Reykjadalur Hot Spring Hike

The Reykjadalur hot spring hike is the easiest way in Iceland to combine a real hike with a natural hot bath. From the edge of the town of Hveragerði, a well-trodden path climbs about 4 km into Reykjadalur, the Steam Valley, where a warm river runs through a green valley full of steaming vents and bubbling mud pots. At the top, wooden boardwalks and simple changing screens line the stretch of river where you can sit and soak.

The round trip is about 8 km with roughly 210 m of ascent and takes two to three hours plus bathing time. It sits in the Hengill volcanic area, about 45 minutes' drive from Reykjavík, so it fits neatly into a Golden Circle or south coast day. The path is broad and clear, and most reasonably fit walkers, including families with older children, manage it without difficulty.

Because it is so accessible, it is also busy, especially on summer afternoons and weekends when tour groups arrive. Go early in the morning or later in the evening for a quieter soak and softer light in the valley. Bring a swimsuit, a towel, a warm layer for after the bath and a bag to carry out your rubbish, since there are no bins or shops beyond the trailhead café.

Highlights

• Bathing in a naturally warm river with mountain views
• Steaming vents, hot springs and bubbling mud pools along the path
• A pretty waterfall and green, mossy valley scenery
• Year-round access just 45 minutes from Reykjavík
• Boardwalks and changing screens at the bathing area

The route

Getting to the trailhead

Hveragerði is on the Ring Road about 45 km east of Reykjavík. Drive through town following signs for Reykjadalur to the paid car park at the trailhead, where there is a café and toilets. Strætó public buses between Reykjavík and Selfoss stop in Hveragerði, from where it is roughly a 3 km walk through town to the trailhead. Many Golden Circle and hiking tours also include Reykjadalur, which saves the hassle of parking on busy days.

Where to stay

Hveragerði has guesthouses, hotels and a campsite, and nearby Selfoss offers more choice along with supermarkets and restaurants. Overnight camping in Reykjadalur itself is not permitted. Many visitors simply stay in Reykjavík and do the hike as a half-day trip, or combine it with a night on the Golden Circle.

Best time to hike

Reykjadalur is open year-round. Summer brings green slopes, long days and the most visitors; a late-evening soak under the midnight sun is memorable. In winter the path is often icy and snowy and daylight is short, but a hot river in a snowy valley is special, and on clear nights you might catch the northern lights. Weekdays and early mornings are quietest. The path can be very muddy in spring.

Safety

Stay on the marked path and boardwalks: geothermal ground can collapse into scalding water, and people have been badly burned leaving the trail. Only bathe in the designated stretch of river. In winter the path can be sheet ice, so wear microspikes, carry a headlamp and allow extra time. Weather can turn quickly even this close to town, so bring a warm layer. Check vedur.is for wind and snow, and call 112 in an emergency.