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

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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

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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

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.

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 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!

Courtney MacDonald

Google

What an awesome experience. I would say the hike is moderate I did go into thinking it was easy though so it was more than I was expecting. The river is warm and the higher you go up in the river the warmer it gets. We were crunched on time so went right at the very first area and someone told us it was "much" warmer not that much farther so I wish we would've kept going even another 3-5 mins walk. Getting out was very cold and we had great weather. Bring a bathrobe for privacy when changing in and out of clothes and getting out of the water also recommend water shoes as the river rocks are rough and the boardwalk is kinda gross from people

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

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!

Melis G.

Google

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River is a very nice place, and the hike itself is beautiful but quite challenging, with some steep hills along the way. It’s not very suitable for kids. The river is quite far from the parking area, and since we didn’t end up swimming, we felt it wasn’t worth going all the way—especially as there are some geysers and a warm river within the first 100m that are already nice to see. The parking area has clean toilets, but beware of the small mosquitoes.

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.