One of my favorite all season outdoor activities in Iceland is hiking to the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River.
Iceland is known for hot springs, but many of them have been commercialized. Many are reasonably priced (other than the Blue Lagoon, which is a bit pricey), have bars and cafes on-site, locker rooms, showers and towels available during your visit.
Even though you have to pay, those are all still great experiences. But there’s really nothing better than hiking out to a natural hot spring thermal river in the middle of a pristine valley covered in snow, changing in the open (more on that later) and hopping into its warm spring waters!
After departing my campsite in nearby Selfoss where I stayed the prior night, I made my way over to the town of Hveragerdi which is home to Reykjadalur Valley.
The trailhead starts near the appropriately named Reykjadalur Cafe. You’ll need to pay a small fee to park here, but the hike and hot springs are free to enjoy. The cafe makes for a great spot to use the restrooms and for grabbing coffee and some food after you’re finished.
Most parking lots in Iceland are monitored 24/7 by cameras, so I strongly advise not trying to skirt the system by not paying.
If you’re doing this activity during the winter like I did, be sure to bring your micro spikes, towel and bathing suit with you.
This out and back hike is just under 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip and has a slight elevation gain for much of the journey. It should take most visitors about 40-60 minutes to complete the hike in each direction for a total hiking time of around 1.5 to 2 hours. From there, budget an extra hour for enjoying soaking in the hot springs.
On the way out, you’ll cross a small pedestrian bridge, track along the stream, before turning up the hillside into the valley.
Keep an eye out for geothermal activity just off the trail as you’re hiking. Some of the warmer pockets of ground will be devoid of snow due to the heat, exposing beautiful earthy colors and even some splotches of red.
During the winter, much of the landscape surrounding Reykjadalur Valley will be covered in snow and the views aren’t that impressive. This hike is all about the payoff near the end.
However, there is one really cool point of interest to keep an eye out for. As you approach the thermal hot springs river you’ll catch views of an incredible hot spring waterfall cascading into the valley below. This is a great landmark to signal you’re approaching the bathing area!
Once you reach the swimming area, you’ll start seeing some wooden steps along the stream which help visitors get down into the water.
Be careful – as these can be extremely slippery, especially during the winter.
You should also notice some small wooden structures which are the outdoor changing areas. If you’re shy, this might not be a great activity for you, since these areas offer limited privacy.
Pro tip – the hardest part of this whole experience was keeping my feet warm while I was changing and getting in and out of the water. You might want to consider bringing some sandals or something to stand on while you’re changing to keep your feet off the snow and ice!
After freezing my butt off for a few minutes getting changed and my belongings situated, I worked down into the hot spring river itself.
The thermal river felt like perfectly comfortable warm bath water as I lowered myself in and found a comfortable spot leaning back onto some rocks.
The whole experience felt so surreal, as I relaxed in the warm natural hot spring river and soaked up the incredible snow covered landscapes that surrounded me.
Perhaps the only thing missing during this experience was a cold beer to enjoy while soaking in the river. I’ll be sure to bring one with me next time I visit!
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If you’re planning to visit Iceland and Reykjadalur during the winter (which I did, and recommend), you’ll need to be prepared. Be sure to check out my complete Winter Iceland Packing List to help you prepare.
Want to travel Iceland while making new friends? Check out my summer Ring Road Camper Van Tour where we’ll be able to experience the Midnight Sun and enjoy mild Icelandic weather.
Alternatively, if seeing the Northern Lights is top of mind for you, I’d suggest joining me in Arctic Norway for my annual Northern Lights tour. Even though Iceland is great for seeing the Aurora during the winter, Norway is better!
If you want to know how to reach the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River for yourself, keep reading. I’ll cover some additional information throughout the rest of this post that will cover everything you need to know.
Everything you need to know about hiking to the Reykjadalur Hot Springs Thermal River
Where is the best place to stay when visiting?
Reykjadalur, which translates to “Steam Valley,” is located in southern Iceland, just 45 minutes east of Reykjavik. The thermal river is nestled in the Hengill volcanic area, which is known for its geothermal activity.
The nearest town to Reykjadalur is Hveragerði, located about 15 minutes from the trailhead. This small but charming town is known for its own geothermal activity, and it’s the perfect place to stop before or after your hike.
Hveragerði has a range of services, including cafés, restaurants, and shops where you can grab a bite to eat, stock up on supplies, or simply relax before heading to the hot springs.
Another great option for nearby lodging is the town of Selfoss.
It's a bit larger than Hveragerði so it has more to offer. I've stayed here a few different times at the campsite in town and really enjoyed it.
You can browse deals on hotels in Selfoss or check out lodging options in Hveragerði here.
Where is the trailhead located?
To reach the Reykjadalur Hot Springs, you’ll start at the trailhead located just outside of Hveragerði.
The trailhead is easily accessible by car, with parking available near the start of the hike. From the parking area, it’s a short walk to the beginning of the trail, which is clearly marked.
You shouldn't have any issues finding this area by entering either "Reykjadalur Hot Spring River" or "Reykjadalur Cafe" into your GPS.
Check out more that Hveragerdi has to offer here at their local tourism website.
What is this place best known for?
Reykjadalur is best known for its thermal river, where visitors can enjoy a soak in naturally heated water as they take in the stunning surrounding scenery.
What sets this location apart from other hot springs is the fact that it’s a river rather than a pool, allowing you to move around and find the perfect temperature.
Most geothermal spas in Iceland are more easily accessible and offer luxe facilities for showering, changing and lounging in between soaks.
This is a much more natural hot spring experience!
What is the best time of year to visit Reykjadalur?
The most popular season is during the summer months, from late May to September, when the weather is milder, and the trail is fully accessible.
During these months, the landscape is lush and green, and you can enjoy the vibrant surroundings in their full glory. If you need help packing for a summer hiking trip to Iceland, check out my complete hiking checklist here.
However, visiting in the winter can also offer a memorable experience, especially if you want to see the valley dusted in snow. This is my preference since it makes for such a unique experience.
Keep in mind that in winter, the trail can be icy, and the conditions may be more challenging, so appropriate footwear and caution are recommended. Be sure to check out my list of tips for visiting Iceland during the winter to be better prepared!
How long is the hike to the Reykjadalur Hot Spring River?
The entire visit to Reykjadalur can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours, depending on how long you want to spend soaking in the thermal river and exploring the area.
The hike to the river takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and once you reach the thermal river, you can spend as much time as you like relaxing in the warm waters.
I found that about 1 hour at the river is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the experience. If you plan to take photos, explore the valley further, or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings, you may want to allow for a little extra time.
Are there bathrooms?
There are bathroom facilities available at the trailhead, so you can use them before beginning your hike or after you finish.
However, there are no bathrooms along the trail or near the thermal river itself, so make sure to take care of any necessities before heading out.
Is there a fee to visit?
Unlike other geothermal areas in Iceland, there isn't a fee to access Reykjadalur.
If you park in the main parking lot, you will have to pay a small parking fee.
Other important things to know when visiting this place
Don't forget your swimsuit or towel! Along with anything else you'd like to have at the river itself.
If you're visiting Iceland during the winter, you'll need spikes not only for this activity, but for pretty much everything else as well.
Reykjadalur pairs perfectly with a visit to the nearby town of Hveragerði, which offers a range of geothermal experiences. You can explore the town’s geothermal greenhouses or visit the local hot springs.
Another nearby activity worth considering is a visit to the famous Golden Circle route, which includes the Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall.
Other can't miss stops in close proximity are the Secret Lagoon (for a more traditional experience), Kerid Crater and the vibrant Bruarfoss Waterfall.
You can budget a day or two for hitting all of these areas before continuing on through Selfoss to Iceland's South Coast!
Check out my Iceland Group Trip
Interested in joining me in Iceland?
Check out my Iceland Ring Road Tour.
This trip takes place during the summer which allows us to experience Iceland's Midnight Sun and tons of daylight while we set out to cover the entirety of Ring Road.
If you've always wanted to visit Iceland, but aren't comfortable spending the time to research and plan it yourself, let me take care of the dirty work for you!
Not only that, but you'll have a great guide (that's me!) to help ensure everything goes smoothly.
I've custom curated the itinerary to make sure we hit all of the best stuff, all you've got to do is show up and enjoy!
You can read more about my Iceland Group Tour at the link.
Watch my Winter Iceland Travel Vlog on YouTube
Check out these nearby Golden Circle Tours
Looking for more things to do in the Golden Circle area of Iceland? Check out some of these options available through GetYourGuide.
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Is visiting the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River worth it?
Iceland is known for geothermal spas, and the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River is my favorite, natural, free way to enjoy one. It’s well worth the energy you’ll invest hiking there and back.
While it may not be as photogenic as places like the Blue Lagoon, it’s a really unique experience that will be way less crowded. And as a plus, it’s free to enjoy!
It’s also a great year round activity. While the weather will be more pleasant in the summer, there’s something about soaking in a thermal river, surrounded by snow, that I think makes this the PERFECT addition to a winter Iceland itinerary.
The hardest part of planning a trip to Iceland is that for most people, your time will be limited. Even if you spend two weeks here like I did on my first trip, you won’t have nearly enough time to see everything.
I consider this a must do activity, so make sure to budget a morning for this hike. There are plenty of other worthwhile stops in the area such as Kerid Crater, the town of Selfoss, Thingvellir National Park (home to Silfra Snorkeling) and Secret Lagoon (for a more traditional hot spring experience) that it can be paired with.
Need more Iceland travel inspiration? Be sure to check out some of my posts on the following subjects:
- Take a volcano hike with a geologist at Fagradalsfjall
- Try a Reykjavik walking food tour
- Enjoy whale watching in Reykjavik Harbor
- Vatnajokull Blue Ice Caves Tour
Also be sure to check out my 7 Day Winter Iceland Itinerary which will set you up for the perfect cold weather road trip along the South Coast! It will set you up perfectly to visit Reykjadalur.
Let me know if you found this guide for hiking to the Reykjdalur Hot Spring Thermal River in Iceland helpful!
