Distance
7 km
Round trip from the Hveragerði trailhead
Reykjadalur Trail: Hike to the Hot River
Hike to the hot river near Hveragerði in South Iceland
Difficulty
Easy
7 km round trip · 2–3 hours · South Iceland
Quick Answer
The Reykjadalur trail near Hveragerði is a 7 km hike through a steaming geothermal valley to a river warm enough for bathing, about 45 minutes from Reykjavík.
Reykjadalur ("Steam Valley") is an easy day hike that ends with a bathe in a geothermally heated river. The trail from the town of Hveragerði winds through a valley of steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and boiling springs before reaching a section of river where hot geothermal water mixes with cold stream water to a comfortable bathing temperature. Wooden boardwalks line the riverbank at the bathing section.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Stay on marked trails. Geothermal areas have boiling water just below the surface; stepping off the path can cause severe burns. Keep children close and away from steam vents and mud pots.
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Official sources to check
Elevation gain
~200 m
Gradual ascent along the valley floor
Duration
2–3 hours
Including bathing time in the hot river
What to Expect
Trail distance and elevation
7 km round trip from the Hveragerði trailhead with approximately 200m of gradual elevation gain. Difficulty rated easy. No technical skills required. Allow 2-3 hours including bathing time.
Terrain type
Well-maintained gravel and boardwalk trail. No river crossings required; the path stays on the valley's eastern slope. Some sections can be muddy after rain. Wooden boardwalks line the bathing area.
The hot river bathing area
The highlight: a section of river where wooden boardwalks let you change and slip into naturally heated water at 35-40°C. Find a comfortable temperature by moving upstream (hotter) or downstream (cooler).
Geothermal features
Active mud pots bubble beside the trail with clay stained yellow by mineral deposits (never touch them; temperatures exceed 100°C). There are also steam vents, boiling springs, and a hot waterfall in a small canyon.
Green valley scenery
Despite the geothermal activity, the valley is lush with grass and wildflowers in summer, green hillsides right beside steaming ground.
Proximity to Reykjavík
Hveragerði is just 45 km (45 minutes) from Reykjavík on Route 1, so this works as a half-day trip. The town has public hot pots, geothermal greenhouses, and restaurants.
Getting There
The town’s route instructions follow Breiðamörk through Hveragerði, turn left at the sports centre and continue to the parking area at the road end. Cross the bridge to the trail information signs. Follow the red and yellow poles to the hot river: the official map gives 3.5 km and about one hour each way. Allow more time for stops and difficult ground, plus bathing. A bus to Hveragerði does not take you to the river; plan the additional approach separately.
Best Time to Hike
Use the trail’s current status as your first planning check. Visit South Iceland explicitly warns of closures and points to SafeTravel. The town map’s one-hour outward estimate is a route guide, not a winter promise. Leave time to walk back in daylight, and turn around if conditions exceed your equipment or ability.
Route reference: Visit Hveragerði’s Reykjadalur map. Check SafeTravel for current access.
Planning help
Reykjadalur Trail FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How warm is the river at Reykjadalur?
The bathing area in the hot river typically ranges from 35–40°C, though it varies with weather and recent rainfall. Cold tributaries mix with the geothermally heated water, so you can find your preferred temperature by moving along the river. Wooden boardwalks line the bathing section.
Do I need to bring a towel and swimsuit?
Yes, bring your own towel and swimsuit. There are no facilities at the river: no changing rooms, just the wooden boardwalk. Most people change at the riverside. A waterproof bag for your clothes is helpful as rain is common.
Is the Reykjadalur trail suitable for children?
The official town map puts the hot river 3.5 km from the trailhead, making a 7 km return hike before time spent bathing. Choose it only if your children can manage that walk and stay on the marked route. Keep them away from hot springs and vents.
Can I hike Reykjadalur in winter?
Only when the trail is open and conditions suit your equipment and ability. Visit South Iceland warns that the route can close and directs visitors to SafeTravel for its status. Snow, ice and short daylight can turn this into a much slower trip; do not bypass a closure.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.