Reykjadalur, the "steam valley", is a warm river in the hills above Hveragerði where you can bathe in the open countryside for free. It is about 45 minutes' drive from Reykjavík, then a hike of about 3 km each way, which takes most people 45 minutes to an hour on the way up. Here is how to get there, where to bathe, what it costs and how to stay safe in a valley full of boiling springs.
What is the Reykjadalur hot spring?
The Reykjadalur hot spring is a stretch of river warmed by geothermal springs higher up the valley. Hot and cold streams meet, so the water is warm enough to sit in all year. The bathing area has wooden boardwalks along the bank and small screens to change behind. There are no showers, lockers or toilets beyond the car park.
The valley itself steams from vents and bubbling mud pools all the way up. That makes the walk beautiful, but it also means you must stay on the path. Our Reykjadalur place page has a quick summary.
How do you get to Reykjadalur?
Drive east from Reykjavík on Route 1 for about 45 km to Hveragerði, about 45 minutes in good conditions. Drive through the town and follow signs to the Reykjadalur car park and café at the end of the road, about 2 km north of town. The trail starts here.
Without a car, join a tour from Reykjavík. Some operators also offer horse rides up the valley. See getting around Iceland for buses and car hire.
A new paid lagoon, Reykjaböð, has opened at the entrance to the valley. It is a separate ticketed spa reached by road, not the free hot river, so do not mix them up when you navigate.
How long is the Reykjadalur hike?
The Reykjadalur hike is about 3 km each way, roughly 6 km return, with 340–380 m of climbing. Most people reach the river in 45 minutes to an hour. Allow three to four hours in total, including time in the water. In winter, add an hour each way.
- Car park to the first climb (0–1 km): the steepest part comes early. The path climbs in switchbacks, and the first 30–45 minutes are the hardest.
- Into the upper valley (1–2 km): the path gets easier once the first climb is done. Steam rises from vents on both sides; keep to the trail.
- To the bathing area (2–3 km): the trail reaches the river, where the boardwalks and changing screens begin.
- Return the same way: take care on the descent, where loose gravel and mud cause most slips.
The path is gravel with rocky and muddy sections. It is moderate rather than hard, but you need sturdy shoes, ideally waterproof boots. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. For more walks like this, see our easy hikes in Iceland.
How much does Reykjadalur cost?
Bathing in Reykjadalur is free. The only cost is parking at the trailhead, which is paid by the hour. In 2026 a five-hour stay cost roughly ISK 1,000. You pay with a parking app such as Parka or EasyPark, or at the card machine at the café; cash is not accepted.
The café at the car park has toilets, food and drinks, but its winter hours are reduced. Bring your own water and snacks for the hike.
Where do you bathe in Reykjadalur, and how hot is the water?
Bathe only in the marked bathing area along the boardwalks. The temperature changes along the river: it is cooler at the lower end, where a cold stream joins, and warmer upstream. Many people find the middle stretch, around 36–40°C, the most comfortable. The highest part can be uncomfortably hot.
The river is shallow, often only 20–30 cm deep, so you lie or sit in it rather than swim. Test the water with your hand before you get in, and move up or down the boardwalk until it feels right.
Safety first: never touch standing water, mud pools or steam vents in the valley. Water near the springs can be over 100°C, and people have been badly hurt stepping off the path.
Can you visit Reykjadalur in winter?
Yes, the trail is open all year with no gate or closing time, and bathing in warm water among snow is unforgettable. But winter makes the hike much harder. The path often freezes from around mid-November, so bring microspikes or ice cleats.
- Start early. In December you get only about four hours of daylight. Carry a headlamp anyway.
- Keep soaks short. Limit bathing to 20–30 minutes in winter, so you are not chilled for the walk down.
- Check the weather. Storms can make the access road impassable, and the landowner sometimes closes the car park. Check vedur.is and safetravel.is before you set off.
- Bring dry layers. Change quickly into a warm hat, a dry base layer and gloves.
What should you bring to Reykjadalur?
- Swimsuit, worn under your clothes to make changing quicker
- Quick-dry towel and a dry bag for wet things
- Waterproof jacket and hiking boots
- Warm layers, hat and gloves, even in summer
- Water and snacks
- Microspikes and a headlamp from November to March
- A bag for all your rubbish, as there are no bins past the trailhead
What are the rules at Reykjadalur?
Stay on the marked paths, bathe only in the marked area, and leave nothing behind. These rules protect you from scalding ground and protect the moss, which takes decades to recover.
- No camping, fires or drones in the valley.
- Dogs must be on a lead and kept out of the river.
- No soap or shampoo in the water.
- Watch children closely at all times; there is no lifeguard.
- Change behind the screens and keep noise down.
The car park fills by mid-morning on summer weekends. For a quieter soak, go early or on a light summer evening.
What else can you combine with Reykjadalur?
Reykjadalur fits neatly into a Golden Circle day. Hveragerði is about 45 minutes from Reykjavík, and from there it is a short drive on to Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss. Hike in the morning, then drive the loop in the afternoon, or do it the other way round in summer's long evenings.
If the hike is too much, the Secret Lagoon at Flúðir and Laugarvatn Fontana are easy paid alternatives on the same route. For more free options, read our guide to free hot springs in Iceland, and for every pool on the map see hot springs in Iceland.
Facts checked October 2026. Parking charges and café hours change, and the trail and car park can close in bad weather; check safetravel.is and vedur.is before you go.
