A hiker was airlifted by helicopter from the trail leading to Glymur, Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall, after sustaining injuries on the route. Icelandic Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) and the Icelandic Coast Guard helicopter service responded to the incident, which has renewed urgent safety warnings for one of the country’s most popular — and most demanding — day hikes.
Key takeaways
- A hiker was rescued by helicopter near Glymur waterfall following a trail injury; the condition of the individual has not been officially confirmed.
- The Glymur trail involves a river crossing, steep ridgelines, and loose scree — hazards that catch unprepared visitors off guard every season.
- Icelandic Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) operates a 112 emergency line and a dedicated app; knowing both before you hike could save your life.
- Trail conditions change rapidly — always check Veðurstofan (the Icelandic Meteorological Office) before setting out.
- The trail is generally open in summer but has no permanent ranger service; hikers are responsible for their own safety.
What happened to the hiker rescued near Glymur waterfall?
Rescue teams responded to a report of an injured hiker in the Hvalfjörður area, where the trail to Glymur begins. The hiker sustained injuries on the route — reports indicate the incident involved a fall, though the exact circumstances have not been officially confirmed at time of publication. The Icelandic Coast Guard’s helicopter, which serves as the primary air rescue asset in Iceland, was dispatched to reach the casualty, whose location on the steep terrain made a ground evacuation impractical.
The hiker was airlifted and transported for medical treatment. Their condition has not been publicly confirmed by authorities. ICE-SAR volunteers also attended the scene, as is standard procedure for backcountry incidents in Iceland.
This is not the first rescue on this trail. Glymur, which drops approximately 198 metres into a narrow gorge in Hvalfjörður — a fjord roughly 50 kilometres north of Reykjavík — attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. Rescue incidents on the route are recorded every season.
How dangerous is the Glymur hike in Iceland?
The Glymur hike is rated moderate to difficult. It is far more demanding than its popularity suggests, and that gap between expectation and reality is where most accidents happen. The full return hike is approximately 7 to 8 kilometres and takes between three and five hours depending on pace and conditions.
The trail presents several specific hazards:
- River crossing: Hikers must wade through the Botnsá river, or use a narrow log bridge that can be slippery when wet. The crossing is the most technically difficult section and the point where most slips occur.
- Steep ridgelines: The path climbs sharply along the canyon wall above the gorge. Loose rocks and exposure to heights are a genuine risk.
- Scree and loose rock: The upper section near the waterfall involves unstable underfoot conditions, particularly after rain.
- Rapidly changing weather: Iceland’s weather can shift from clear to driving rain and wind within minutes, making surfaces treacherous and visibility poor.
- No mobile signal in the gorge: Connectivity drops significantly inside the canyon, which can delay emergency calls.
Inexperienced hikers in road shoes or carrying no water have been encountered on this trail regularly. The ascent to the viewpoint at the top of the falls is steep enough to require both hands in places. Anyone with limited hiking experience should treat this as a serious undertaking, not a casual walk.
Is the Glymur trail currently safe and open?
As of this report, there is no official closure of the Glymur trail. However, trail status in Iceland can change quickly following rescue incidents, high winds, or deteriorating weather. The Hvalfjörður area can receive significant rainfall even when Reykjavík is dry, so conditions on the day matter enormously.
Hikers planning to visit Glymur should check current conditions through the following official sources before departing:
- Veðurstofan — The Icelandic Meteorological Office for weather and wind forecasts specific to the area.
- Safetravel.is for trail alerts, safety warnings, and road conditions.
- ICE-SAR (112 Iceland app) for emergency registration before any hike.
The parking area and trailhead sit at the end of a short gravel road off Route 47, inside Hvalfjörður. There are no entry fees, no wardens, and no formal check-in system. This means nobody knows you are on the trail unless you register your plan.
How does Iceland’s helicopter rescue service work for hikers?
Iceland’s aerial rescue capability rests primarily with the Icelandic Coast Guard, which operates helicopters from Reykjavík Airport. These aircraft respond to maritime and land emergencies alike. In serious mountain or backcountry incidents — particularly where terrain prevents ground access — the Coast Guard helicopter is typically the fastest way to reach a casualty.
ICE-SAR, known in Icelandic as Landsbjörg, is a volunteer organisation that coordinates with the Coast Guard on land rescues. It is one of the largest per-capita rescue organisations in the world relative to Iceland’s population of around 380,000 people. ICE-SAR teams are stationed in communities across the country and can mobilise quickly in areas like Hvalfjörður.
For any hiker in Iceland who gets into difficulty, the emergency number is 112. The free 112 Iceland app is the single most important tool any hiker in Iceland can carry — it sends your GPS coordinates directly to rescue services when you trigger an alert, even in areas with weak signal. Download it before you leave Reykjavík.
Rescues in Iceland are free of charge to those rescued, funded through the state. However, ICE-SAR relies on public donations to operate — travellers who have benefited from Iceland’s safety infrastructure are encouraged to contribute at icesar.is.
What should tourists know before hiking to Glymur?
Glymur is genuinely worth the effort. The 198-metre falls are dramatic, the gorge is extraordinary, and on a clear day the views across Hvalfjörður from the upper ridge are among the best in the west of Iceland. But preparation is everything.
Before you go, cover these essentials:
- Footwear: Wear proper waterproof hiking boots with ankle support. Trainers or sandals are not appropriate for this terrain.
- Weather check: Check Veðurstofan the morning of your hike. If wind speeds above the gorge are forecast at more than 10–15 metres per second, reconsider.
- Register your hike: Use the 112 Iceland app to file a hiking plan. It takes two minutes and means rescue teams know where to look if you do not return.
- River crossing: Bring a dry bag or waterproof bag liner for electronics and valuables. The river crossing gets shoes and lower legs wet even on a good day.
- Timing: Start early. The car park at the Glymur trailhead fills by mid-morning in high summer. An early start — by 8:00 to 9:00 — also means you will complete the exposed upper section before afternoon winds typically pick up.
- Water and food: Carry at least one litre of water per person. There are no facilities on the trail.
- Tell someone: Even if you do not use the app, tell your accommodation host or a friend your plan and expected return time.
The drive to the trailhead from Reykjavík takes roughly 50 minutes via the Hvalfjörður tunnel (toll: approximately 1,500 ISK one way) or around 80 minutes the scenic way around the fjord on Route 47. The tunnel is the faster option but the coastal road offers a worthwhile introduction to the landscape.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Glymur hike take?
The full return hike to Glymur and back is approximately 7 to 8 kilometres and typically takes between three and five hours. The pace depends on fitness, the time spent at the waterfall, and conditions on the day. Allow more time if weather is poor or if the river crossing is running high.
Is Glymur the tallest waterfall in Iceland?
Glymur, at approximately 198 metres, was long considered Iceland’s tallest waterfall. It is now classified as the second-tallest following the discovery and measurement of Morsárfoss in the Vatnajökull glacier area, which is estimated at over 200 metres. Glymur remains the most accessible of Iceland’s great waterfalls and is by far the most visited.
Do I need a guide to hike to Glymur?
A guide is not required, and most visitors complete the hike independently. However, first-time hikers in Iceland, visitors unfamiliar with river crossings, or anyone hiking outside of the main July–August window should seriously consider hiring a certified guide. Conditions in shoulder seasons — May, June, September — can be significantly more demanding than in peak summer.
What is the 112 Iceland app and how do I use it?
The 112 Iceland app is a free emergency and safety application developed for use in Iceland. It allows hikers to register a travel plan before setting out and to send an SOS alert with GPS coordinates directly to rescue services. Download it from your app store before arriving in Iceland, and register your hiking plan each day you go into the wilderness — even on short hikes.
How do I get to Glymur from Reykjavík?
From Reykjavík, take the Hvalfjörður tunnel on Route 47 — approximately 50 minutes and a toll of around 1,500 ISK each way. Alternatively, drive the scenic coastal route around Hvalfjörður, which adds about 30 minutes but avoids the toll. The trailhead car park is well-signed and free to use. There is no public bus service to the trailhead; a rental car or organised tour is required.
