Glymur
| Glymur | |
|---|---|
 Waterfall Glymur | |
 | |
| Location | Iceland |
| Coordinates | 64°23′45″N 21°14′28″W / 64.39583°N 21.24111°W |
| Type | Horsetail |
| Total height | 198 m (650 ft) |
| Number of drops | 1 |
The waterfall Glymur, with a cascade of 198 m, is the second highest waterfall of Iceland. It was long regarded as the tallest waterfall in Iceland until being surpassed with a new falls by Morsárjökull in 2011.[1]
It is situated at the rear end of the Hvalfjörður. Since the opening of the tunnel under this fjord, most people bypass the area. However, it is a very beautiful part of the Hvalfjörður with some tall mountains and forests.
The river Botnsá runs from the lake Hvalvatn and after a short distance the water falls down alongside the mountainHvalfell into a steep canyon. The waterfall can be accessed from parking area at the end of the road. On good walking boots one can hike on a marked paths to get a view of the waterfall. The waterfall can only be viewed from the east side of the river Botnsá. Hikers need to take extra care of themselves because the trail can be strenuous and potentially hazardous, passing along the edges of steep dropoffs.
From the parking area, the trail begins by passing through a gate and walking on a road marked by rocks blazed with yellow paint. A few hundred meters up the road, the trail drops over a small cliff face and descends through a cave down to the river. In the summer there is a small wooden pole over the river with an adjacent cable for a handhold, where travelers can cross to the eastern side.
After crossing the river, the trail climbs steeply with various muddy, rocky and loose areas. At times it skirts steep dropoffs. After walking a good 1–2 km. hikers should reach the best viewing area which can be recognized by a large rock resembling an anvil. From this point one can turn back the same way or head further upwards and cross the river Botnsá from above the waterfall and trail down from the western side. One has to cross the river barefooted since there is no bridge or pole over this part of the river. The round trip takes around 2–4 hours. The trip to the anvil and back takes 1–2 hours depending on conditions.
Anyone attempting this trail should have proper boots, water, and preferably hiking poles though many people hike without poles. The trail is strenuous but non-technical.
See also
References
- ^ Guðmundsson, Janus Arn (2011-06-15). "Flyst hæsti foss landsins búferlum?". Morgunblaðið. Retrieved 1 August 2015.
External links
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