Glymur Waterfall Hike: Distance, Crossing, Season

Tips

• Take Route 1 north toward Borgarnes and turn right onto Route 47 before the Hvalfjörður tunnel. The Glymur sign appears after about 45 minutes; turn onto the gravel road and follow it 3 km to the car park. Parking is free and fills quickly, so come early. There are no toilets or services at the car park or on the trail, and no public transport. The trail is marked by rock cairns with yellow markers. There are two route options: an out-and-back on the east side of the river, which is easier, or a loop that crosses the river twice. The first crossing, over the Botnsá, is a log with a guide rope from June to September; outside those months the log is removed. The second crossing is a wade in cold shallow water, so bring water shoes or sandals. The hike gains about 300 to 400 m, with narrow, steep and slippery sections and loose gravel on the descent. It is not suitable for small children or anyone uneasy with heights. Turn back if the river is high or visibility is poor, and do not hike it in winter without experience and equipment. Afterwards, the geothermal baths at Krauma in West Iceland are a warm stop after the hike. To rent a car, see Iceland car rental; the Discover Cars page is linked in the box above.