By Monika

Reykjadalur Valley – a Beautiful Hike to a Hot River (+ Tips for the Best Experience)

Have you ever had a chance to soak in a hot river? I didn’t until I came to Iceland and discovered the magical Reykjadalur Valley hike!

Reykjadalur translates to “Steam Valley” and it absolutely lives up to that translation. Keep reading to find out why!

This was one of my favorite hikes during our first trip to Iceland and in this article I’ll share with you all the information and helpful tips, so that you have an equally amazing experience.

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Where is Reykjadalur Valley?

“Steam Valley” – as Reykjadalur Hot springs area is also known as – is located near the small town of Hveragerði, in South Iceland, easily accessible from the Ring Road.

How to get to Reykjadalur Valley?

By car:

The easiest way to reach the start of this hiking trail is by car.

There is a large parking lot at the trailhead and a cafe, called “Reykjadalur Cafe”. So if you put that name in your navigation, it will take you to the right place, as you can see on the map above.

Please note: there is a parking fee of 250 ISK per hour which you can pay using the machine near the cafe or via the EasyPark app.

The cafe also has really tasty food to fuel up before the hike (or to recharge after!), restrooms (use them when you can as there are no facilities when you get to the river) and also a small gift shop.

Drive times: from Reykjavik: 50 km, about 45-minute drive // from Selfoss: 18 km, 20-minute drive // from Flúðir (on the Golden Circle): 62 km, 55-minute drive.

With a tour:

This used to be a real hidden gem, but trekking to the thermal river of Reyjkjadalur Hot Spring has gained popularity in recent years. As a result, there are some new tour options available to visit this natural wonder from Reykjavik:

• Private Reykjadalur Hike & Hot River Geothermal Tour – a private guided hike to the hot river with a pick up in Reykjavik.
• Reykjadalur (Hotspring Valley) Horse Riding Tour – this tour is for the horse enthusiasts – after you meet yoiur guide in the parking lot, you can ride Icelandic horses through this amazing area!
• Reykjadalur: Horseback Riding Tour for Families & Beginners – this is a shorter version of the above tour.

By public transport:

There is a Strætó bus that you can take from Reykjavik (Mjódd stop) to Hveragerði and you have two bus lines to choose from.

The first one is line 51, going towards Selfoss and the second is line 52 going towards Landeyjahöfn. Both are direct lines with 4 stops before reaching Hveragerði. The trip lasts about 37 minutes and costs 1710 ISK per adult.

You buy the tickets directly on the bus, using credit/debit card or cash. You are not able to pre-book your trip or reserve seats – just show up at the bus stop. Check out routes and schedules here.

Note: it’s a 55-minute walk (3.9 km) from the Strætó bus stop to Reykjadalur cafe parking lot.

The Reykjadalur Valley hot springs hike

As mentioned above, the hike starts near the car park for Reykjadalur cafe. The start of the hike is clearly marked – you just have to follow the path.

This entire area in known for its geothermal activity and you can see it right from the beginning. The very first part of the trail takes you by some impressive steaming vents and mud pools.

Then the trail turns into a gravel path slowly but steadily going up…

It was a bit of a climb, no doubt about it.

Reykjadalur Valley hike is not one of those “park and see” attractions, especially in the initial portion of the trail. It was a pretty steady incline, which eventually leveled off about half-way.

With all the photo stops it took us about an hour to reach the river.

You must allow time for photos or to just stop and take in the views. The scenery is just too picturesque to quickly walk through it!

Take it all in – the steam, the green hills, the deep canyon and small waterfalls you’ll pass.

Despite quite a few people on the trail with us, we didn’t feel crowded and the whole hike had a bit of a fairy tale feel to it.

Maybe that’s why I say it was magical – the landscapes you pass are just breath taking and surreal, definitely unlike anything I’ve seen before…

You may also see some Icelandic horses on the trail. Like I mentioned above, there are horseback riding tours available in the valley.

And you’re more than likely to see my favorite animals in Iceland – sheep!

When you start seeing the wooden platforms ahead, you know you’re almost there!

You’ll see the river well before you get to the wooden walkway marking the bathing area, but only the areas alongside it are safe to bathe. Other spots are simply too hot. There are signs along the hike, warning you of scolding hot water temperatures – do not ignore them, you can get seriously burned.

Note: There are no changing rooms, just wooden walls forming dividers (as seen in the picture above) providing some level of privacy. Very little privacy, actually, however it is perfectly normal in Iceland to change in the open (just like in Icelandic swimming pools and hot spring lagoons) and no one really pays attention to other people. Just do it so you can take a relaxing dip in this unique thermal river!

Leave your clothes either on the grass (if it’s dry) or on the wooden bridge.

Water temperature in the river varies along its length. As a general rule it gets hotter as you walk upstream, but it can also vary from place to place in the same area. You should always test it before choosing your perfect bathing spot.

I found it was different just within a few steps in either direction from where I was standing.

It is a truly one-of-a-kind experience to be standing in a flowing, naturally warm river. And the surroundings are just gorgeous!

You’re so relaxed and warm afterwards that you don’t even mind toweling off and changing clothes in a cool weather 😊. Although it may be a good idea to have your towel handy if you’re visiting Reykjadalur during colder months!

After we were done, we just sat on the grassy bank for a while, watched the steam rising from the water and enjoyed the peaceful moments in this this incredible landscape…

Is the Steam Valley hike worth it?

Absolutely! This hike is definitely worth the effort – even the annoying flies that we did not expect! Yes, they were constantly buzzing around us as we hiked. Now I know why a lot of other hikers had bug nets on! Luckily, they were not there by the river.

Walking back down was way easier and faster and there were no flies!

How much time do I need for the Reykjadalur hike?

You’ll need about 45-60 minutes to hike to the river, plus time spent there and time for the much easier hike back.

Total time needed: about 3-4 hours minimum.

Best time to visit Reykjadalur geothermal river

This hike is accessible all year, however if you attempt in in the winter, make sure you have proper clothing and hiking gear (including crampons and trekking poles). And allow more time to get to the river as your pace will most likely be slower.

Also make sure to check the weather forecast before you head out. Icelandic weather changes quickly and your most reliable source of information is the official website of Icelandic Meteorological Office.

If you’re wondering what the best time of the day is for a visit to Reykjadalur, I’d say any time is good if you don’t mind sharing the trail with other people during peak tourist season. We went in the afternoon didn’t really mind company, but if you’re seeking solitude, go early in the morning or later in the evening.

Helpful tips for the best experience:

• If possible, visit in the summer months, between May and September. You’ll have the best chance for nice weather and warm water.
• Wear good footwear: hiking boots or hiking sneakers are best, as the trail is not paved.
• Wear layers and carry a backpack with a raincoat, hat, gloves etc. The Icelandic weather can be unpredictable and it’s best to be ready for it.
• Don’t forget a towel and a bathing suit! A quick-drying towel is the best.
• Bring a dry pack or at least a plastic bag to keep your clothes dry while you soak in the thermal river and admire the breathtaking views around you!
• Bring a pair of flip flops of water shoes if you have them – the bottom of the river is rocky. The rocks are smooth, but your feet will be more comfortable with some protection.
• Bring water and food. The whole experience may last at least 2-3 hours, or even more, depending on how long you’ll spend by the river, so you’ll most likely need a snack.
• Bring a bug net or a bug spray in case of the little flies’ attack.
• Have the right expectations – the river is shallow and you have to lay down to fully submerge and stay warm. It doesn’t take away from the experience at all, you just shouldn’t expect a swim!

Where to stay near Reykjadalur?

The closest town to Steam Valley with accommodations is Hveragerði, but Selfoss (only 15 minutes away) is also a great option. If you’re planning to visit with a tour, Reykjavik is your best choice, as that’s where the tour operator will pick you up.

For me, this was a truly unforgettable journey and I hope I’ve encouraged you to add this amazing, relatively easy Reykjadalur hot spring hike to your Iceland plans.

👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!

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