Waterfalls in Iceland are as common as red phone booths in London, but in a land of epic waterfalls, this one stands above the rest. Located in the Hvalfjörður region of west Iceland, just north of Reykjavik, the Glymur waterfall is the country’s highest with a drop of 650 feet. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular destinations in the area.
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The Best Way to See and Hike Glymur Waterfall, Iceland's Highest Waterfall
@visit Standing speechless at Glymur Waterfall in Iceland at 11pm 🇮🇸 by @Melody 🌱 #naturetok #waterfall #icelandtravel ♬ original sound – Visit
The best way to experience Glymur is from its viewing platform located at the top of a cliff overlooking the magnificent cascade. From here, you can get an amazing view of the falls as it cascades down into its pool below. The scenery around the falls is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. In summertime, you can expect vibrant greens and blues that will leave you feeling awestruck by the area’s serene natural beauty, while in winter, you might be lucky enough to witness some stunning ice formations along with snow-covered hillsides.
In addition to its stunning views, another great thing about Glymur is that it’ relatively easy to access thanks to its well-maintained hiking trails. The hike itself takes around one to three hours depending on your fitness level and how often you stop along the way to take photos or catch your breath. The trail begins at Botnsheiði parking lot and follows an old road alongside a river before leading up to the viewpoint mentioned earlier. While there are some steep parts along the way, don’t worry — there are plenty of breaks for those who need them.
One aspect of visiting Glymur that sets it apart from Iceland’s other waterfalls is the landscape, characterized by lush vegetation and winding rivers. In addition to hiking up towards Gylmur’s viewing platform, make sure you don’t miss out on exploring some other nearby attractions like Hafravatn Lake or Fossvogsdalur Valley — both within easy walking distance from Gylmur. 