Geothermal field Hveradalir, Iceland
Geothermal field Hveradalir, Iceland
Hiking to Reykjadalur Hot Springs in Hveragoi, Iceland!
Reykjadalur, or Steam Valley, is a beautiful valley characterized by geothermal activity. This area is filled with hot springs and mud pools. We hiked through steam so heavy you couldn't see where you were going and the smell of sulfur so intense, it made our eyes water. Our reward at the end of the 3.5 km hike was soaking in the beautiful natural hot river!
Check out our photos, how-to's and recommendations by clicking the link below:
Where is Reykjadalur Hot Springs?
The starting point for this hike is in the town called Hveragerdi which is 40 km/25 mi east of Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik.
How do you get to Reykjadalur Hot Springs?
From the Ring Road/Route 1, turn onto the main road of Hveragerdi called Breiðamörk and continue straight through town. Eventually, you will reach a gravel road with a parking lot (pictured below). Park here and cross the “bridge” over the water to reach the start of the hiking trail to Reykjadalur Hot Springs.
How should you tour Reykjadalur Hot Springs?
There’s really no wrong way to do it. The hike itself is 3.5 km/2 mi each way and takes about 45-60 minutes. If you don’t want to hike, you can take a horseback ride through a majority of the trail but you must hike the final part. Be sure to check out different areas of the river to try out the varieties of water temperature.
What will you see on the hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs?
You will experience some of Iceland’s natural phenomenons such as boiling mud pools, different colored hot springs, steams vents, a beautiful waterfall and that delicious sulfur smell!
Do you need to book a tour to hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs?
No, this is an easy do-it-by-yourself type of excursion, however, you must book with a tour group if you want to horseback ride the trail. If you don’t have a car, booking with a tour group is a good idea too.
When should you go to Reykjadalur Hot Springs?
Iceland weather can change in a heartbeat so make sure there’s isn’t an incoming storm. During the winter, the trail could become impassable. Also, no areas are lit up so avoid going during dark. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the midnight sun during the summer months.
How long will it take to explore Reykjadalur Hot Springs?
This is highly dependent on:
How long it will take you to hike to the hot springs (typically 45-60 minutes)
How many times will you stop for pictures/videos/to take in your surroundings?
How long do you want to soak in the hot river?
Overall, give yourself about 4 hours to do it comfortably.
How much does it cost?
Free!
Are there amenities?
At the start of the hike, there is a cafe (open only during summer) and toilets. There are no additional amenities.
What should you take to Reykjadalur Hot Springs?
Hiking boots
Rain Protection
Swimwear (darker colored as noted to avoid staining)
Bag to put wet swimwear into
Change of clothes
Towel
Sunscreen
Water
Snacks
Camera
2T2T TIPS
Do stay on the trails since it is a geothermal area and you may not be able to “see” dangers.
If the smell of sulfur makes you nauseous, consider bringing a mask to cover your mouth and nose.
Wear comfortable clothing (layers!) and shoes suitable for an 45 min-60 min hike each way.
Similar to all hot springs, wear darker colored swimwear to avoid any discoloration.
There are dividers where you can change into and out of your swimwear with limited privacy.
The further up the river, the hotter the water.
What else can you see nearby?
Walk the rim of Kerid Volcano (27 km/17 mi)
Snorkel between 2 continents at the Silfra Fissure (62 km/39 mi)
Check out Gullfoss Waterfall (84 km/52 miles
Explore Geysir (74 km/46 mi)
Lost in lceland 4 Vik & Lakagigar
From Skogafoss to Dyrholaey Lighthouse, then Vik beach and Reynifajara Beach. Explored Lakagigar, via Fjararuljufur Canyon and Fargrifoss. Plenty of water crossings on the way into Lakagigar and a hug lava field. 7 or 8 small volcanos with one that has water, makes it very stunning.
Iceland 2017: the bubbling and spurting bits
Hot springs, bubbling pools, geysers etc. from Hveragerdi, Hveradalir, Hveravellir and Reykjanes
Hellisheiðarvikrkjun - Reykjadalur- Hveragerði, Mountain Biking
Hellisheiðarvirkjun-Hveradalir-Reykjadalur-Hveragerði
Siggi: Trek Elite 9.8,
Kalli: Specialized Hardrock
Track:
Camera: iPhone 4S
Helmet Mount: Optrix XD4 iPhone Case (Optrix.com)
Song by Sigurrós: Brennisteinn
Boiling pool, Hveravellir, Iceland
Islandreisen Tipps 2 Strútslaug.wmv
... Wer nach Island reisen will, sollte diesen Tipp nicht verpassen: Strútslaug ist ein versteckter Hotpot (warme, geothermale Badequelle) im Herzen des südlichen Fjallabak-Gebietes. Um ihn zu erreichen benötigt ihr ein GPS Gerät, die Koordinaten (N63 52.505 W18 56.691) Karte und Kompass. Ausgangspunkt für die Tour ist die Hochlandhütte Strútur. Die Hütte Strútur befindet sich nördlich des Mælifell. Diese erreicht ihr über die Hochlandpiste Syðra Fjallabak (F210). Diese Piste ist nur per 4x4 Fahrzeug mit Schnorchel zu befahren. Geht von einer Wanderung von circa 2 Stunden aus pro Strecke. Gebt beim Hüttenwart Bescheid und stellt sicher das euer GPS ausreichend Saft hat. Dort wo ihr hingeht gibt es keine Schilder oder Wege. Platz 2 ist unsere Alternative zur gut besuchten Blauen Lagune!
Kerlingarfjöll - mtb singletrack