South Iceland · 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 above the town of Hveragerði.
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.
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.
Key Facts
- ✔Name means 'Steam Valley'
- ✔Natural hot river for bathing — no facilities
- ✔3 km hiking trail each way from Hveragerði
- ✔Water temperature varies — hottest near the springs
- ✔Valley dramatically reshaped by the 2008 South Iceland earthquake
