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Glymur

Road 1 open8°C · breezy198 m dropfree ISK parkingWest Iceland, Iceland

About

Iceland's second tallest waterfall at 198 meters. Getting there is an adventure — cave passage, river crossing, steep climb. Not for everyone, but if you're up for it, the reward is massive.

The hike builds anticipation. Through a cave, across a log bridge over a river, up steep trails — then suddenly the canyon opens and 198 meters of white water drops before you. Earned views are the best views.

Was considered Iceland's tallest until Morsárfoss was discovered in 2007. The canyon it falls into, Botnsdalur, was carved by glacial meltwater over thousands of years. The river is called Botnsá.

The hike takes 3-4 hours round trip. The river crossing is easiest in morning before snowmelt raises water levels. Bring good shoes and don't attempt in bad weather. The cave at the start is short but dark — a flashlight helps.

Driving conditions
Road conditions
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Road · From Reykjavík to the foss
Drive: Good
Visit now
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsClosed (winter)
ClosuresNone nearby
Wind
Visibility
Prices
Cost to visit
free ISK
Parking only · entry free
Entry: Free
Parking: free ISK
No booking
Entry feeFree
Parkingfree ISK
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
Forecast
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Northern lights
Tonight
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No data
22:00 – 02:00
Face north
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9
Activity peak23:42
MoonWaxing crescent
Light pollutionRural dark sky
Sun & light
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Sunrise
Golden hour AM
Golden hour PM
Sunset
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Cars & campers

−15%exclusive discountFree cancellationKEF airport pickup 24/74.8

Tours near Glymur

−10%exclusive discountFree cancellationSmall groups4.8

Photos

Glymur waterfall front view
Anja M.
Glymur sunset behind falls
Daniel P.
Glymur close up
Sofia L.
Glymur visitors path
Marco R.
Glymur waterfall Iceland
Elena K.
Glymur aerial view
Tómas V.

Videos

Seljalandsfoss WaterfallJared Dillingham
Walk Behind the WaterfallPlanet Earth
Behind Seljalandsfoss at SunsetThe Powers Couple
Seljalandsfoss in One ShotCandace Cabrera
Waterfalls of IcelandDutch Angles
Behind a Beautiful WaterfallJerad Gardner, MD

Reviews

Anja Müller
Mar 28, 2026 · Sightseeing
Unique experienceWet & mistyParking availableFamily friendly

Walking behind a 60-meter waterfall is something you don't forget. We went at sunset and the light through the curtain was absolutely magical. Bring proper rain gear — you WILL get soaked through. The path is well-maintained but rocky.

Conditions: Wet, misty spray, soaked path
Parking: Paid, 800 ISK, large lot
Difficulty: Easy
Daniel Park
Feb 14, 2026 · Photography
Great light at sunriseCrowded in summerGljúfrabúi nearby

Best light at sunrise before the tour buses arrive. The path behind is slippery in winter but doable with spikes. Don't skip Gljúfrabúi next door — most tourists walk right past it, but it's a hidden waterfall inside a cave. Spectacular.

Conditions: Icy path, cold spray
Parking: Paid lot, small fee
Difficulty: Easy
Sofia Lindström
Jan 6, 2026 · Road trip
Winter closed behindIcyGreat views

Stopped here on a Ring Road trip in early January. The path behind the waterfall was closed due to ice — check conditions before you go if walking behind is the main reason. Still stunning from the front though.

Conditions: Snow, ice, closed path
Parking: Free in winter (closed booth)
Difficulty: Easy (front only)

Frequently
asked
questions

How hard is the Glymur hike?
Challenging. River crossing, steep sections, some exposure. 3-4 hours. Not for beginners.
Do you need to cross a river?
Yes, twice if doing the loop. Use the log bridge. Water is lowest in morning.
Is Glymur the tallest waterfall in Iceland?
Second tallest at 198m. Morsárfoss (227m) is taller but less accessible.
Can kids do the Glymur hike?
Only older kids comfortable with heights and river crossings. Not for young children.
When is the best time to hike Glymur?
Summer, early in the day when river levels are lower. Check weather before going.
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