Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River on Postcard

"If you’re looking for a hike that ends in a hot spring session, head 50 minutes east of Reykjavik to the remote Reykjadalur Hot Spring River."

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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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NC Sam

Google

Wow! Great place to hike, view thermal vents, hot springs and take a dip! Moderate to difficult hike due to elevation (900ft) and slippery at times. Took 1.5hr to start of hot springs dip area. Take water, food, bags for wet clothes and garbage, towels, etc. Breath taking views and outstanding experience.

Jewl Hinton

Google

Proud of my kids for going on this hike! It is 2.5 miles mostly uphill on gravel. Pretty water falls, canyons and sheep. It took us with 3 kids ages 7, 10 & 13 one hour and 20 minutes to hike up. 1 hour down. Unfortunately, we got caught in the rain on the way back so it was cold, windy and wet in July. Tips: - wear your suit under your clothes to hike up. Made it easy to just jump it. - further up stream the warmer the water. It is not overly hot. Like slightly hot bath water and shallow. - change out of your suit to hike down. We brought 1 large towel to change behind and out wet bag to put all the wet suits in. This saved us from freezing on the hike back down. - bring water - hiking shoes - no bathrooms

Katherine Haywood

Google

One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in my life. You take a hike to the hot springs and pass some boiling geothermal pools on the way. Gorgeous views in every direction. I went in 2018 so I’m sure a lot has changed since then but it was a little crowded even when we went. Such a special place.

Lee-Anne McLeod

Google

This place was our first stop on our ringing Road adventure, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Parking is paid on the basis of time spent, and there are both washrooms and a restaurant at the trailhead. We hiked up to the thermal river on a very foggy and windy day, which made for a very cold experience, however, that did not alter our perception of how great this thermal river was. The trail is very clear, and once you arrive to the thermal river, there is a boardwalk, as well as a few designated change areas with Wood privacy screens. Overall, the thermal river is not as hot as some other areas in Iceland, however, it was not particularly busy, and the hike itself is very scenic.

David Holec

Google

Nice hike (1.5hrs up) with the possibility of swimming in a thermal stream. It was rather busy when we got there (~11.30), but we still found a spot in the water (would be worth it even for the hike itself :-) Make sure to explore also the pools of boiling water muddy pools and steaming holes in the ground a bit further up!

Wendy Payne

Google

An interest walk of 40 minutes through some geothermal terrain is worth the effort to reach a long stretch of warm river to soak in. Open air change rooms may phase some but nobody really cares about nudity in Iceland. Just get your bathers in and slide in - it’s gorgeous.

Nastassia Meyer

Google

Such a lovely hot springs stream! Tons of spots to find some hot water. The hike up is up most of the time and has lots of gravel. The trail is wide and bicycles and horses use it. Recommend you have your swimsuit on before you hike up, bring a towel and change (there are wall partitions - no closed changing facilities or bathrooms) after you’re finished.

Brandon D

Google

The hike to the river is worth mentioning as it takes about an hour+ to get there. The views are stunning! The hot springs themselves are a natural wonder and so delightful to bathe in. Beware as it is busy and there are few areas to change (just 4 sided open air barriers)

NC Sam

Google

Wow! Great place to hike, view thermal vents, hot springs and take a dip! Moderate to difficult hike due to elevation (900ft) and slippery at times. Took 1.5hr to start of hot springs dip area. Take water, food, bags for wet clothes and garbage, towels, etc. Breath taking views and outstanding experience.

Jewl Hinton

Google

Proud of my kids for going on this hike! It is 2.5 miles mostly uphill on gravel. Pretty water falls, canyons and sheep. It took us with 3 kids ages 7, 10 & 13 one hour and 20 minutes to hike up. 1 hour down. Unfortunately, we got caught in the rain on the way back so it was cold, windy and wet in July. Tips: - wear your suit under your clothes to hike up. Made it easy to just jump it. - further up stream the warmer the water. It is not overly hot. Like slightly hot bath water and shallow. - change out of your suit to hike down. We brought 1 large towel to change behind and out wet bag to put all the wet suits in. This saved us from freezing on the hike back down. - bring water - hiking shoes - no bathrooms

Katherine Haywood

Google

One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in my life. You take a hike to the hot springs and pass some boiling geothermal pools on the way. Gorgeous views in every direction. I went in 2018 so I’m sure a lot has changed since then but it was a little crowded even when we went. Such a special place.

Lee-Anne McLeod

Google

This place was our first stop on our ringing Road adventure, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Parking is paid on the basis of time spent, and there are both washrooms and a restaurant at the trailhead. We hiked up to the thermal river on a very foggy and windy day, which made for a very cold experience, however, that did not alter our perception of how great this thermal river was. The trail is very clear, and once you arrive to the thermal river, there is a boardwalk, as well as a few designated change areas with Wood privacy screens. Overall, the thermal river is not as hot as some other areas in Iceland, however, it was not particularly busy, and the hike itself is very scenic.

David Holec

Google

Nice hike (1.5hrs up) with the possibility of swimming in a thermal stream. It was rather busy when we got there (~11.30), but we still found a spot in the water (would be worth it even for the hike itself :-) Make sure to explore also the pools of boiling water muddy pools and steaming holes in the ground a bit further up!

Wendy Payne

Google

An interest walk of 40 minutes through some geothermal terrain is worth the effort to reach a long stretch of warm river to soak in. Open air change rooms may phase some but nobody really cares about nudity in Iceland. Just get your bathers in and slide in - it’s gorgeous.

Nastassia Meyer

Google

Such a lovely hot springs stream! Tons of spots to find some hot water. The hike up is up most of the time and has lots of gravel. The trail is wide and bicycles and horses use it. Recommend you have your swimsuit on before you hike up, bring a towel and change (there are wall partitions - no closed changing facilities or bathrooms) after you’re finished.

Brandon D

Google

The hike to the river is worth mentioning as it takes about an hour+ to get there. The views are stunning! The hot springs themselves are a natural wonder and so delightful to bathe in. Beware as it is busy and there are few areas to change (just 4 sided open air barriers)

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

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