Glymur

Glymur drops 198 metres into a narrow gorge at the head of Hvalfjordur and was regarded as the highest waterfall in Iceland until Morsarfoss at the edge of Vatnajokull was measured after 2007 and found to be taller. The walk to it is the reason people remember the place: the route goes through a cave in the rock, crosses the Botnsa on a single log with a wire handline, then climbs the gorge side on narrow paths with the fall on the other wall. The far bank can be walked back down to a ford at the top for a loop. The log is put in each spring and taken out in autumn, so the crossing does not exist all year.

What you actually see

• A 198 metre drop - the highest in Iceland until Morsarfoss was surveyed.
• A cave on the route - the path goes through the rock.
• A log and a wire - the river crossing, in place only in summer.
• A gorge green with moss - and full of nesting fulmars.

When to go

June to September, while the log is in place. Four hours for the full loop.

Honest expectations

This is a proper hike with steep, narrow, exposed sections and a river crossing that soaks people regularly. It is not suitable in wet weather or for anyone unsteady. The upper ford is cold and thigh deep. Facilities are a car park and toilets.

Nearby

Hvalfjordur runs west from the trailhead; Reykjavik is an hour away.