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Glanni Waterfall (Iceland) and Paradise Waterhole – Tips + Photos

Last updated on December 26, 2022 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

The Glanni waterfall in Iceland, is not as popular as other waterfalls but it is an easy and charming stop along Road 1.
Plus, the area also offers the nice waterhole of Paradise Hollow.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit with tips, map and photos.

Photos and Guide to plan your visit to Glanni Paradise - Iceland

Table of Contents
Why visit the Glanni Falls (Glanni Foss) in Iceland?
Planning tips & Map - Glanni Waterfall, Iceland
Nice and easy walk in nature to the Bifrost waterfall
The waterfall of Glanni - viewing platform
Paradise Hollow Waterhole
Panoramic views at the end of Glanni Paradise

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Why visit the Glanni Falls (Glanni Foss) in Iceland?

Glanni is a beautiful waterfall on the Nordura River (a great place for Salmon fishing), very close to the Grabrok Volcanic craters. The path of Glanni paradise includes a platform to see the Glanni Waterfall, stairs down to Paradise Hollow, a beautiful small waterhole, and panoramic views of the river and surrounding mountains.

The access is really easy. You get nice views from the platform but take the time to venture a bit more on the paths around for better angles.

Glanni waterfall Iceland landscape

Glanni waterfall, Iceland

Love waterfalls? Check out my favorites in Iceland.

More photos after the planning tips.


Planning tips & Map - Glanni Waterfall, Iceland

Where is the Glanni Waterfall - Map and location

  • Along Road 1, Inland of the Snaefellsnes peninsula
  • 30km North of Borganes
  • Reykjavik to Glanni waterfall = 1h30 drive
  • Close to the town of Bifrost and the Grabrok craters.
  • If driving towards the North, turn right just before Bifrost towards the Glanni paradise golf course (it is well indicated)
  • Below is a map to get your oriented and locate the waterfall:
Map Glanni Waterfall location in Iceland

Map - Glanni Waterfall location in Iceland

All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, map of region and planning tips) in my travel guide eBooks to help you easily plan your Iceland road trip (5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days...)

Plan your dream road trip around Iceland!

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  • 8 easy-to-plan maps
  • 100+ pre-selected locations
  • Useful planning tips
  • 130+ large photos 
  • GPS coordinates direct to carparks

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  • 2 easy-to-plan maps
  • 30 stops, 10 detours
  • Useful planning tips 
  • 70+ large photos 
  • GPS coordinates direct to carparks

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How to get to Glanni Paradise

  • Easy access by car
  • Carpark close to Road 1
  • Tours normally don't stop here.

Need to rent a car in Iceland?

directly see the best deals on my favorite platform

How to rent a car in Iceland 2

or see my 36 practical tips to choose the best car to rent for the roads in Iceland (Summer or Winter) and find the best deals

+ read more

Visiting Glanni Paradise (Paradísarlaut)

  • Timing: I stopped for roughly 45 min there exploring different paths – Except for the first sign on the parking, things are not well indicated so I have drawn a map – see below
  • Difficulty: The path is well maintained. Easy walk
  • Amenities: There are toilets and a little shop on the carpark
  • I have read that in the middle of Summer it is worth sitting close to the river as you can sometimes see salmons jumping upstream.
Map Glanni Paradise iceland

Map - Glanni Paradise, Iceland

Where to stay nearby?

Check out the accommodations in the nearby town of Bifrost

Where to stay in Iceland?

Iceland Accommodations

See my selection of all the best areas to stay to enjoy the beautiful regions of Iceland...
+ fantastic accommodation options

+ read more

Nice and easy walk in nature to the Bifrost waterfall

Glanni Paradise is well worth the stop with easy walks in the middle of interesting flora and lava rocks.
It is easy to walk. The only issue may be bush branches scrapping your legs.
When I enjoyed it, autumn was starting and nature was really beautiful and colorful.

Walking at Glanni 1
Walking at Glanni 2

The waterfall of Glanni - viewing platform

At the end of the trail is a viewing platform to admire the waterfall.
You can also walk a little around it for different angles and views between the trees.

Glanni waterfall Iceland view

Paradise Hollow Waterhole

Further along the path, down the stairs, is a waterhole with emerald and turquoise water.
Had the weather been better, it would have been a very nice place for a picnic.

Paradise Hollow at Glanni

Why is a water hole special you may ask?

Well, 3600 years ago, the grabrok volcano erupted. The lava blocked and deviated the Nordura River.
The lava field today as a few areas where water streams comes out between the lava rocks, and this is one of the places

Paradise Hollow emeral water

Panoramic views at the end of Glanni Paradise

I am glad I continued exploring to the end of the path as I was rewarded with peaceful panorama views of the river and surrounding mountains.

Panorama Glanni Paradise 1
Panorama Glanni Paradise 2

Want to see other highlights of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula? 

  • The iconic Mountain Kirkjufell and its waterfalls - read article
  • Go off the beaten path to see the Berserkjahraun lava field - read article
  • Enjoy the charming Glanni waterfalls - read article
  • Go up to Grabrok crater - read article
  • Head inland on the Silver Circle - read article
  • Enjoy the lava formation at Arnarstapi, Londrangar and the other volcanic craters... read my Guide to the best things to do on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Planning a trip to Iceland? 

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

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Glanni Waterfall Iceland and Paradise Hollow Waterhole

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Renuka says

    October 22, 2014 at 10:23 AM

    Certainly! And autumn adds to its ‘paradise-like’ quality! Iceland is so fascinating. In fact, I would like to admit that I never thought Iceland would be any magic until I discovered write-ups and photos of this beautiful country. Now it’s really on my wish-list.

    • Claire Robinson says

      October 23, 2014 at 5:06 AM

      You are right, Iceland is magic and fascinating. Sometime when you see so many beautiful pictures on the Internet you are afraid of being disappointed once there. But I can assure you that with Iceland you will not. It is ten times better!

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