Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

Hiking area · South

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

Hiking area · South

Reykjadalur 816, 816, Iceland

Highlights

Scenic hike to a natural hot spring river with geothermal beauty

Reykjadalur 816, 816, Iceland Get directions

@cntraveler

The 28 Best Things to Do in Iceland, From Puffin Spotting to Bread Baking

"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

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@afar

"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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View Postcard for Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

Jale Riza

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!

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.

Dan C

Google

Reykjadalur was one of the highlights of our Iceland trip — a mix of adventure, stunning nature, and total relaxation. The 3-mile (5 km) hike up isn’t easy, especially with the uphill climbs and unpredictable weather, but it’s 100% worth the effort. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and a towel — you’ll want to jump right in!

Zach Youngblood

Google

The beginning of the trail is pretty steep but all the climbing is front loaded and once you get to the top of that section it is very manageable as it turns more into rolling hills. Happened to go on a hot and sunny day so it was much harder than we were anticipating but overall the views and general hiking experience were great. The little restaurant at the beginning has some very good sandwiches if you forgot to bring anything.

Mixed up Outdoor Adventures

Google

The hike was beautiful. I didn't really care for the gravel on the trails but the views were absolutely incredible. When you get up to the hot springs river it's cooler farther down the river. The springs are pretty hot up top. I did find one spot where this cool Creek was coming into the hot part and there was a nice little warm pool , just the right temperature after the hike to get up there. The water is really hot so be prepared for that. Probably best in the winter. They have little t-shaped changing spots but you will be exposed. If you walk farther up past where everyone is a little more comfortable to change in or out of your swimsuit. Overall it was an amazing experience. The water was just too hot and I slipped on the gravel a couple times coming down.

Keith Lambert

Google

1-1.5hr hike depending but with breathtaking views then to be rewarded with a plunge in the hot springs up top us what dreams are made off. Pestered with flies on the way back down around noon, September time

Kathryn Hill

Google

Okay, this hike was LONG! We went with our two kids (6 and 8) and it took us 1.5+ hours to get there and about 1 hour to get back. Every time we were sure the river would be just around the corner, it wasn't XD I would also say that this hike is MOSTLY uphill. We went in the evening (started our hike at 6:45pm) and there were not many people by the time we arrived (8:30). Even when we made it back to our car around 10:15, there were a handful of people just heading out on the hike! The surrounding area is BEAUTIFUL. I got some of my favorite pictures from our trip here. The water was so nice and warm. The wind was STRONG! Truly a one of a kind experience :)

Deric Schmidt

Google

Great experience, would absolutely do it again but there are important things to note. -Be prepared for a hike, including weather swings. Doable by most with stops for breaks and pictures. -There are 4-5 cross-shaped open air stalls for changing. You have two walls that are really only good for leaning on and that's about it. They're not covered so definitely make sure your dry things are in a waterproof bag or covered in case the weather shifts while you're in the river. -The bugs. were. awful. They will relentlessly dive bomb you in the face. We were here in early September so I would guess it would be like this through the summer months as well, probably not winter. Truthfully almost ruined the experience after a long hike, until we got into the river. They won't bother you in there. -Don't bother getting in the river all the way up at the last changing station, listen to the sign, it will burn you. You don't have to go down very far for it to cool down though.