Reykjadalur Hike: The Guide To Iceland’s Hot River Trail

Iceland is known for its geothermal resorts like Blue Lagoon. But besides many commercial hot springs, you can also hike to natural baths in unspoilt nature. One of these is Reyjadalur, the geothermal hot river where you can bath in any weather. In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to plan your hike.

Introduction to Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

The Reykjadalur valley is a highlands geothermal area where hot springs meet a river, where you can bath round-year.

Reykjadalur means a “smoky valley”. The name makes sense because the whole valley is dotted with steam rising from the hills and springs.

The trail starts from Hveragerði, a small town about 45-minute drive from Reyjkavik.

What Makes Reykjadalur Hot River Unique

Reykjadalur is not the only natural hot springs area in Iceland.

By “natural”, I mean there is no resort or even a pool. It’s a real, wild river with just some on the wooden decks on its banks for easier access. Of course there are no life guards and even no changing rooms (more on that later).

Several things make stand out from among other trails:

• Very close to Reykjavik, only 45 minute drive
• A short hike to the bathing area, just 3.5 km from the trailhead
• Easy, well-marked trail, suitable for all hikers
• Starts form a cozy small town with restaurants for a hearty after-hike meal

Of course, this also means that the trail is not exactly secret or secluded. You’ll meet lots of other hikers on the trail, especially in good weather.

But it’s not only tourists. Reykjadalur is a popular destination for Icelanders too. I’ve personally been there many times, on my own, with kids, and oved ones. It’s always fun. But you do need to know a few things.

Planning Your Reykjadalur Hiking Experience

• Total distance: approximately 9 km round trip (some guides say 7 km but that’s not from a. sign, not the parking lot)
• Elevation gain: about 200 meters)
• Average completion time: 3-4 hours including bathing
• Trailhead location:

The Reykjadalur trail is very well-marked. You don’t need a guide or a tour to go there.

The easiest way to reach the trailhead is by driving. You can also take a public bus (straeto) to Hvaragerdi. But then you’ll need to walk another 5 km to the trailhead. It’s a nice walk though.

How Difficult is The Hike?

The Reykjadalur trail is considered easy, especially for experienced hikers.

The trail doesn’t have many exposed parts. There is only section where you walk close to a canyon, which might be scary for those scared of heights.

So I’d argue anybody can do this trail.

I’ve done this trail with a 6-year old. But that was at the limit of his abilities and he had to be caried at times. I’ve seen even smaller kids there. But that depends on a child.

On this trail, I’ve seen the most number of “non-typical” hikers. I.e. older, not very fit looking people. They all did well.

However, you need to understand that it’s still a real hiking trail. There are no benches to sit down. And it’s not just a gravel path from the parking lot.

This means you also need to dress and pack appropriately.

Essential Gear List

Even though it’s a realtively short hike, you need to be ready for any weather.

• Appropriate footwear: hiking boots or trail sneakers. You can also get away with regular athletic sneakers but they might get dirty and damaged.
• Layered clothing for variable weather conditions
• Bathing suit and quick-dry towel for hot spring bathing
• Trekking poles are optional, most people go without them

What’s the Best Time to Go?

Reykjadalur is best done on a nice sunny day. But it you can go any time of the year.

• Summer, May to September: Best time, also the most crowded.
• Early spring / autumn: Could be nice in weather and less crowded.
• Winter: Nice contrast between freezing weather and hot water. But the path can be slippery and more dangerous.

The rain (a common thing in Iceland) affects the Reykjadalur trail. First, the trail becomes more slippery in some parts. Second, the water in the river can become muddy after heavy rains.

The water level and temperature also changes with seasons. Earlier in the summer, the water is higher. The water temperature depends on the air termperature and also on geotheramal activity, which is beyond anyone’s control.

If knowing this you’re ready to go, here is how you do it.

The Reykjadalur Hiking Experience

Bathing Areas and Facilities

Before you decide to go, you need to know a few things.

• There are no changing rooms or toilets. To change you need to use X-shaped wooden shields (that don’t really hide). Or go up and behind a hill (which doesn’t help much). There are no trees and no bushes. The only toilet is in the beginning of trail.
• The water level is quite low. It’s less than knee-deep so you can only sit or lay down. And even then it’s usually near make-shift “dams” made of stones by hikers. So you certainly can’t swimming. The good thing is that it’s quite safe for kids or people who can’t swim.
• Water might be too cold or hot. It’s hoter upstream and cold downstream. But the part with your prefered temperature might be already occupied.

Ok, now here is how I usually do this.

I wrap a towel around my waist and quickly change. I usually keep the jacket until last moment. Sometimes I keep the hat even when I go in the water. You gotta be quick because even in warm weather there is some wind from the mountains.

Then I walk on the deck and see where I can find a spot. I try to get my “own” section of the river where I would be away from other bathers. About 30 minutes is usually enough for me. To be honest, sitting there usually isn’t too comfortable. That’s because the stones are either slippery from algae or sharp. But it’s still pretty cool to sit there, one with the nature. Every time I think it would be nice to have a beer… and then I always forget it.

If this sounds good to you, here is how the Reykjadalur hike goes.

The Reykjadalur Hike

Here’s what to expect on different parts of the hike to the geothermal river. Here is a map that you’ll see at the trailhead.

The Parking and Trailhead

The trail starts from a big parking lot with a cafe / shop.

The parking is paid when you leave it. It’s priced by hour and there are cameras when you enter the parking area. If you don’t pay, you’ll quickly get an invoice with extra fees (likely when you return the rental car).

Next to the cafe are the toilets. Make sure to use them becasue there are no toilets anywhere on the trail. Reykjadalur is probably one of the busiest hiking trails in Iceland so it would be hard to find a private place to “answer the call of the nature”. There are no trees or bushes anywhere on the trail.

The Ascent

The trail starts with a gravel path. It starts gradually and then picks up from there. Most of it is gravel or dirt (reinforced with plastic geogrid in some places).

You don’t really need hiking boots although of course it’s better to have ankle support. I’ve seen people go in regular, non trail sneakers and they did just fine.

The are no truly exposed parts. However, once you see a canyon it can be a bit scary for newbie hikers. You’ll walk next to a steep canyon. However the trail is quite wide and you don’t have to walk on the edge. In winter this part might be slipper and would need caution.

From across the canyon you’ll see a beautiful waterfall with steams in the valley above in. Some people go to the waterfall. But that is off-trail and is dangerous: hot springs in Reykjadalur constantly shift and you might walk in spots with boiling water. Just take a picture of the waterfall from the distance and keep going.

The Bathing Area

After you see the waterfall, on a clear you’ll notice clouds of steam if the distance. That’s where the bathing area is. After spotting the waterfall it’s another 20-30 min or so.

The bathing area starts where the wooden decks are. You’ll find stairs for easier access but you can go in in any part.

You can check the water temperature and find the part you like the most. It gets hotter upstream as you get closer to the hot springs.

Find your sport, quickly change and enjoy the hot river!

The Descent

You go back the same way you came. Except it will likely be much faster.

Many people (especially ladies) use the toilet to change. So in the evening there might be a queue.

The cafe closes at 6pm you might want to be there on time to enjoy a celebratory beer! If the cafe is closed, you can head to The Greenhouse food hall, which has several street food places and a bar.

Finally, don’t forget to pay for parking when you exit. They take a photo of your car’s license plate so you can’t escape.

Some Things to Keep in Mind

• Please keep on trail to protect the nature. It’s a very popular hike and if everybody would walk on moss, it will damage it permanently.
• Please keep on trail to stay safe. The geothermal activity is always changing and parts that are off-trail can be dangerous. In fact, the trail changed several times to avoid being dangerously close to hot springs.
• Please take your litter. It’s wild nature, not a park. There are no trash bins and nobody to pick up after you.

Having said that, enjoy the hike!