Iceland Travel Guide logo Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND My trip Talk to a local

Reykjadalur hot spring valley

South IcelandHot springHike requiredOpen all year
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
Reykjadalur
Reykjadalur
REYKJADALUR IN SHORT

Reykjadalur ("Steam Valley") is a geothermal river in the hills above Hveragerði where you can bathe in naturally warm water after a hike in. It is about 50 km (around 45–60 minutes) from Reykjavík to the trailhead, parking is paid, and the hike plus bathing takes 2.5–3.5 hours in total.

ON THIS PAGE
Quick factsGetting thereThe hikeBathingBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Reykjadalur

Reykjadalur sits in an active geothermal valley just outside Hveragerði, a town already known for its hot springs and greenhouses. A river running through the valley mixes with hot spring water as it flows downhill, so by the time it reaches the bathing area it is a comfortable temperature for swimming, warmer higher up and cooler further down.

The walk up passes steaming vents, bubbling mud and colourful mineral-stained ground, so it is worth doing slowly rather than rushing straight to the water. A wooden boardwalk marks the main bathing stretch of the river, with small screens for privacy while changing, though there are no enclosed changing rooms.

Reykjadalur is one of the few hikes in Iceland where a swimsuit belongs in your backpack. Sheep graze the slopes in summer, and you may meet riders on Icelandic horses, who use the same valley.

Quick facts

RegionSouth Iceland, above Hveragerði
From ReykjavíkAbout 50 km, around 45–60 minutes by car to the trailhead
Trailhead GPS64.0229, -21.2116 (car park and café, about 2 km north of Hveragerði)
Hike distanceAbout 3 km one way, roughly 340–380 m of climbing
Hike time45–75 minutes up, 30–45 minutes down
EntryFree
ParkingPaid at the trailhead car park, via the Parka or EasyPark app
Opening hoursOpen all year, no set hours
Time needed2.5–3.5 hours including the hike and bathing

How to get to Reykjadalur

On a guided tourSome day tours from Reykjavík include the Reykjadalur hike, useful if you would rather not navigate the trail or drive yourself.
By carTake Route 1 to Hveragerði, turn into the town and follow the signs for Reykjadalur north through it. The road ends at the trailhead car park, about 2 km beyond the town, and the hike starts from there.
By public transportScheduled buses run to Hveragerði from Reykjavík, but you still need to walk from town to the trailhead before starting the hike.
ParkingThe car park has been expanded and now holds around 100 cars, but it charges by the hour through the Parka or EasyPark app, with a card machine also on site.

The trail is unpaved and can be muddy, icy or snow-covered depending on the season. It is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs, and winter conditions can make sections genuinely slippery.

What to expect on the Reykjadalur hike

The path is well kept and easy to follow. It is not long or technical, but the first part is steep, so take it at your own pace.

Step 1: The car park and the bridgeThe walk starts at the car park by the café. You cross a bridge over the river and the path begins to climb straight away.
Step 2: The climbThe first stretch is the steepest part of the day. After that the path levels out and rolls gently up the valley, with a few short ups and downs but nothing strenuous.
Step 3: Djúpagil and the waterfallOn the way up you pass the narrow Djúpagil canyon, where the waterfall Djúpagilsfoss drops into the gorge. It is a good place to catch your breath.
Step 4: Boiling pools and warning signsHigher up, the valley starts to steam. You pass bubbling mud pots and small pools that smell strongly of sulphur. Many of them are at or near boiling point, and signs with a thermometer symbol mark the dangerous ones. Do not touch the water here.
Step 5: The boardwalkYou have not reached the bathing area until you see the wooden boardwalk and the criss-cross wooden screens beside the river. That is the safe place to get in. There are warm patches all along this stretch, so walk on a little if the first spot is busy.

The same path takes you back down. Dry off properly and put on a warm layer before you start, as the wind in the valley cools you quickly.

The bathing area

A wooden boardwalk runs along the warmest stretch of the river, with small screened sections for changing.

Where to get inChoose a spot along the boardwalk; temperature varies along the river, warmer upstream and cooler downstream, so move if it is too hot or too cold.
ChangingThere are no enclosed changing rooms. Wearing your swimsuit under your hiking clothes on the way up makes changing quicker and more private.

Do not dig into the riverbed or move rocks to change the flow. Leave the natural channel as you found it for the next visitor.

Best time to visit Reykjadalur

SummerThe easiest time for the hike. The trail is firmer and drier, the days are long, and the valley is green, with grass and wildflowers along the river.
WinterThe hike is more demanding. Ice and snow make the path slower, and temperatures can drop fast, so ice spikes and warm layers for the walk down are essential. On a clear, dark evening you may see the Northern Lights above the river, but only go late if you know the trail and carry a headlamp.

Safety and practical tips

  • Wear proper hiking boots. The trail is uneven, muddy in places and steep near the top.
  • Bring a change of warm, dry clothes for after bathing, especially in cooler months; walking back down wet gets cold fast.
  • Do not go off the marked path near the steam vents and mud pools; the ground can be dangerously hot underneath.
  • Bring a dry bag or plastic bag to keep your hiking clothes dry while you bathe.
  • Pack water and a snack; there is little on the trail itself.
  • Start reasonably early to avoid the busiest window in the middle of the day.

Facilities and accessibility

A small café and toilets are at the trailhead car park. There are no facilities along the trail or at the bathing area itself.

On the map

Open in Google Maps →

Nearby places worth a stop

Kerið craterKerið craterRed volcanic crater with a lake, short drive awayRaufarhólshellirRaufarhólshellirLava tunnel with guided tours, a short drive from Hveragerði
Reykjadalur hot spring valleyHveragerðiGeothermal town at the foot of the valley
SelfossSelfossLargest town in South Iceland, nearby

Where to stay near Reykjadalur

Hveragerði itself has guesthouses close to the trailhead, or you can base yourself in Reykjavík and drive out for the morning.

Reykjadalur FAQ

How long does the Reykjadalur hike take?

About 45–75 minutes up and 30–45 minutes down, plus time for bathing, so plan on 2.5–3.5 hours in total.

Is there a parking fee?

Yes, the trailhead car park charges by the hour, paid via the Parka or EasyPark app.

Do I need special gear?

Hiking boots, a swimsuit, a towel and warm layers for afterwards. There are no changing rooms, so many people wear their swimsuit under hiking clothes.

Is it suitable for children?

Older children who can manage a 3 km uphill hike are usually fine; it is not suitable for very young children or pushchairs.

Is the water safe to bathe in?

Yes, along the marked boardwalk stretch, but temperatures vary by spot, so test before getting in and move if it is too hot.

Where is it safe to bathe in Reykjadalur?

Only at the wooden boardwalk at the top of the trail. The pools you pass on the way up can be boiling, and the dangerous ones are marked with warning signs.

See Reykjadalur with a local

Tours and trips that include Reykjadalur, booked directly with a local travel agency in Iceland.

Reykjadalur Horse Riding & Hot Spring BathingDAY TOURReykjadalur Horse Riding & Hot Spring BathingFrom 32,700 ISK per personReykjadalur Hot Spring Hiking TourDAY TOURReykjadalur Hot Spring Hiking TourFrom 19,990 ISK per personReykjadalur Hot Springs and Northern Lights TourDAY TOURReykjadalur Hot Springs and Northern Lights TourFrom 29,900 ISK per personHorseback Riding Tour in South IcelandDAY TOURHorseback Riding Tour in South IcelandFrom 16,200 ISK per person
More places in South Iceland