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Iceland does have some impressive canyons, but personally, I am mostly into canyons that are adorned with big waterfalls. If you are looking for a photogenic canyon and a big waterfall in Iceland, look no further than the waterfall of Glymur in Hvalfjördur (fjord of whales). If you are wondering if Hvalfjordur is full of whales as well, well, I´m sorry to say that it isn´t. It is named after an old folk tale, but not the school of whales hanging out there.
Anyway, I digress. Glymur waterfall is some 198 meters high and runs in the river of Botnsá in the Botnsdalur valley. The river originates in the lake of Hvalvatn (Whale-lake), which, yes, you guessed it, does not contain any whales! After all, whales are typically not found in lakes, in case you didn´t know.
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You need to be really careful hiking up to Glymur, as the hiking routes there will take you alongside massively deep canyons. I suppose the accompanying photographs will demonstrate that those with a fear of heights may want to pass on this. But if you feel brave enough, there are three hiking routes to Glymur, and one of them takes you across the river. I do not recommend that you attempt to cross if the river water runs high. If you go across the river, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Glymur waterfall; you may have difficulty in seeing the whole of the waterfall from the edge of the canyon. Expect to spend some 3-4 hours hiking.
How to get there
This route description is for those who cross the river and view the waterfall from the south side.
1. Drive from Reykjavik to the Botnsdalur valley. Park in the marked parking space.
2. Follow a footpath which is marked by yellow stones
3. Go by an open-ended cave to the river.
4. Cross the river. Be careful when doing, and as I mentioned earlier, do not attempt to cross if the river is high
5. Walk up a steep incline and walk alongside the canyon where the waterfall is visible. Please be careful there.
