Glymur Waterfall
A canyon hike to Iceland's 198-metre classic — close to Reykjavík, but not a roadside stop. Glymur Waterfall is a 198-metre cascade in Hvalfjörður, about 71 km from Reykjavík, and one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland. The photo is earned rather than grabbed from a parking lot: the standard route follows a canyon trail with river crossings, narrow ledges, and viewpoints that reveal the falls in stages as you climb.
Overview
Glymur is the second-highest waterfall in Iceland, with a cascade of 198 m
A canyon hike to Iceland's 198-metre classic — close to Reykjavík, but not a roadside stop.
Glymur Waterfall is a 198-metre cascade in Hvalfjörður, about 71 km from Reykjavík, and one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland. The photo is earned rather than grabbed from a parking lot: the standard route follows a canyon trail with river crossings, narrow ledges, and viewpoints that reveal the falls in stages as you climb.
For photographers, Glymur is strongest when you want depth, scale, and a less repeated Iceland waterfall frame. Wide lenses capture the canyon walls and river, while a short telephoto isolates the falling water against mossy cliffs. It is a high-reward half-day stop for Golden Circle or West Iceland itineraries.
Best time to shoot
Late spring through early autumn for safer river crossings; early morning or late afternoon for side light inside the canyon.
- Summer: start early to avoid harsh overhead light and the busiest hiking window.
- Spring: snowmelt increases water volume, but crossings can be colder and more committing.
- Autumn: low sun gives better texture on the canyon walls; watch for slick leaves and mud.
- Winter: treat as advanced. Ice, short daylight, and route-finding make the usual hike much less forgiving.
Gear
- Lens
- 16–35 mm for canyon scale; 70–200 mm for isolating the cascade and cliff textures
- Tripod
- Optional but useful if you want slower shutter speeds from the viewpoints
- Filter
- Polarizer for wet rock and moss; 3–6 stop ND if you plan long exposures
- Protection
- Water shoes or spare socks for crossings; rain shell for exposed canyon wind
Difficulty
Moderate — canyon trail, river crossings, exposure, and uneven footing
Not a quick roadside waterfall. Budget a half day and turn around if water levels or wind make the crossings uncomfortable.
Parking & access
Free trailhead parking in Botnsdalur at the end of the Hvalfjörður access road. The classic hike is roughly 3–4 hours round trip.
- The standard route includes river crossings; bring footwear you are willing to get wet.
- The log/cable crossing can be seasonal or removed depending on conditions.
- There are no services at the trailhead; fuel and food before entering Hvalfjörður.
Do not stop at the first viewpoint. The stronger compositions come higher on the trail where the canyon narrows and the falls drop cleanly through the frame; a 70–200 mm lens turns the distant cascade into a much stronger subject.
Questions & answers
Yes, if you want a canyon hike and a less repeated waterfall frame. Glymur is close enough to Reykjavík for a half-day shoot, but the best viewpoints require a real hike rather than a roadside pull-off.
Most photographers should plan 3–4 hours round trip, plus extra time for tripod work and viewpoint scouting. The route is slower than the distance suggests because of river crossings and exposed canyon sections.
The location exists year-round, but the practical photography season is late spring through early autumn. Winter conditions can add ice, uncertain crossings, and short daylight, so it is better treated as an advanced objective.
Pair Glymur with Hvalfjörður viewpoints, Langárfoss, or the Golden Circle waterfall group if you are building a longer driving day. The downloadable waterfall map helps compare those distances and access notes before committing.