REYKJADALUR HOTSPRING HIKE

Read on below for one of our favorite hikes in Iceland: the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Hike. This scenic trail takes you through peaceful valleys, steaming hillsides, and stunning landscapes—all leading to a natural hot spring river where you can relax and soak in the warm water. The hike itself is gentle and enjoyable, making it perfect for most fitness levels.

Once you reach the hot spring, it’s the ultimate reward: a quiet moment to unwind in nature’s own geothermal spa. We absolutely loved this experience and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

KEY INFO

Starting Point

Reykjadalur Skáli/Lodge

Duration

3 hours (excluding time in hotspring)

Trail Type

Back and forth

Elevation Gain

Around 200-300 meters

Distance

Approx. 6 kilometers

Difficultly Level

Moderate

THE HIKE

Preparation for the Reykjadalur Hotspring hike

To start the hike, set your GPS to Reykjadalur Skáli/Lodge in Hveragerði—that’s where the trail begins. From there, it’s an easy-to-follow path into the geothermal valley.

Make sure to pack a swimsuit and towel, because once you reach the hot spring river, you’ll definitely want to take a dip. The water is wonderfully warm and relaxing—perfect after the hike in. It’s one of those Icelandic experiences you won’t want to miss!

Details of the hike

The hike begins with a bit of a climb—probably the steepest part of the trail right at the start. Once you get going, you’re surrounded by stunning landscapes, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a few sheep grazing along the way. Most of the elevation gain happens on the way out, so take your time and enjoy the views.

At the far end of the trail, you’ll reach the hot spring river. We recommend starting the hike early in the day to enjoy the warm water with fewer people around. Wander along the river until you find a spot where the temperature feels just right—generally, the further upstream you go, the warmer it gets.

After a relaxing soak, it’s time to head back. The return hike is mostly downhill, making it much easier and quicker. Once you’re back at the trailhead, you can grab a drink or snack at the Reykjadalur Lodge to wrap up the adventure.