Hike
3.5 km each way
Well-marked trail from Hveragerði parking
Reykjadalur Hot River: Hike to a Geothermal River in South Iceland
A geothermally heated river in a steaming valley near Hveragerði, a 3.5 km hike from the trailhead.
Location
Hveragerði
South Iceland • Free admission
Quick Answer
Reykjadalur's geothermal river near Hveragerði is free to bathe in after a 3.5 km uphill hike. Water runs 20-50°C along the stream; the warmest spots are upstream.
Reykjadalur, meaning "Steam Valley," is a free natural bathing spot just outside Hveragerði, a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík. The trail winds through a geothermal landscape of bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and green hillsides before reaching the warm river. Wooden boardwalks along the riverbank let you pick a temperature: cooler downstream, hotter upstream.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Stay on marked trails in geothermal areas. The river is free to access but there are no lifeguards or facilities.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Temperature
Varies 20–50°C
Cooler downstream, hotter upstream
Cost
Free
No admission fee or booking required
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 the geothermal source upstream. Comfortable bathing spots sit around 38-40°C
3.5 km Valley Hike
Well-marked trail with an uphill approach passes bubbling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and a small waterfall. Takes 45-60 minutes each way
Free Admission
No entrance fee or booking required. The river itself costs nothing to use
What to Bring
Swimsuit (wear under clothes), towel, sturdy hiking shoes, water bottle, and snacks. Water shoes helpful for the rocky riverbed. No facilities at the river
Wooden Privacy Screens
Small wooden privacy screens along the riverbank serve as basic changing areas. No permanent changing rooms, toilets, or showers at the bathing spot
45 Minutes From Reykjavík
One of the closest natural hot springs to the capital. An easy half-day trip from Reykjavík, with time left for a stop in Hveragerði town
Getting There
From Reykjavík, drive 45 km south on Route 1 to Hveragerði (about 45 minutes). In Hveragerði, follow signs to the Reykjadalur trailhead; the parking lot is at the end of a short road on the upper edge of town. The parking area has restroom facilities and an information board. It can fill up quickly on summer weekends, so arrive before 10 AM. The 3.5 km trail takes about an hour each way in suitable conditions on a well-marked path. No 4WD required to reach the parking area. The nearest services (cafes, shops, fuel) are in Hveragerði town center (5 minutes by car).
Best Time to Visit
Plan the walk back before settling into the river. The official approach is 3.5 km each way, so bathing is a break midway through a 7 km outing. Carry your towel and dry clothes back out, stay on the marked paths and check SafeTravel for trail closures before leaving Hveragerði.
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 difficult is the hike to Reykjadalur?
The official town map gives 3.5 km to the river, about one hour outward, with red and yellow route markers. Plan for a 7 km return hike plus bathing time. It is an uphill walk; wet, icy or snowy ground can make that estimate unrealistic.
How hot is the Reykjadalur hot river?
The river temperature varies from around 20°C to over 50°C depending on where you sit. The further upstream you go, the hotter it gets. Wooden walkways and signs help you find comfortable spots around 38–40°C.
Are there changing facilities at Reykjadalur?
There are no permanent changing rooms. Small wooden privacy screens have been placed along the riverbank. Bring a towel to change behind, and wear your swimsuit under your hiking clothes for convenience.
When is the best time to visit Reykjadalur?
Choose a day when the trail is open and you have enough daylight for the return hike. Visit South Iceland warns of closures and directs visitors to SafeTravel for conditions. Warm river water does not make the approach safe in poor weather.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.