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

hike
thermal river
beautiful scenery
hot spring
geothermal steam
steep path
warm water
nature's spa
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by Photo by Julie Hermann/age fotostock
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River by null

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Reykjadalur 816, 816, Iceland Get directions

Debit card accepted

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Reykjadalur 816, 816, Iceland Get directions

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•Debit card accepted

Last updated

Jan 24, 2026

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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
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"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."

The Best Things to Do in Iceland
Photo by Julie Hermann/age fotostock
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.

Megan B.

Google
Highly, highly recommend. The river is so warm! Gets cooler as you go downstream so you can pick your temperature. There is a walkway and places to get changed and leave your clothes. With no snow, it was about a 2.5h round trip. I imagine it would take longer with snow.

AM

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. ♨️🇮🇸🌄

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.

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!

Sarah G.

Google
Did it today in the snow. Was definitely a challenge but absolutely beautiful in the river. A few bits were steep and icy. Crampons rather than our trail shoes needed!