Is it safe to touch the geothermal water?

Never touch geothermal water unless at a designated bathing area. Water temperatures can exceed 100°C and cause severe burns.

Can I visit geothermal areas year-round?

Yes, most geothermal areas are open year-round. The steam is even more dramatic in cold winter weather.

Do I need to stay on boardwalks?

Yes, always stay on marked paths and boardwalks. The ground near geothermal features can be thin and unstable.

Iceland/south-iceland

Reykjadalur

Reykjadalur — 'Steam Valley' — is a geothermal valley accessible by a 3 km hiking trail where you can bathe in a natural hot river running through the hillside …

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At a Glance

Visit time

2–3 hours

Best season

All year

Access

Near Hveragerði, 45 minutes from Reykjavík. 3 km uphill hike from trailhead parking.

GPS

64.1663, -20.2645

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About

About Reykjadalur

Reykjadalur — 'Steam Valley' — is a geothermal valley accessible by a 3 km hiking trail where you can bathe in a natural hot river running through the hillside above the town of Hveragerði.

Completely free — just requires a 3km hike

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Background

History & Background

The hot river in Reykjadalur is one of Iceland's most unusual natural bathing spots — a natural river with geothermal springs feeding it at varying temperatures, allowing bathers to find their preferred spot. The valley was severely damaged in a 2008 earthquake that hit the Hveragerði area with a 6.3 magnitude tremor, opening new fissures and dramatically changing the geothermal activity in the valley.

Reykjadalur ('Steam Valley') offers one of Iceland's most unique bathing experiences — soaking in a naturally heated river in a geothermal valley just 45 minutes from Reykjavík. The 3 km trail from Hveragerði climbs through a geothermal landscape of steaming vents and boiling mud pots before reaching the warm river. Wooden screens provide basic changing areas, and the river has different temperature zones. It is completely free to visit, making it a popular day trip from the capital.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Reykjadalur — 'Steam Valley' — offers something unique in Iceland: a natural hot spring river where you can bathe in the wild, for free. The 3-kilometre hike from the trailhead near Hveragerði follows the riverside through geothermally heated terrain — steam vents, sulphur deposits and boiling pools beside the path — before reaching a designated bathing section where the river maintains a perfect 40°C. Changing rooms (for which 'changing screens' is a generous description) mark the bathing area. The hike itself is attractive: the steam rising from the valley on cool mornings is beautiful. On summer weekends the bathing spot can be crowded; a weekday morning arrival ensures the experience feels closer to wilderness.

Local Legend

Legends of Reykjadalur

Reykjadalur has been part of Icelandic folklore for generations. Local tales speak of hidden people (huldufólk) and other supernatural beings who inhabit the area. According to tradition, this place deserves respect and visitors should be mindful of the ancient spirits who call it home.

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