Reykjadalur Hot Springs and Northern Lights Tour

About 5 hoursGroup: Small group, about 12 people at mostModeratePick-up includedAdultsNorthern Lights season (Sep–Apr)

Northern Lights over a snowy mountain and lake

The warm river and boardwalk in Reykjadalur

A Reykjadalur northern lights tour that combines a hike to a natural hot river with a chance to see the aurora. You bathe where warm and cold water mix naturally, then keep an eye on the sky on the way back.

Reykjadalur car parkHike to the hot riverBathing in the hot riverReturn hike and aurora watch

Hike into the Reykjadalur valley to a natural hot river
Bathe outdoors where hot spring water and cold stream water mix
Guide watches conditions and timing for a chance at the northern lights
Small groups, up to 12 people
Headlamps provided for the evening walk

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.

1Pick-upYou're picked up in the evening and driven to the car park below Reykjadalur.

Hike into the valleyAbout an hour on a marked path, gaining height as you go.

Hiker looking over the Reykjadalur valley

Hiker looking down the Reykjadalur valley

About an hour on a marked path, gaining height as you go, through the Reykjadalur valley and its steaming hillsides. The ground is uneven, and the round trip is around 9 to 10 km in total. Headlamps are provided for the evening walk.

Walking · roughly 1 hour each way, uneven groundDistance · around 9–10 km round trip

Hot river bathingGet in where hot spring and cold stream water mix naturally.

Bather lying in the warm river at Reykjadalur

The river's temperature changes along its length, so you move around to find a comfortable spot where hot spring and cold stream water mix. There is a small shelter for changing but no other facilities. Bring a towel.

Facilities · basic shelter for changing only

4Return hike and aurora watchHike back down, watching the sky along the way and afterwards.

Your guide carries headlamps for the dark, and keeps an eye on conditions for a chance at the northern lights.

Tip · clear, dark skies give the best chance, never guaranteed

About the Reykjadalur northern lights tour

Reykjadalur, the "steam valley", is one of the easiest places near Reykjavík to bathe in a natural hot river. This tour combines that hike with a northern lights trip, so instead of just driving out and waiting for the sky to do something, you get a proper hike and a soak while you wait for dark and clear conditions.

You meet near the Reykjadalur car park (pick-up can usually be added for a fee) and hike about an hour into the valley, gaining height along a marked path. The hot river itself is a natural mix of hot spring water and a cold mountain stream, so the temperature varies along its length; you find a spot that suits you and get in. There is a small shelter for changing but no other facilities, so this isn't a tour for anyone who needs proper changing rooms or showers afterwards.

Because this runs in the darker months, weather and cloud cover decide whether the aurora actually shows up on any given night. Nothing is guaranteed, but the hike and hot river soak are worthwhile even without lights overhead. Bring proper walking boots: the path can be muddy or icy depending on the season.

Included

Pick-up and transport
Mountain guide
Headlamps for the walk
Drinks and snacks

Not included

Towel

What to bring

Walking boots
Swimwear
Warm layer
Windproof and rainproof outer layer
Towel

Good to know

About 5 hours in total, starting at 21:00, including transport, the hike and bathing
Moderate difficulty: around an hour's hike each way over uneven ground
Group size up to about 12 people
Runs in the northern lights season; sightings depend on weather and are never guaranteed
No changing rooms or showers, only a basic shelter
No free rerun if the northern lights don't show
For adults

Questions people ask

Are the northern lights guaranteed?

No. Nobody can guarantee the aurora. Your guide watches conditions and timing to give you the best chance, but clear, dark skies are needed.

How hard is the hike?

It's a moderate hike of about an hour each way, on a marked but sometimes muddy or icy path.

Is there somewhere to change?

There is a small shelter for changing, but no showers or other facilities, so bring a towel.

Is pick-up included?

Yes, transport is included. The tour starts at 21:00 with pick-up.

Can I go again if we don't see the northern lights?

No, there is no free second tour. The team only runs the tour on nights when they think the chances are good.

Reviews

A local reads every review before it is shown.

No reviews of this tour yet. If you have taken it, other travellers would like to hear how it went.

From29,900 ISKPer person