Reykjadalur Valley

About Reykjadalur Valley

Reykjadalur, meaning Steam Valley, is a geothermal valley in the hills just north of Hveragerði in South Iceland, about 45 minutes' drive from Reykjavík. Its main draw is a warm river where you can bathe in the open air after a hike, with steam vents and hot springs along the way. It is one of the most popular half-day trips from the capital for walkers who want a natural soak rather than a spa.

The trail starts at a car park above Hveragerði and climbs through the valley to the bathing area. The round trip is roughly 6 to 7 km with about 340 to 380 metres of ascent and is rated moderate. Most people take 45 to 75 minutes to walk up and 30 to 45 minutes to come down, plus time in the water.

At the bathing area, wooden boardwalks run along the river, with simple screens for changing, but there are no showers, lockers or enclosed facilities. The river is shallow, typically 20 to 30 cm, so it is a soak rather than a swim. Temperatures range from around 33 to 35°C where cold streams mix in to 40°C or warmer further upstream, so move until you find a comfortable spot and test the water first.

The hike and bathing are free. Parking is paid through the Parka or EasyPark apps, with a five-hour pass costing about 1,000 ISK; the car park has toilets and a café. Stay on the marked path throughout, as the ground around the hot springs can scald, and keep children close. Summer is the easiest time to go. From November to March the trail is often icy, so microspikes are essential and daylight is short. The Reykjaböð bathhouse near the trailhead is an alternative if you want facilities.