Hot River
35–45°C
Natural warm bathing river with varying temperatures
Reykjadalur: Hot River & Steam Valley Near Reykjavik
Reykjadalur ("Steam Valley")
A geothermal valley near Hveragerði known for its hot bathing river, one of the most popular day hikes from Reykjavík.
Region
South Iceland
Year-round (summer best)
A 3 km hike leads through steaming vents, mud pools, and colorful mineral deposits to a warm river where visitors can bathe year-round. The valley is one of the easiest geothermal areas to reach in Iceland, 45 minutes from Reykjavík near the town of Hveragerði.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Stay on marked trails: geothermal areas can be dangerously hot. Bring a towel and swimsuit. The trail can be slippery when wet.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Hike Distance
3 km
One way to the bathing area (6 km round trip)
Best Season
Year-round
Summer is most comfortable; winter hikes need preparation
From Reykjavik
45 km
About 30 minutes drive to the trailhead
Terrain
Geothermal
Steam vents and bubbling mud pots line the trail up to the bathing river
Tip
Arrive Early
The parking area fills up fast in summer, so aim for morning
Key Highlights
Hot Bathing River
Naturally heated river where you can soak after the hike
Steaming Vents
Steam rising from vents across the geothermal ground
Mud Pools
Bubbling geothermal mud pools along the trail
Colorful Minerals
Mineral deposits color the ground along the trail
Year-round Access
Open in all seasons; winter visits need extra preparation
Near Hveragerði
Gateway town with restaurants, pools, and geothermal greenhouses
How to Get There
- Park at the trailhead in Hveragerði, about 45 km (40 minutes) south of Reykjavik on Route 1
- The hike to the hot river is approximately 3 km each way (1 hour uphill, 45 minutes down)
- Hveragerði has restaurants, a geothermal park, and shops for supplies before the hike
- Public buses run from Reykjavik to Hveragerði (Strætó Route 51) multiple times daily
- Parking at the trailhead can fill up in summer, so arrive before 10 AM or after 4 PM
Best Time to Visit
- June-August: Most comfortable hiking weather (10-18°C), long daylight for unhurried bathing
- May and September: Fewer crowds at the hot river, still pleasant hiking conditions
- July: Peak visitor season, so expect company at the bathing spots, especially midday
- October-April: Trail can be icy and muddy; bring microspikes and warm layers
- Year-round: The hot river flows in all seasons, but winter hiking requires preparation
Planning help
Reykjadalur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.