Falling for you

At 196 metres, we think Iceland’s highest waterfall should get some more respect.

Once upon a time, Glymur, the highest waterfall in Iceland, was a pretty popular destination. Not surprisingly, given that it takes less than an hour to drive from Reykjavík to the bottom of Hvalfjörður where you start your hike.

But guess what. Something happened in the tough and competetive world of Icelandic waterfalls and Glymur seemed to lose out to more glamorous waterfalls like Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss, peddling their wares closer to the action. And it certainly didn’t help when someone decided to build a tunnel, drying up most of the Ring Road traffic that used to pass by.

Glymur is still there of course, wonderfully isolated, and going there makes for a great day tour if you’re based in Reykjavík.

It takes about 90 minutes to get to the waterfall from the parking lot and the trail is pretty well marked, if slightly precarious once you start to climb. (You can even pick some blueberries on the way, if they’re in season.)

Once you get up there, make sure you pluck up the courage to cross the river and get the view from the other side, where it’s so much better.

Glymur is at the bottom of Hvalfjörður, around 60 minutes drive from Reykjavík. Once there, you have to walk for another 90 minutes, climb around 200 metres and cross a very cold river. Très Indiana Jones. So do use caution, and please don’t sue us if you fall and hurt yourself. [Photo courtesy of Snow Elf via Flickr]

Glymur: Flickr | Wikipedia