If you have ever wanted to swim in a hot spring in the middle of the mountains, then I have the perfect place for you!
Located just 40 minutes from Reykjavik in South Iceland, Reykjadalur is an amazing setting for a day hike.
Reykjadalur means “steam valley” in Icelandic, and this place definitely holds up to its name.
Here are eight reasons why you absolutely need to hike Reykjadalur.
1. Not far from Reykjavik
The drive to Reykjadalur is a short 40-minute drive. If you don’t have a car, there are tour groups that will bring you to the site and guide you back to the springs.
2. It’s on the way to other popular stops
If you’re driving the golden circle or heading to the main attractions in the south, you literally drive right past this little gem!
3. You will experience full force Icelandic nature
Mountains in front of you, ocean behind you, streams on the side…what more could you ask for in a hike?!
4. You discover a huge waterfall
You start to ask yourself things like, “is this country real life?!” and “what doesn’t this country have?!”
5. You walk through steam from geothermal hot pots
For a minute the steam is so heavy you can’t see where you are going, and it smells like sulfur, but the view on the other side is worth it!

6. You come across this bright turquoise water out of nowhere
Again, you start asking yourself those questions and then spend five minutes here taking photos.
7. You soak in a natural hot spring in the middle of the mountains in Iceland.
When will you ever be able to say that again?!
And yes, it is just as amazing as you think it will be.

8. You eat ice cream after
Because, hard work.
There is an ice cream shop on the left side just after the gravel ends on your drive back towards the ring road. Don’t pass up this opportunity, Iceland honestly has the best ice cream ever!

Directions:
From Reykjavik, head South on Route 1. After about 40 minutes you will come to a town called Hvergerði. Turn left onto the main street of Hveragerði. Drive straight through the town until you come to a gravel road which will lead you towards Reykjadalur. There will be a parking lot at the base of the trail with toilets and a small cafe (only open during summer season). Cross the bridge over the river to reach the start of the trail. The trail is marked with signs along the way. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on the hike back to the hot springs!
What to bring:
Hiking boots, rain gear (the weather in Iceland can change in an instant!), swimsuit, towel, daypack with a plastic bag (for your wet swimsuit after), and of course your camera!
FYI:
- Yes, you need to get naked in the wilderness with people around. Get over it. In Iceland, nobody cares.
- A wooden path has recently been built along the springs with divider “changing rooms.” These just help block the wind slightly or give minimal privacy for changing.
- The hike to the hot springs takes about 45 minutes.
- The path is well marked and no advanced hiking experience is needed (the hike gets moderately difficult in a couple spots)
- The further up the stream you go, the warmer the water becomes.
- Spoiler alert, the worst part of this whole experience is getting out of the hot spring and trying to change back into your clothes in the freezing cold Icelandic windy weather. This only lasts for a few minutes, and then you realize that it was still worth it!
Question: Will you add Reykjadalur to your Iceland to-do list?
Happy planning,
Pin it for later!
MARIA LAURA LORENZO
April 20, 2017 at 1:53 amHi Jeannie, i’ll be going on September this year and we´ve no car and we can´t rent one. I saw the prices of the tours (around 200 us dollars) but they also take you horse back riding. Is it possible to take a taxi that leaves you at the aprking area and then take perhaps another one back? Are there buses from the city? Thank you
Jeannie
April 24, 2017 at 7:53 amI never recommend a taxi in Iceland – they’re just too expensive! This is about an hour drive from Reykjavik so you might want to try to hitchhike a ride! Or do the tour option, but that seems pretty pricey to me 😀
MARIA LAURA LORENZO
April 24, 2017 at 4:58 pmThank you! I think they´re going to be for a next trip to Iceland because I only have 6 days. I left you a question abouth the south area but in another post 😉
Jeff
March 27, 2017 at 6:19 pmWe’re coming in early-mid May. Will the cafe be open? Or should we bring our own food? Besides what sounds like a great view and a lot cheaper, how does the water compare to the blue lagoon? We’re only in Iceland for 3 1/2 days so if we did this, would we need to bother with the blue lagoon? Any other suggestions for such a short stay? We will have a car
Jeannie
March 29, 2017 at 6:54 pmReykjadluar is a natural hot stream, Blue lagoon is a huge wading pool – they are very different! Choose whichever sounds better to you 🙂
I think the cafe would be open by May, but I always bring food just in case! Have a great time 🙂
Hunter
February 16, 2017 at 5:26 pmTo answer your question, your photos/description are awesome. You’ve shown Reykjadalur to be a microcosm of much of the most interesting nature in Iceland. If someone only had time to do one thing in Iceland, this would no doubt be your best choice. We will be doing our third trip to Iceland and after reading your blog, would love to go visit Reykjadalur, Incredible nature that is both non-commercialized and not over-regulated (think US National Parks) is incredibly appealing. That said, on this trip, we are introducing our daughter (who just turned 6) to Iceland. She is good for 20 to 25 minute hikes. And while the hike looks pretty mild, it appears there is enough challenge that I would not want to risk this hike with her on my shoulders. Again, thanks for sharing this place. We will keep it on our list for the next trip (along with Maelifell Volcano and northeast sites like Grjotagja and Laugavalladalur).
Jeannie
February 23, 2017 at 10:14 amYeah this hike would get long with a 6 year old and it’s actually quite steep in some places so carrying her would also get difficult. Next trip, indeed!
Bernardo Rodarte
January 30, 2017 at 3:08 amSaludos desde Mexico! Do you know if this hike / park has any specific hours when it is open to the public? We will be staying at Selfoss that night and want to leave this towards the end of the day. Gracias!
Jeannie
February 6, 2017 at 11:45 amHola Bernardo! This is a public route, so it is open anytime! Have a great time in Iceland 🙂
Zuza
October 6, 2016 at 8:40 amThanks Jeannie! the hike looks fantastic! Is it possible to do it in winter (December)?
Jeannie
October 11, 2016 at 9:21 amHi Zuza! I’ve never done this hike in the winter so I’m not sure how to advise you. However, there are a lot places that are quite steep, so just keep that in mind in case you decide to brave it. There are a lot of hiking groups that go out even in teh winter, but I’ve never done any winter hikes myself. I would also make sure to use crampon spikes on the bottom of your hiking boots and be plenty prepared with warm clothing.
Hope that helps! Let me know how it goes.
LeeAnn Marshall
September 8, 2016 at 6:53 pmThanks, Jeannie! Loving this group and all the great tips and photos!
Jeannie
September 15, 2016 at 9:38 pmYay, so glad it’s been helpful for you LeeAnn! Thanks for following along 🙂
LeeAnn Marshall
September 6, 2016 at 9:30 pmWe’re definitely adding this to our list! My question is..can this be done in the morning, and then get down to catch the ferry to the Westmanns?
Thank you for all the great info!
Jeannie
September 8, 2016 at 1:38 pmHey LeeAnn, yes you can definitely do this and make the ferry. I say to plan 2.5-3 hours for the whole hike + soaking in the springs 🙂
Caryn
August 12, 2016 at 10:12 pmWould it be doable to fit this in on a day trip down to vik?
Jeannie
August 19, 2016 at 8:14 amHi Caryn, yes this would definitely be doable in a day trip with Vík. The hike itself takes about 2 hours round trip, plus time to bathe in the hot springs. I hope you get to do it, such a great experience!
Brie
January 24, 2016 at 3:14 pmIs it pretty obvious where you can and can’t swim or is everywhere fair game?
Jeannie
January 25, 2016 at 2:43 pmIt is obvious where to swim. The hot spring is pretty small and there is now a wooden path along the water. Most people get in at the first part of the stream that you see, but if you go up a bit higher there will be less people and it is warmer!
Brie
January 26, 2016 at 2:31 amThank you!
Van (@snowintromso)
January 20, 2016 at 8:14 pmI don’t need more reasons than these views!!! So gorgeous! And the waterfall! Wish we had more of them in Norway 😉
Jeannie
January 25, 2016 at 2:44 pmRight?! Somehow I never get tired of waterfalls 🙂 Thanks, Van!