Reykjadalur Hot Spring Hiking Tour

This Reykjadalur hot spring hiking tour takes you on an 8 km round-trip hike into a steaming geothermal valley, guided by a local mountain guide. The reward at the end is a soak in a naturally warm river.

• Hike about 8 km round trip into the Reykjadalur valley
• Soak in a warm geothermal river in a natural setting
• Guided by an experienced local mountain guide
• Runs all year, with different scenery in each season
• About 40 minutes' drive from Reykjavík

Your day, stop by stop

2Hike up the valleyA guided walk up a marked trail past steaming ground and vents.

The path climbs steadily for about an hour through geothermal terrain, past steaming ground and vents, with your guide pointing out features along the way. The trail is uneven, and the guide keeps the group on the marked path because the ground is hot in places.

Time here · about 1 hour upWalking · steady climb, uneven trail

3The hot riverChange in the open air and soak in the naturally warm water.

The river mixes hot spring water with cold mountain water, so different spots along it feel different temperatures, and you can move up or down to find the one you like. There are no cabins, so you change in the open air. Bring your own towel and swimwear.

Facilities · no cabins; changing is in the openTip · bring your own towel

4Hike back downThe return walk down to the car park.

The return walk down the valley to the car park, on the same trail you came up. It is mostly downhill and takes a bit less time than the walk up.

5Back at the trailheadTour ends at the car park.

The tour ends at the car park near Reykjadalur, about 40 minutes' drive from Reykjavík.

About the Reykjadalur hot spring hiking tour

Reykjadalur, meaning 'steam valley', sits in the hills above Hveragerði and is one of the few places near Reykjavík where you can hike to a genuinely warm river and get in. The valley is dotted with steaming vents and hot ground, so the guide keeps the group on the marked trail.

This is a real hike rather than a short stroll: about 8 km round trip, with some steady climbing on the way up. It suits people with reasonable fitness and proper footwear. Once you reach the river, you change in the open air, since there are no cabins, so many people wear swimwear under their hiking clothes.

Conditions vary a lot by season. In summer the trail is usually dry and busy; in winter and spring it can be icy or muddy in places, and daylight is shorter, so the guide adjusts pace and timing accordingly.

• Pick-up

Questions people ask