Reykjadalur Hot Spring River: The Hike and How to Get There from Reykjavík

Quick facts

• Where: the valley above the town of Hveragerði, in South Iceland, about 45 km east of Reykjavík.
• Drive from Reykjavík: about 40 to 45 minutes on road 1 over the Hellisheiði plateau.
• Hike: about 3.5 km each way, usually around 1 hour up and a bit less down, with some steep sections at the start.
• Bathing: in the warm river itself, with simple wooden boardwalks and screens, no changing rooms or showers.
• Cost: the valley is free; there is a parking fee at the trailhead.
• Private transfer Reykjavík to Hveragerði: 19,600 kr per car (1–4) or 23,700 kr per van (5–7), one way.

What is Reykjadalur?

Reykjadalur means "steam valley", and the name fits: steam rises from vents and hot springs all over the green hillsides. A river runs through the valley and is fed by hot water, so in its upper part the water is warm enough to bathe in. The further upstream you go, the warmer it gets; you simply walk along the boardwalk and find the spot that suits you.

It feels very different from a spa lagoon: no tickets, no ritual, just a river, the valley and your fellow hikers. That is exactly why many people remember it as a highlight of their trip. For an overview of other options, see our Iceland hot springs guide.

The hike step by step

1. Start at the trailhead at the end of the road above Hveragerði, where there is a car park, toilets and a café.
2. Climb the first slope: the first part is the steepest, a steady uphill on a gravel path.
3. Follow the path across the hills, passing steaming vents and a small waterfall. The trail is well marked and wide in most places.
4. Reach the bathing area after about an hour. Boardwalks run along the river with screens to change behind.
5. Bathe, then walk back the same way. Downhill is quicker but can be slippery.

What to bring

• Hiking shoes or good trainers with grip; the path is muddy after rain.
• Swimwear under your clothes, to make changing quicker.
• A small towel and a bag for wet things.
• Layers and a waterproof jacket: it can be windy and cold on the way back after a warm soak.
• Water and a snack.
• In winter: microspikes or crampons for ice, a head torch, and a hat.

Safety: stay on the path

Reykjadalur is a geothermal area. Some springs next to the trail are boiling hot, and the ground around them can be thin. Stay on the marked path and boardwalks, keep children close, and never test water with your hands in a pool outside the bathing area. Bathe only in the river where the boardwalk is, and check the temperature before getting in: it can change from place to place.

Best time to go

• Summer (June to August): long days, green hills, the easiest hiking conditions, but the busiest time. Go early in the morning or in the evening for fewer people.
• Autumn (September to October): beautiful colours and fewer people; days get shorter quickly.
• Winter (November to March): snowy and quiet, but the path can be icy and daylight is short. Only go with the right gear, and plan to be back before dark.
• Spring (April to May): check for trail closures and expect mud.

How to get there without a car

Private transfer

The simplest way is a private ride from your hotel to the trailhead area at Hveragerði and a pick-up again at the time you choose. Book the transfer with return, pick a time about 3 to 4 hours after drop-off, and both rides are linked in one booking. One way costs 19,600 kr per car or 23,700 kr per van; with return it is twice the one-way price.

Bus

A regional bus connects Reykjavík with Hveragerði several times a day. From the town, the trailhead is roughly 3 km uphill, so add about 40 minutes of walking each way to the hike itself. Check current departures in Strætó's journey planner.

Combine with a day trip

Hveragerði is on the way to the Golden Circle and the South Coast. If you want to do Reykjadalur and see more on the same day, ask us on WhatsApp for a custom private day with your own driver; see hiring a driver for a day.

Around Hveragerði

Hveragerði is a small town known for its greenhouses, heated by geothermal energy, and its bakeries and cafés make a good stop after the hike. On the way back to Reykjavík you pass the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant. A little further east, the town of Selfoss and the crater lake Kerið are easy additions.

Travelling with Drive Reykjavik

• Fixed price per car, not per person, agreed before you travel
• Economy (Tesla) for 1 to 4 passengers, Van (Mercedes Vito) for 5 to 7, minibus for 8 to 16 on request
• Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign and checks your flight before leaving
• 45 minutes of free waiting at the airport
• Pay 20% to book and the rest in the car by card or cash, or pay everything online
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pick-up

We have been driving travellers around Iceland for ten years, and we go everywhere in the country, not only to Reykjavík.

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