The best waterfalls in Hvalfjordur

Glymur Waterfall is Iceland’s tallest accessible waterfall at 198 metres, tucked deep inside a dramatic canyon. Reaching it requires a 6.6 km return hike with about 450 metres of elevation gain, taking roughly 4 hours. It’s widely considered one of the best day hikes along Iceland’s Ring Road—scenic, quiet, and rewarding.

Getting there: We left Reykjavík at 8 a.m. and arrived at the trailhead in about an hour. The parking lot had only three cars—completely peaceful. The first half hour of the trail is relatively easy and gentle, until the canyon suddenly opens up, the sound of rushing water grows louder, and the path becomes much steeper. Birds glide along the cliff edges in the wind, giving the whole atmosphere a strong Lord of the Rings feel.

Eventually, Glymur appears—especially spectacular after rain. Water plunges from the cliff edge straight into a dark gorge below, crashing down with incredible force and echoing through the canyon.