Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

Hiking area · South

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

Hiking area · South

Reykjadalur 816, 816, Iceland

Highlights

Hike through breathtaking scenery to Reykjadalur Valley’s natural hot springs, where you can soak amid stunning mountain views and enjoy a cafe at the trailhead.

Reykjadalur 816, 816, Iceland Get directions

@cntraveler

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

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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

2495 Dave

Google

It’s amazing scenery walking up this path. We didn’t do the full hike to the river but saw a number of small thermal springs and a hot stream. The views are amazing and there is a cafe at the car park with toilets. It’s worth a stop and there is no cost apart from the parking which isn’t too much. I would also recommend downloading the parking app for Iceland. As you have to pay for parking at all the attractions.

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.

Roger Handcock

Google

Well worth the hike 28/12/24. Started from the car park at 8.30am in the dark, hiked with crampons and head torches up the valley and arrived at the pools by 10.00am. We were the only people there. A cold morning of -12 but the spring pools were a magical 40 degrees so welcoming. We passed a lot more people making their way up on our return.

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.

Anna Mikhailovskaia

Google

You can walk a little bit to fumaroles but full Thermal river is a 8km there and back hike. 18.01.2025 took us 1:50h to get there and 1:10h back. Strong wind, slippery and icy conditions, lots of water crossing. DO NOT ATTEMPT WITHOUT CRAMPONS (in winter) and good wind/waterproof clothing! But if you’re up for a challenge- it’s fun to dip in the river and there will be some nice views on the way.

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.

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.