Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

Hiking area · South ·

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

Hiking area · South ·

Hike through scenic valley to bathe in naturally warm geothermal river

Information

Reykjadalur 816, 816, Iceland Get directions

@cntraveler

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"A remote hot spring accessed via a scenic hike, with water warming as you go up the boardwalk."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-things-to-do-in-iceland

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

@afar

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"Reykjadalur means "Steam Valley"—a perfectly apt description of this pleasant geothermal area close to the town of Hveragerði, a 40-minute drive south from Reykjavík . Formed from a now extinct volcano (Mount Hengill), the valley is best experienced via a two-mile walk along a gravel road, which leads into the hot springs. The hour-long stroll—fairly easy but quite narrow in places—is highly photogenic thanks to the presence of boreholes, waterfalls, and springs, so bring your camera as well as your swimming gear. Be sure also to use only the official bathing pools, since although the light-blue water may look innocent, some pools are hot enough to cause severe burns. If you don't have a car to get to the site, you can visit the springs via an official tour, which can be donein combination with some horse riding. There is also a restaurant close to the parking lots and bathrooms."

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Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

Darby

Google

It’s a hike! It will easily take you about 1.5 hours to go up (depending on where you start) and about 1 hour back down, if your knees allow it. If not, count on 1.5 hours down as well. Along the way, you will see several spots where steam or boiling water comes straight out of the ground. The hot water stream itself is very hot in some places and quite shallow, but overall a very nice experience.

Google

Amazing experience with beautiful views! Prepare for a hike and not for a walk, the way towards the hot spring is quite steep from the beginning until the middle. I am a very active and fit person and it took me around 1 hour of fast hiking. So if you want to take it slow, prepare for around 1.5 hours :) No closed changing rooms, everyone is just changing behind a wooden wall.

Koorosh P.

Google

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A magical experience like bathing in nature’s spa! Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River is truly one of the most unforgettable places in Iceland. The hike to get there takes about 45–60 minutes depending on your pace, and every step is worth it. You walk through stunning mountain landscapes, bubbling mud pools, and clouds of geothermal steam and at the end, you’re rewarded with a warm river flowing through the valley where you can relax and soak in nature’s heat. The water temperature changes as you move along the river, so you can easily find your perfect spot. It’s peaceful, scenic, and feels completely natural no artificial pools or crowds like in some tourist spots. Tip: Bring good shoes for the hike, a towel, water, and maybe a small snack. There are no facilities up there, but that’s what makes it feel so pure and wild. Go early in the morning or later in the evening for a quieter experience. An absolute must-do if you visit Iceland it’s not just a place to bathe, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. ♨️🇮🇸🌄

Bilal S.

Google

Great hike to explore take in the views and nice dip in the thermal river at the end. Bright, sunny but windy and cold day. Get to see thermal vents and bubbling mud pots on the way up just from the car park. Hike is easy going if you like hiking and are used to it. Watch out for icy bits. If not used to hiking, it's probably quite hard, but there are flat bits to rest, have a snack etc. coffee shop at the car park and toilets.

Davina B.

Google

We went into this hike thinking it was 35 minutes, based on someone else's review. It is NOT. It took us an hour and a half, and most of that is on an incline. You are basically climbing a mountain. The river is amazing and well worth it, but just know that it is a long hard climb to get to that reward. I would have been much happier on the hike had I known what I was getting into. There are Amazing views as you climb though.

Alex V.

Google

Amazing experience! The hike up takes about 45–60 minutes depending on pace, with beautiful scenery all along the way — valleys, mountains, and steam vents. At the top you reach the thermal river, where you can relax in naturally warm water surrounded by nature. The water temperature varies depending on how far up or down you go, so you can find the perfect spot. The path can be a bit steep and muddy in places, so good shoes are recommended. Unfortunately, some people leave garbage, towels, and beer bottles around the changing area, which is a shame in such a beautiful place. Totally worth the effort — one of the highlights of Iceland!

Jesper R

Google

The thermal bath is a good 35min walk from the parking. You gain quire some altitude getting there but for the most parts the path is easy and with some astonishing views. It's well worth the walk to get there and relax in the warm water.

Jale R.

Google

We started the trail just before sunset around 19:00 in September and did the trail in 45-50 minutes. First half is steep and requires some effort, but views are breathtaking. The reward at the end are the spring pools, which provide a deserved rest after a day of driving, walking and activities. The pools at the top are the warmest. There are changing stalls, but still you are exposed a bit, but worth the discomfort to soak in the hot water and chill. There were at least 10 people which stayed even when it got dark. At the end we witnessed the northern lights. I can only imagine what the people who stayed past 9 pm would experience - stars and aurora. Way back with headlights was fine. This is an experience and activity I would 100% recommend every adventurous traveller in Iceland!