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Reykjadalur Horse Riding & Hot Spring Bathing Tour

About 9 hours incl. transfers (5-6 hours riding)Group: Small groupModeratePick-up from Reykjavík, or meet at the stableAge 10+15 May-15 September
5.0(4 reviews)
Riders crossing a riverRiders on a hillside trailRiders in the steaming Reykjadalur valleyRiders on the trail into the valley
Group of riders setting out

A Reykjadalur horse riding tour that combines riding an Icelandic horse with a soak in a natural hot river. You ride through Hveragerði's geothermal hills, then walk the final stretch into the valley to bathe in warm water.

Reykjavík pick-upHveragerði farmReykjadalur valley trailDjúpagilsfoss waterfallHot spring bathing
  • Ride an Icelandic horse through geothermal hills near Hveragerði
  • Walk the last stretch into Reykjadalur valley
  • Bathe in a natural warm river surrounded by steam and hillside
  • See Djúpagilsfoss waterfall on the way
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík included

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Pick-up in ReykjavíkYour guide collects you from your hotel.
2Hveragerði farmHveragerði farmMeet your horse and start the ride through geothermal hills.
Hveragerði farmHveragerði farmHveragerði farm

The farm sits below Reykjafjall mountain on the edge of Hveragerði, a town known for its greenhouses and hot ground. You meet your horse here and your guide fits the riding and safety equipment. There are toilets at the farm.

Facilities · toilets at the farm
3Riders on a hillside trailReykjafjall and Hengill slopesRiding through forest trails and open hillside towards the valley.
Riders on a hillside trailRiders on the trail into the valleyRider looking down the valley

The route climbs gently towards Hengill volcano through forest trails and open hillside, with a chance to try the Icelandic horse's tölt gait on flatter ground. The riding covers about 19 km, and the last stretch into the valley is on foot.

Distance · about 19 km of riding
4Riders in the steaming Reykjadalur valleyReykjadalur valley and DjúpagilsfossA short hike into the steaming valley, passing a waterfall.
Riders in the steaming Reykjadalur valleyRiders crossing a riverThe Reykjadalur valley

Reykjadalur, 'Steam Valley', is an active geothermal valley above Hveragerði, a town already known for its hot springs and greenhouses. A river runs through the valley and mixes with hot spring water on its way downhill, so by the time it reaches the bathing area it is a comfortable temperature, warmer higher up and cooler further down. The trail from the car park is about 3 kilometres one way, with roughly 340 to 380 metres of climbing.

Walking · about 40 minutes total, including one steep 10–15 minute section
Read our Reykjadalur guide →
5Bather in the warm river at ReykjadalurHot spring bathingBathe in a warm stream in the valley.
Bather in the warm river at ReykjadalurThe warm river and boardwalk in Reykjadalur

A natural stream fed by hot springs, warm enough to sit in, with steam rising from the hillside around you. Bring your own swimsuit and towel. There is a basic outdoor changing area.

Facilities · basic outdoor changing area
6Return to ReykjavíkRide and drive back, with coffee and cake at the farm before drop-off.

About the Reykjadalur horse riding tour

This tour mixes two of the best things to do near Reykjavík: riding an Icelandic horse and bathing in a natural hot river. You ride around 17 km along the slopes of Reykjafjall and Hengill towards Reykjadalur, a geothermal valley where a stream runs warm enough to bathe in.

The pace is moderate rather than easy: besides the riding, there are a few short walks, including one steep 10–15 minute stretch where you dismount and lead your horse. Riders get to try the horse's tölt gait where the ground allows. Bring a swimsuit and a towel for the bathing stop, and expect the changing area to be simple and outdoors.

The tour only runs from late May to mid-September, when the trail and river access are open. Weather on this part of the south can shift quickly, so waterproof layers are worth packing even on a sunny morning.

Included

  • English-speaking guide
  • Riding and safety equipment
  • Rain gear if needed
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Packed lunch, coffee and cake

Not included

  • Swimsuit and towel for bathing
  • Travel insurance

What to bring

  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Waterproof outer layer
  • Riding boots or sturdy shoes
  • Change of socks

Good to know

  • Minimum age 10; under 14s must be accompanied by an adult
  • Moderate difficulty: riding plus about 40 minutes of walking, including one steep section
  • Runs 15 May to 15 September only
  • About 9 hours door to door from Reykjavík, with 5-6 hours of riding (about 19 km)
  • Bring a swimsuit and towel for the hot spring
  • Pick-up at 8:00 in Reykjavík (7:30 from Hafnarfjörður, Kópavogur and Mosfellsbær; 8:45 from Hveragerði and Selfoss), back in Reykjavík around 17:15. Or meet at the stable at 9:00
  • Bring your own towel; there are no changing rooms in the valley

Questions people ask

Do I need riding experience?

No, but you should be reasonably fit, since the tour also includes walking, part of it uphill.

Can children join?

The minimum age is 10, and children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is the hot spring bathing part optional?

It's part of the tour, but you don't have to get in the water if you'd rather just look.

Does this run in winter?

No, this tour runs from late May to mid-September.

Is a towel provided?

No, please bring your own swimsuit and towel. There are no changing rooms in the valley.

What time is pick-up?

Pick-up in Reykjavík is at 8:00 (7:30 from Hafnarfjörður, Kópavogur and Mosfellsbær, 8:45 from Hveragerði and Selfoss). You're back in Reykjavík around 17:15. You can also meet at the stable at 9:00.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 4 reviews
5 stars4
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1 star0
Magical horse riding and hot spring tour

Riding through Reykjadalur to the hot springs was pure magic. The horses were wonderful, and reaching the warm river to relax was the perfect reward. The scenery along the way was stunning—highly recommend this tour!

Beatriz · August 2025
The best day in Iceland

The Reykjadalur Horse Riding and Hot Spring Bathing tour was an unforgettable experience! Riding through the stunning valley on Icelandic horses was a true highlight. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and the horses were so gentle and easy to ride. After the ride, we had the chance to soak in the natural hot springs, the perfect way to relax after the ride. A unique and relaxing way to experience Iceland’s natural beauty! Highly recommend.

Carsen S. · March 2025
Perfect mix of adventure and relaxation!

The horse riding through Reykjadalur Valley was so scenic, and ending with a soak in the hot springs was amazing. The horses were gentle, and our guide was fantastic. This tour is a great way to experience Iceland’s nature up close!

Lisa P. · November 2024
Magical

This horse riding and Reykjadalur hot spring tour was well worth every penny! We loved to be out in this beautiful nature of Iceland on a horse and ride up to the hot springs of Reykjadalur. We did bring our swimwear so we were able to take a dip into the hot spring and it was magical. There were some other people in the hot spring at the same time but it didn't matter, it still felt like we were alone in the world in this natural surroundings. If you are looking for a horse riding tour in Iceland, I would definitely recommend that you go on this tour and also visit this hot spring!

Michael · April 2022
From32,700 ISKPer person

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