Hike Distance
3.5 km each way
Well-marked trail with an uphill approach, 45–60 min each way
Reykjadalur Hot Spring River: Hike & Bathe in South Iceland
A geothermally heated river in a valley near Hveragerði. Hike 3.5 km through steaming hillsides to soak in warm, flowing water.
Location
Hveragerði
South Iceland • 45 km from Reykjavík
Quick Answer
Reykjadalur is a geothermally heated river near Hveragerði where you can bathe in warm flowing water. The hike in is about 3.5 km and 45-60 minutes each way.
Reykjadalur ("Steam Valley") is one of Iceland's most popular natural bathing spots, set in the hills above the geothermally active town of Hveragerði in South Iceland. A well-maintained 3.5 km trail winds through a valley dotted with steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and hot springs before reaching a section of river where geothermal water mixes with cold stream water at comfortable bathing temperatures. The draw is simple: a warm, flowing river to soak in, green hillsides, and steam drifting overhead. Just 45 km from Reykjavík, it is one of the most accessible geothermal bathing spots in the country.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Stay on the marked trail. Hot springs and mud pots along the path are scalding. Bathe only in the designated river area. Trail can be slippery when wet.
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Official sources to check
Entrance Fee
Free
Check trail status before leaving; parking is at the trailhead
Region
South Iceland
Near Hveragerði, 45 km from Reykjavík
What to Expect
River Bathing (20-50°C)
Soak in a naturally heated river where temperatures range from 20°C downstream to over 50°C near hot tributaries. Find a comfortable 38-40°C spot between the two
Scenic 3.5 km Valley Trail
Well-marked trail with an uphill approach follows a valley with steaming hillsides, a small waterfall, and cascading streams. Takes 45-60 minutes each way
Free Admission
River bathing is separate from parking and any commercial spa. Check trail status before leaving; closures can apply.
What to Bring
Swimsuit (wear under clothes), towel, sturdy hiking shoes, water bottle, snacks, and water shoes for the rocky riverbed. No facilities at the bathing spot
Basic Privacy Screens
Small wooden screens along the riverbank provide minimal changing privacy. No permanent changing rooms, toilets, or showers at the river
Geothermal Trail Features
Hot springs, fumaroles, small mud pots, and a boiling stream line the trail. The geothermal activity on the hillsides around Hveragerði drives all the heating
Getting There
From Reykjavík, drive 45 km south on Route 1 to Hveragerði (about 45 minutes). In town, follow signs toward Reykjadalur; the trailhead parking is at the end of a short road on the upper edge of town. The parking area has restroom facilities and an information board. The lot can fill up on summer weekends, so arrive before 10 AM. No 4WD needed. The nearest services (cafes, shops, fuel) are in Hveragerði town center (5 minutes by car). The 3.5 km trail begins immediately from the parking lot and is well-signed. Allow roughly two hours for walking in suitable conditions, then add bathing and rest time.
Best Time to Visit
The warm bathing stretch is one feature within an active geothermal landscape. The town’s map warns that other springs in and around Hveragerði can reach 80–100°C and asks visitors to keep at least two metres away. Follow marked paths rather than following steam across the valley. Check SafeTravel for closures before travelling.
Route reference: Visit Hveragerði’s Reykjadalur map. Check SafeTravel for current access.
Planning help
Reykjadalur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How long is the hike to Reykjadalur hot river?
Visit Hveragerði’s official map gives 3.5 km to the hot river and about one hour for the outward hike. Allow roughly 7 km for the return walk, plus time at the river; difficult ground or weather can make it take longer.
Is it safe to bathe in the Reykjadalur hot river?
Only parts of the river are suitable for bathing. Do not use other bathers as a temperature test or enter adjacent hot springs. The town map warns of springs at 80–100°C in and around Hveragerði and asks visitors to view them from at least two metres away. Stay on the marked routes.
Are there changing facilities at Reykjadalur?
There are no buildings at the bathing site, but wooden privacy screens have been installed along the riverbank for changing. Bring a towel and a bag for your clothes. There are restroom facilities at the parking area at the start of the trail but nothing at the river itself.
Can I visit Reykjadalur in winter?
Check SafeTravel before leaving: the trail can close. An open route can still have snow and ice, and the outward walk may take longer than the town map’s roughly one-hour estimate. Plan for the return in limited daylight.
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