I’ve hiked to Reykjadalur Hot Springs more times than I can count over the last 10+ years living in Iceland, and it never gets old!
Mountains ahead of you, the ocean at your back, streams to the side, and a dip in a hot spring with breathtaking views to top it off. Plus a few extra sights to enjoy along the way.
I couldn’t ask for anything more in a hike. 😍
Located in the Reykjadalur Valley, this hot spring is a stone’s throw away from Reykjavík, which is why it’s become my go-to recommendation for anyone asking me about a perfect day trip.
Iceland has so many waterfalls, hiking trails, and hot springs. So, why not combine them all for the ultimate day of relaxation and adventure? 💁♀️
Here’s everything I wish someone had told me before I went: What to expect when you arrive, accessibility, the hiking route itself, and all the sights you’ll pass along the way. It’s all here.
Let’s get into it!
How Do You Get to Reykjadalur Hot Springs From Reykjavík?
Reykjadalur hot springs is located on the South Coast of Iceland, only a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík. It’s also conveniently en route to other popular stops.
- Starting from Reykjavík, head South on Route 1.
- After about 40 minutes you’ll reach a charming town called Hveragerði, where you’ll turn left onto the town’s main street, Breiðamörk (you’ll pass the Orkan gas station).
- Drive straight through the town, following the signs for Reykjadalur until you reach a gravel road.
- The road ends at the Reykjadalur car park, where you’ll find the café and the trailhead. If you just type “Reykjadalur Café” into Google Maps, it’ll take you straight there.
Something worth mentioning is that there’s no direct transport to the trailhead.
You can take the bus to Hveragerði, but there’s a long uphill walk to the car park… BEFORE you even start your hike! And that’s not ideal.
Having your own car makes this (and the rest of your itinerary) a lot simpler. That’s why I recommend Blue Car Rental for anyone visiting Iceland.
They have excellent customer service and they make the rental process as effortless as possible. There’s an online check-in, key box pickup and I love that insurance is included in their rental price.
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Are there Parking & Restrooms at Reykjadalur?
Yes. Once you get to Reykjadalur, you’ll find a parking lot at the base of the trail with toilets and a cafe.
The parking area is camera-enforced, which means they take a photo of your license plate, and the timer starts! It caught me off-guard the first time, but now I know what to expect.
After hiking, head to the payment area where everything is done electronically.
The system will tell you how long you’ve been there and work out how much you’ll need to pay.
Important Note: Cash is not accepted, so it’s a good idea to download the EasyPark or Parka apps (I recommend doing this even before arriving in Iceland). They also have card machines and accept credit cards.
(Check out the apps I recommend for your trip here 👉 The 13 Best Apps for Iceland You Can’t Travel Without!)
Reykjadalur Cafe: This is the little cafe at the start of the hiking trail. It’s a perfect place to grab a snack after your hike and they even serve traditional Icelandic lamb soup. Delicious!
Reykjadalur Parking Fee: It’s 300 ISK ($2,40) for the first hour and 250 ISK per hour for each additional hour.
Restrooms: Yes, but not at the river itself.
Reykjadalur hot springs price: Free
Learn more about how to pay for parking in Iceland. 👇
➡️ READ: Parking in Iceland: The Simple Guide to Paying, Parking and Avoiding Fines
Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike
One of the best things about visiting the Reykjadalur hot springs river is the hike to get there! I’ve done it so many times, and it never disappoints.
Is the Reykjadalur Hike Difficult?
No, you won’t need advanced hiking experience to tackle this hike. We did it while carrying a toddler on our backs! The elevation is at about 1050 feet (320 meters), and there are some moderately difficult spots. But it levels out when you get to the river.
Still, I’d suggest bringing hiking poles. And as with a lot of hikes in Iceland, the path is rocky in some parts, so you need to wear sturdy hiking boots.
How Long Does the Reykjadalur Hike Take?
The hike is 3 km (1.9 miles) one way and usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the river, plus the same amount of time back. So the full hike is around 1.5–2 hours total. But it’s so worth it
Can You Visit Reykjadalur Hot Springs In The Winter?
While this is technically a year-round attraction, I personally wouldn’t tackle the Reykjadalur hot springs hike in the winter.
Some of the pathways are narrow and steep and can be challenging – even in the summer months.
In winter, they’re covered in snow and can get slippery. Plus, you may also find that access is limited in April and May.
What to Expect on the Hike
There’s a bridge that you cross over the river to access the start of the trail. Thankfully, the trail is marked with signs, which makes it easy to navigate.
Other than being rewarded with a heavenly dip in this Icelandic thermal river after the hike, it’s nice to know that you’ll see a few interesting things along the way.
The hike starts off pretty steep, and it won’t be long until you find mud pools and hot springs.
One not-so-fun thing we experienced during the hike was a lot of midges. They’re harmless, but SO annoying. I know it looks a bit ridiculous, but consider wearing a head net, it really helps!
Along the way, we got a great sighting of Djúpagilsfoss waterfall. Getting a waterfall view mid-hike is always a bonus in my book! It’s visible from the trail, though I’ll admit it feels a little scary if you get close enough to look over the edge.
👉 If you’re a lover of all things waterfall-related, then you’ll want to check out the post I did on the 21 Unforgettable Waterfalls in Iceland You Don’t Want to Miss.
Then we got to see this little pool with bright turquoise water. It’s a great spot to take photos, especially with the contrasting color of the landscapes.
I know it’s tempting, but don’t dip in any of these other hot springs. Temperatures can be really hot, so focus on the goal (Reykjadalur hot springs), don’t get sidetracked!
After the waterfall, you’ll get to the Reykjadalur valley. Reykjadalur literally means “steam valley” and you’ll understand why when you get there. Steam is released from the ground giving off a sulfur smell. You’ll see these pockets of steam being released throughout the trail.
Once You Reach the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River
The river is tucked between the mountains and the views are absolutely stunning!
It was also quite busy when we got there.
Granted, the day was clear and beautiful, so it’s no wonder so many people decided to take a dip. Even though it was 10 A.M. on a Monday morning!
But luckily, we still managed to find a good spot that didn’t feel crowded.
Where Do You Get Changed?
You’ll notice a long wooden path along the river with wooden quadrant structures that act like dividers. These don’t offer much privacy, so you’ll need to make peace with getting naked in the wilderness… with people around.
Still, it’s better than nothing if you’re feeling a little shy.
Otherwise, just pick a spot on the hillside and enjoy the feel of the cool Icelandic air on your skin!
Luckily, nobody here is fazed by showing a little skin. And hey, if you’re really that shy, at least there are toilets at the parking area before you start your hike!
If you’ve been to other pools or hot spring spas in Iceland, you’ll know that they have a very strict showering policy.
But here, since it’s a natural river, you don’t have to worry about that. Just get changed and hop on in.
How to Find the Perfect Spot to Soak?
The water temperature varies at different parts of the river, so try different areas to find the sweet spot!
✅ Pro Tip: I like to go further upstream because the further up you go, the warmer the water becomes.
When you step into the river, be careful! The wet stones beneath can be slippery. And one more thing, the water is quite shallow, so don’t expect a deep plunge when you get here.
This was perfect for us because our son was still quite small.
Reykjadalur Map
If you prefer more of a visual, this map lays out the route to the river perfectly. 👇
What Should You Pack for Your Reykjadalur Hike?
- The weather in Iceland changes faster by the minute, so come prepared with rain gear! The day we did this, it started to get really windy the closer you got to the top, so having something wind-resistant came in handy.
- Good hiking boots.
- Swimsuit and towel.
- Daypack with a plastic bag (for the wet swimsuit).
- Camera.
I’m all about packing snacks. Trust me, the hike can be tiring, but a good snack can go a long way to keep you from getting hangry!
As with any hike, you need to be prepared with the correct gear so that you can make the most out of your experience.
Want more help packing for your trip? My Ultimate Iceland packing guide breaks down exactly what to bring by season, plus tips on layering and gear I personally recommend.
There are also checklists, so you can get that flood of endorphins from checking off items as you pack. See, I thought of everything! 😂
Download your FREE Iceland Packing Guide PDF below.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs Tour
While this is absolutely something you can do on your own, you’ll see that there are a lot of horse riding tours.
We passed a couple of groups riding on our hike up! I’m always in awe every time I get to see Icelandic horses, they’re just the sweetest, most gentle creatures.
If you want to try it, it’s a fun way to explore the area and see the adorable Icelandic horses for yourself!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Horse Riding Tour in Reykjadalur (Hot Spring Valley)
Reykjadalur Accommodation
If you’re making your way through South Iceland and plan on staying overnight, there are some great options near Reykjadalur worth considering.
Frost & Fire boutique hotel: Just a 6-minute drive from the hot springs, this luxury hotel has all the bells and whistles! Think saunas, a warmed 40-foot (12 m) lap pool, and hot tubs.
Oh, and I love the design of their onsite restaurant – it’s got glass walls and a glass ceiling to let in the natural light. Can you imagine how stunning this would look in the winter, with everything covered in snow!
👉 Make a booking: Frost and Fire Hotel
Reykjadalur Guesthouse: If you’re looking for an easy, no-fuss home base, this is a great option. It’s still close to all the activities in the area and the rooms are bright and comfortable, but it’s a more budget-friendly option.
They’ve also got a garden where you can sit out with a nice cup of coffee. Couples especially seem to love it.
👉 Make a booking: Reykjadalur Guesthouse
Reykjadalur Camping: The Reykjamörk Hveragerði Campsite is only about a 9-minute drive from the thermal river and sits near the center of the village.
The location is excellent, and it only costs roughly $15 USD per night to camp here.
Interested in more camping information for Iceland? I suggest combing through this post. 👇
➡️ READ: Iceland Camping 101: How To Plan The Perfect Icelandic Adventure
Psst…If you’ve camped but never tried a camper van, you’re seriously missing out! One of my favorite ways to experience Iceland is with a camper van, and the company I keep going back to is Happy Campers.
They’re Iceland’s original camper van company, and I love that they also have 4WD campers. Believe you me, this makes camping out in places like the Highlands and Westfjords so much more comfortable!
Book with Happy Campers using my VIP code: IWV10 for 10% off your rental.
Things to Do Near Reykjadalur
The South of Iceland is packed with amazing things to see and do, and you don’t have to travel too far from Reykjadalur hot springs to see them!
Visit the Hveragerði Village
This beautiful little village is an 8-minute drive from Reykjadalur Hot Springs. With a population of only about 3600, it might look small, but don’t let that fool you. There’s a surprising amount to discover here!
Take a Dip in a Geothermal Swimming Pool
If you haven’t visited a geothermal swimming pool in Iceland, you need to!
This one’s called Sundlaugin Laugaskarði and some things you can look forward to here are a 164-foot (50 m) long pool, a cold tub, and a hot tub with hydromassage.
They even have a natural sauna.
When you get back to Reykjavík and are wondering about the top pools, here’s the list. 👇
➡️ READ: Top 12 Pools in Reykjavík You Need to Visit
Hveragerði Geothermal Park
Also in the village, you’ll find Hveragerði Geothermal Park. There’s a visitor center where you can learn all about the geothermal energy and volcanic activity in the area.
There are hot springs, steaming vents, and a geyser that erupts every so often in the park!
Did you know that Hveragerði is famous for geothermal baking? They bake traditional rye bread called rúgbrauð using geothermal energy in the ground. So cool!
And of course, you can sample some of this bread at the cafe. Not only that but if you want, you can also boil an egg in the hot spring.
Well, that’s one way to do it! ☺️
Opening hours: June to August
Monday – Saturday 9 A.M. – 6 P.M.
Sundays 9 A.M. – 4 P.M.
Pro tip: Make sure you check operating hours over the winter months because they can change.
Hveragerði is one of the best little villages in Iceland, but it’s far from the only one! Here are more of my favorites. 👇
➡️ READ: Towns in Iceland: 10 of the Best Villages That’ll Leave You Breathless
Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant
If you drive out about 15 minutes from Reykjadalur, you’ll come across Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant.
It’s one of the best truly Icelandic cultural experiences you can do here and totally worth visiting!
I’ve been here a few times and keep going back.
It feels like you’re stepping back in time when you walk into the turf house / restaurant. The detailed wood carving and decor inside really feel like you’re living in the Viking times.
While we were waiting for our food, we even had the chance to try out archery and axe throwing… I mean, do you need any more convincing?!
Inside the turf house there’s even a Viking-style throne where you can dress up and take photos. My kids absolutely loved this!
Raufarhólshellir
Walking through a lava tunnel is definitely one of the things I would consider brag-worthy when telling my friends about Iceland!
One of the longest and most impressive ones is Raufarhólshellir.
It’s a lava tube that was formed during an eruption a few thousand years ago.
When you’re inside, you’ll be able to see the incredible colors and rock formations caused by the lava flowing through it.
I think I had to pinch myself more than once to remind myself where I was!
With it being 20 minutes from Reykjadalur, there’s really no excuse not to go!
FAQs
Here are your top questions about Reykjadalur:
What is the Temperature of the Water at Reykjadalur?
The temperature of the river tends to change depending on where you are. But in the main area where you’ll find people soaking, it’s between 97 and 104°F (36 and 40°C).
Is Reykjadalur Crowded?
This hot spring and thermal river in Iceland is moderately busy. It’s always been a favorite among the locals, but I’ve noticed that it’s definitely become more popular in recent years with tourists.
How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Reykjadalur Hot Springs?
I always like to factor in a little more time, but you could do 45 minutes to 1 hour to hike each way and 30-45 minutes in the hot spring. So, roughly 3 hours. This is perfect for a day trip from Reykjavík.
Are the Personnel On Site at Reykjadalur?
No, there is no personnel on site at the Reyjadalur. With the exception being at the restaurant and service center at the parking lot. There won’t be anyone cleaning up after you leave, so make sure you pick up after yourself.
Other Hot Springs & Hikes in Iceland
On the hunt for more waterfalls, hot springs, and epic hikes? Sink your teeth into the posts below for a dose of inspiration.
👉 Glymur Waterfall: First things first, Glymur Waterfall is like the Taylor Swift of must-see attractions, definitely pencil this one in the top to-do list.
👉 Blue Lagoon / Sky Lagoon: A trip to the Blue Lagoon is basically a right of passage in Iceland! But if you’re not fully convinced if it’s the right choice for you, I wrote a post comparing the Sky and Blue Lagoon that’s worth checking out.
👉 Blue Lagoon Alternatives: If you’d rather avoid the crowds, I’ve also got the insider scoop on Top 10 Blue Lagoon Alternatives.
👉 Thórsmörk: Any place called the Valley of Thor is just screaming to be discovered. Thórsmörk has some of the most breathtaking hikes in the country!
👉 Mývatn: If you plan on venturing out to North Iceland there’s another famous geothermal area with hikes and hotsprings is called Mývatn. Read all about it, then put it on your to-do list!
Hiking is always at the top of my radar when visiting a new place, so if you’re interested in the best hikes in Iceland, here they are.
➡️ READ: What Are the Best Hikes in Iceland? 13 Trails You Need to Explore!
This is Your Guide to More Gems Like Reykjadalur
I was so fed up with confusing Google searches when I planned my first trip to Iceland because there were specific things I was looking for:
- Never-talked-about locations,
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But the information was often outdated, and all I wanted was a reliable guide that gave me everything I needed… and a map where to find these places.
Is that too much for a girl to ask?!
Well, I couldn’t find one, so I created it.
My 👉 Iceland Travel Map & Guide has everything in one convenient resource.
The guidebook is region-specific, with must-know logistics and insider tips on how to plan your trip, including family travel tips.
And the digital map pinpoints top-rated hikes, waterfalls, and hot springs. There’s also practical information you need, like where the gas stations and restrooms are… and so much more!
Ready to visit Reykjadalur Hot Springs?
Grab your camera and hiking boots and let’s go!
Happy Planning!
Jeannie is the founder of Iceland with a View, an Iceland trip planning resource she launched in 2015 after moving to Iceland. Having lived in Iceland for nearly 11 years, she shares firsthand travel advice through in-depth articles, guidebooks, maps, itineraries, and a YouTube channel with over 110,000 subscribers. Her mission is to help travelers confidently plan unforgettable Iceland trips with practical, experience-based guidance.
