Glymur Falls is Iceland’s second tallest waterfall, but arguably one of the most beautiful. Not viewable from the road, it involves a little hiking to view, but it is completely worth it. Hikers can ascend alongside the stunning canyon walls with incredible viewing angles, and even cross the river above the falls for more unique views. Below you’ll find all of the details you need to enjoy the stunning beauty of these falls.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 4.6 Miles Round Trip (7.40 Km)
Waterfall Length: 198 Meters (650 feet)
Elevation Gain: 363 Meters (1,191 feet)
Trails
Hiking to Glymur falls can be done a few different ways. The best and fullest experience would be to do a loop, ascending the south side of the gorge, and descending from the north side. Hikers can choose to move out and back, or not ascend all the way to the top of the waterfall before turning back. Gorgeous views of the waterfall begin around 1.5 miles into the hike.
Trail Map
The below map highlights the most common loop to take to see the falls from just about all angles. There are well traveled paths other than the two highlighted, including one on the north side of the river (yellow) that comes closer to the gorge area. This is a well traveled trail, so it won’t be difficult to stay on it, and you will likely see other hikers.
Hiking Season
Though hiking to the falls can be done year round, it should be avoided in winter or icy weather if you are an inexperienced hiker, or do not have the proper traction equipment. The trail gets quite steep, and is frequently covered in ice, making microspikes essential.
Directions
Here are directions to the parking lot to hike to the falls. The parking lot is pretty large, as you can see by the map, but this is a busy hike during nice weather.
Trail Description With Pictures
The trail begins to relatively flat all the way until the river crossing which features a cable to assist hikers, as well as a little bit of a log walk.
Glymur Falls Lower River Crossing
Once crossing the river, you begin ascending relatively quickly with the river on your left.
Panorama from Glymur Falls Trail Looking Back Towards Trailhead & Ocean
Views Heading Up Towards Glymur Falls
It does not take long before hikers get some incredible viewpoints of the falls. You can see the trail ahead with other viewpoints, and likely other hikers ascending.
From Glymur Falls Lookout Point
Once hikers reach the top of the falls, they can choose to either head back down the same path, or find a safe place to cross the river above the falls. It may require you to take off your boots to do so!
Views From the Top of Glymur Falls
Hikers can descend from the other side of the falls, finding even more unique vantage points of the falls and the trail heading back to the parking lot.
Views From North Side of Glymur Falls
Upper Glymur Falls From North Side of Trail
North Side of Glymur Falls Trail Running
North Side of Glymur Falls Trail on Cliff Edge
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about