)
Walking Shorts or Removable Pants: Something you can remove easily before the river crossing so you can wade across without soaking your main hiking pants.
Plastic Bag for Boots: Keep your feet dry across the river by putting dry socks and your boots in a waterproof bag until after the crossing.
Towel or Microfiber Cloth: Small and lightweight, incredibly useful for drying off after the river crossing.
Headlamp: If you’re hiking early in summer, the sun barely sets. But bring a headlamp just in case you’re slower than expected or clouds roll in and it gets dim earlier than you anticipated.
Map and Compass or GPS: Even though the trail is fairly obvious, having navigation backup is smart.
Best Season to Hike Glymur
July through September is ideal. The weather is most stable, the days are long, and the river is usually at manageable levels. August is probably the most consistently good month.
June can work, but water levels from snowmelt can still be high. Check conditions before you go.
May should generally be avoided unless you’re experienced and have confirmed with locals that water levels are dropping. Snowmelt can make the river crossing genuinely dangerous.
October through April is not recommended. Cold temperatures, short days, potentially icy conditions, and the river can be high from autumn storms or swollen from spring snowmelt.
Time Needed
Total time: Plan for 4-5 hours round trip. This includes:
Start early. If you begin at 9 or 10 AM, you’ll have plenty of time to reach the waterfall and get back to your car before evening, even if you’re moving slowly.
Common Questions About Glymur
Is it dangerous? The river crossing is the risky part. In summer with normal water levels, it’s manageable but requires respect and care. The hiking itself isn’t technically difficult, but the elevation gain and terrain require a reasonable fitness level.
Can kids do it? Kids who are comfortable hiking and don’t mind getting wet can absolutely do it. Younger kids might struggle with the elevation gain or be intimidated by the river crossing. There’s no age minimum; assess your specific child’s abilities.
What if the river is too high? If you arrive and the river looks too dangerous, don’t attempt it. Turnaround and visit one of Iceland’s many accessible waterfalls instead. No view is worth risking your life.
How crowded is it? Glymur is less crowded than Skógafoss or Seljalandsfoss, but it’s definitely not a secret. On a busy summer day, you might pass 50-100 people on the trail. On quieter days, you could have it almost to yourself.
Can you camp near Glymur? No, there’s no camping at Glymur. The nearest town with accommodation is Borgarnes, about 30 minutes away. Some people base themselves in Reykjavik and do it as a day trip.
After Your Hike
Once you’ve completed Glymur, you’ve earned the right to feel pretty accomplished. You’ve hiked a real trail, crossed a real river, and stood beneath an actual waterfall that’s taller than some of the world’s most famous structures.
Celebrate appropriately. Get a warm meal in Borgarnes or Reykjavik. Soak in a hot spring if you’re nearby. Change into dry clothes and relax. Your legs will appreciate it tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Glymur isn’t the easiest hike in Iceland, and it’s not the most accessible. But it’s one of the most rewarding. The river crossing alone sets it apart—it transforms the experience from a simple “visit a waterfall” into a genuine adventure. You’re not just going to see something impressive; you’re actively participating in reaching it.
That effort, that river crossing, that steep climb—it all makes standing beneath those falling waters mean something more. You earned it. And honestly, that’s what separates a memorable trip from something you just check off a list.
If you’re reasonably fit, comfortable with hiking, and you don’t mind a little cold water adventure, Glymur absolutely deserves a place in your Iceland itinerary. Go early, bring the right gear, respect the river, and prepare for an experience you’ll be talking about for years.
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