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Glymur
Now, there are many waterfalls on Iceland and their attraction might wear down after some time. But this one is very worth visiting. With 198 meters of altitude it is the highest waterfall in Iceland, and it rushes into a spectacular canyon, very narrow and very deep. It is impossible to reach the base of the waterfall through the canyon but a footpath along the river offers and up the ridge along the canyon offers views of various degree onto the waterfall.
It ain´t easy though, the path is very rough from the beginning and once you reach the cliff edge of the canyon at the foot of the mountain flank and walk down – virtually – through the rocks a first obstacle awaits the hiker: you have to pass the river via some slippery, half-submerged stones and a narrow trunk. This is a challenge which most won´t tackle without getting wet feet already with lower water levels.
Once you passed the river it doesn´t get any easier. The path soon climbs steep up over eroded and slippery steep rocks and then follows the canyon edge very close to the abyss which gets increasingly deeper. All this on very rough and often unstable ground and with an increasingly steep ascent. This path requires some experience and strength and suitable shoes and clothes. Being afraid of heights makes it impossible to do this hike / climb!
Rewards for this strenuous uphill hike are thrilling views into the canyon and – further uphill – on the waterfall itself. When you finally reach the top of the waterfall you have two choices: either climb back down the path or continue uphill until you reach the ridge and the plain east of it. After a while you get the opportunity to cross the now peaceful river via a – normally knee-deep – ford. From there you can hike to the north side of the canyon and follow the path down here. It offers less spectacular views on the waterfall but is a bit less challenging and usually less populated.
Warning: the hike is suitable for experienced and fit hikers with adequate clothing and shoes only!
Check this gallery for more impressions.
Related stories:
Iceland blog, episode 10 – Southwest
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