A Guide to Reykjadalur Hot Springs in Iceland
Are you planning on hiking and soaking in the Reykjadalur Hot Springs River in Iceland? Read our travel guide that includes practical information, trail description, and tips on how to get, when to go, or what to pack.
What are the best hot springs along the iconic Ring Road? Well, it all depends on your preferences and your Iceland travel budget.
So, what about a thermal river hidden in the mountains, considered by many a highlight of their Iceland road trip?
Yes, we're talking about Reykjadalur Hot Springs, an Icelandic natural gem that is set in breathtaking nature, and it's free to visit.
Reykjadalur, which literally means 'steam' or 'smokey valley,' is no longer a secret or hidden hot spring, but it does not mean that the place lost its magic.
Close to the Reykjavik, near the popular Golden Circle, known for Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir Geothermal Area, the location is way too accessible and the hot springs way too perfect to remain hidden from curious visitors.
Reykjadalur Valley is super-popular among locals who love to come here and chill whenever they can.
The same goes for international travelers who have just recently discovered this natural treasure.
Sure, the famous hot pools such as Myvatn Baths or Blue Lagoon are great and offer superb facilities. However, they are very expensive.
If you are traveling Iceland on a budget, prefer a more natural experience, hiking to Reykjadalur Hot Springs is one of the best things to do while in the area.
Do not expect an off-the-beaten-path experience, though.
It was already 9 PM when we arrived at the parking lot at the beginning of July. The parking was far from empty, and some people arrived even after us.
Moreover, we still could see a few cars lining the access road, indicating that the place was much fuller during the day.
Later on, we saw a few photos of Reykjadalur River looking really crowded.
But we think that it usually looks much worse in pictures, and in reality, everyone will find a spot to soak in the river for a while without feeling uncomfortable.
Most importantly, we are quite confident that you are going to enjoy both the hike and the dip in the river.
It's only necessary to set your expectations right to have a better trip.
Just do not assume that you'll have the place just for yourself when you visit a natural river with free hot springs in Iceland surrounded by mountains.
This is certainly not the case, especially in the peak season.
Still, this point does not change anything about how awesome this place is, and we believe the Reykjadalur Hot Springs River is worth a visit.
So without any further ado, here's everything you should know about the Reykjadalur Hot Springs before you go.
Where is Reykjadalur Valley
Reykjadalur Hot Springs is less than 50 kilometers from Reykjavik, and it takes approximately 40 minutes to get there.
The nearest town is Hveragerdi, only six minutes away by car from the trailhead.
Hveragerdi has a grocery store, gas station, but also some restaurants and quite a few accommodation options.
The valley and the hot river are close to both Golden Circle and Reykjanes Peninsula, one of the best attractions in Iceland.
Therefore, you can easily include it in your Iceland itinerary.
Trail Description
The most interesting fact about Reykjadalur Hot Springs River? It is free of charge. But seriously.
The 3-kilometer in-and-out Reykjadalur Hot Springs trail is moderately difficult.
It will take you from the trailhead to the boardwalk, from where it is the best to access the river.
The journey to the river is a bit more challenging as it leads mostly uphill, so expect it will take you approximately one hour.
We stayed in the river for about an hour, but it is only up to you how long you plan on relaxing there. The way back then takes anything between 45 minutes and an hour.
Therefore, allow yourself at least three hours for Reykjadalur Hot Springs.
Of course, it is possible to walk further and explore the valley more extensively. Obviously, if you want to do more hiking in the area, you will need more time.
How to Visit Reykjadalur Hot Springs
As mentioned at the beginning of this blog post, when we arrived at the parking lot, it was after 9 PM.
We had our late dinner and packed everything we needed. By the time we were done, it was almost 10 PM.
Still, we were excited to take a dip in the hot river. But first things first, we needed to get to the hot springs.
Trail Difficulty
When we were searching for more information about Reykjadalurs' trail difficulty, the reviews were quite mixed.
So, how difficult is the hike? We would say it is easy to moderate.
The only exception would be wintertime or when the temperatures drop below zero Celsius. In this case, trail conditions could be icy and slippery.
Yes, the trail climbs uphill for almost three kilometers, but there are only a few steeper sections.
We believe that any moderately fit person should be able to get to the river.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike
The beginning of the trail is probably the steepest part.
We started ascending and could see some hot streams and mud pools right from the start. The steam coming out of the ground revealed quickly where the area's name comes from.
The great thing about this lovely hike is that it is not only a way to get to the hot river.
It's also a very scenic part of Iceland, so take your time and enjoy the views.
We walked slowly, took photos of nearby hills, stock grazing on green pastures. Overall it was a pleasant hike, as we didn't have reasons to rush.
The trail is not marked, but it's clearly visible and well-maintained.
As we could see the trail all the time, there was no confusion, and it was impossible to get lost.
We could not get enough of the photogenic rural Icelandic landscape, but other than that, the walk was uneventful.
Djupagil Waterfall
Well, uneventful.
It would not have been Iceland if we hadn't seen at least one waterfall that day, right?
Djupagil Waterfall runs down into the valley here, and it's a lovely stop along the way. For more inspiration, here you can find the best waterfalls in Iceland.
No matter how excited you are and how close you want to get to the cascading water, never forget that you walk in a geothermally active area.
Stay safe, and do not leave the trail.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs Swimming Area
When we started wondering how much further is the swimming area, we almost instantly emerged on the newly-built boardwalk.
It is basically a place where you can change into your swimsuit and leave your belongings (always keep an eye on your valuables).
You can probably carry on further, but we stayed within the designated place.
Not only because there weren't that many people on that evening, but the water seemed warm enough for our standards.
Apparently, the water is even warmer when you walk further upstream.
You can test this theory yourself to see whether it's true or not.
As it was getting colder outside, we moved a few meters upstream, and it seemed that it was correct.
In fact, we slowly returned to our previous spot as the water temperature was not comfortable anymore.
After a delightful experience, we changed into dry clothes, and it was time to walk back to our car.
By the way, some people brought beer with them to make the atmosphere even more relaxing. Just do not forget to take out what you bring in.
This time it took us around 50 minutes, and we felt warm and refreshed all the time despite the cold winds.
What to Pack
We know that you already see yourself sitting in the hot stream, maybe even with a cold drink in hand.
Before you do that, it is time to figure out what to bring with you what to leave behind.
The hike is relatively short and not hard, but there are a few things you should not forget to bring with you.
Obviously, we recommend having a swimsuit and towel with you.
As the path can be slippery, it is much more comfortable to wear hiking shoes.
Depending on the weather forecast, pack either a down jacket (we brought ours, even though it was summer) or a windbreaker.
You won't make a mistake with a rain jacket on a rainy day.
We put everything in a waterproof dry bag, which comes in handy when it rains, as you can keep all your clothes inside.
A travel camera or a smartphone is a must-have as the landscape is truly amazing.
You can also bring some snacks and water to have energy and stay hydrated during the hike.
Also, don't forget to read our guide on what to pack for Iceland.
Changing Rooms
Well, there are no traditional changing rooms at Reykjadalur Hot Springs as the entire area is very basic.
So, where do you change your clothes at Reykjadalur Hot Springs?
There are newly built changing screens, and even though they are open, they protect you a bit from the wind and curious eyes.
Honestly, we believe that no one cares.
Some people already dress bathing suits in the car, but we found changing by the river just fine.
Entrance Fee
As mentioned earlier, there is no entrance fee to Reykjadalur Hot Springs.
How to Get to Reykjadalur Trailhead
Getting to Reykjadalur Hot Springs trailhead is quite easy, and you have several options to reach the parking lot from where the hike starts.
And due to its proximity to Iceland's capital, it's no wonder many people also consider Reykjadalur Hot Springs one of the best day trips from Reykjavik.
Car
Renting a car or campervan in Iceland is one of the best ways to explore the country.
It will make your life much easier, especially if your itinerary includes stops with no regular public transport.
It takes around forty minutes to travel from Reykjavik to Reykjadalur. Regardless of your location, set your GPS navigation for Parking Reykjadalur.
In summer, we reached the parking lot by our 2WD campervan without any issues.
By the way, the drive from Reykjavik to Reykjadalur is quite scenic, especially the part when you are descending via the zig-zag road to Hveragerdi.
Parking
Reykjadalur Hot Springs parking is free. The parking lot is often full, but people leave their cars on each side of the access road.
There are also restrooms and Dalakaffi Cafe in the parking lot.
Tour
Even when you do not have a car, and getting to the hot river by public transport sounds like too much hassle, you still have a chance to get to this natural spa.
Here you can reserve a Reykjadalur Hot Springs Tour from Reykjavik that includes transport and an English-speaking guide.
Public Transport
Getting around Iceland by public transport is not that common, but there is a way to reach Hveragerdi from Reykjavik.
First, you need to get to Mjodd Bus Station in Reykjavik. To get there, take a bus 3, 11, 12, or 17 from centrally located Hlemmur Station.
Here, you have to hop on a bus 51 heading to Hveragerdi (Hveragerði). Check out the timetable on the official website before you go.
The main disadvantage is that Hveragerdi is still about 4 kilometers from the trailhead.
There is no bus running between the town and the Reykjadalur Hot Springs, so you need to either walk, hitchhike or take a cab.
Best Hotels Near Reykjadalur Valley
Even though we would recommend you visit the Reykjadalur Hot Springs River in the evening or later in the afternoon as it is a perfect way to finish the day, you still need to find a place to stay overnight.
The nearest towns to Reykjadalur are Hveragerdi or Selfoss, but they're not the only options.
If you visit the river on a day trip from Reykjavik, it makes only sense to stay there.
Then there are two other settlements along the Golden Circle that might be a better alternative for you if you want to split the journey.
Hveragerdi | Hotel Ork - This reasonably priced and well-equipped hotel is located only 600 meters from Reykjadalur Hot Springs trailhead. Therefore, it is a perfect choice for everyone planning the visit early in the morning or just before bedtime.
Selfoss | Selfoss Hostel - Selfoss is a small town that offers plenty of activities but not that many hotels. Selfoss Hotel is one of the few ones. It is a budget-friendly accommodation that provides travelers with clean rooms, basic facilities, and a shared kitchen.
Reykjavik | Hotel Klettur - If you are looking for accommodation in the capital city that is decent and affordable, this conveniently located hotel is an excellent choice.
Geysir | Hotel Geysir - A newly opened hotel will amaze you with the modern design, spotless rooms, friendly staff, and tasty cuisine. Geysir is one of the traditional overnight stops.
Gullfoss | Hotel Gullfoss - If you travel the Golden Circle, Gullfoss is a must-visit stop. Being quite a short drive from Reykjadalur, this hotel is worth considering.
Camping | If you are traveling in a campervan or motorhome, there is quite a large selection of campsites near the Golden Circle. We stayed in Camping Selfoss for 3500 ISK per night for two, including a shared kitchen and hot shower. If you are looking for free camping, we have a great tip - look for Gata Free Camping, a truly wonderful place with hot showers. As usual, a small donation is appreciated.
The Best Time to Visit Reykjadalur Hot Springs
Hiking to Reykjadalur Hot Springs River is a year-round activity, but there are a few things you should know.
Water Temperature
The water is warm enough throughout the entire year, so you don't have to worry about that.
However, it might be slightly colder in the winter than during the summer and after heavy rains.
But again, Reykjadalur Hot Springs water is comfortable and warm even in winter.
Summer vs. Winter
During this period, we would be more worried about the trail's condition than the water temperature.
Remember that the trail to Reykjadalur River is basically an old sheep path used by locals, and it hasn't changed, even though the hike has recently gained its popularity.
In the summer (at the beginning of July), we found the trail absolutely safe, even though it was a bit slippery at times.
However, it can be a different story in the winter.
The trail is often muddy, icy, and slippery, and you should not underestimate it during this period. Make sure to bring proper gear.
It also gets dark soon, which you should definitely take into account as well.
Don't forget to bring a headlamp.
Time of the Day
When it comes to the time of the day, the best time to visit Reykjadalur to avoid crowds is either early in the morning or then later in the evening, after 6 PM.
Most visitors usually start their hike around 10 AM.
Staying Safe
Do not underestimate the trail because the hike is just an hour long and ends with a dip in warm water.
Iceland's weather is unpredictable, and the challenging trail conditions altogether with wind can make the hike difficult.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
