Reykjadalur Hot Spring River
Reykjadalur
Reykjadalur Hot Spring River
sulfur · South
Hotter than 10% of Iceland springs (n=20).
More acidic than 15% of Iceland springs (n=20).
Mineral profile
Bar width reflects listing order, not measured concentration.
Suitability
At a glance
Getting there
Moderate — a short ride from a station
About this spring
This spectacular geothermal river winds through a lush green volcanic valley filled with bubbling mud pools and steaming vents. Wooden boardwalks track along the sections of the river where the temperature is ideal for open-air bathing. The water temperature changes dynamically based on how far upstream or downstream you choose to settle.
Highlights
History
The valley has experienced shifting geothermal activity for millennia due to its location on the highly active Hengill volcanic system.
An earthquake in 2008 altered the underground rock fractures, significantly increasing the hot water flow into the main river channel. It quickly transitioned from a hidden local secret into one of the country's most popular natural hiking and bathing destinations.
Local guide
The adventure begins with a scenic three-kilometer uphill hike from the trailhead parking lot in Hveragerði. The trail winds past deep canyons, roaring waterfalls, and vibrant green valleys dotted with hissing steam vents and boiling mud pots. As you reach the crest of the hill, the steaming thermal river appears winding through the landscape like a ribbon of mist.
The bathing experience is beautifully simple and natural. A long wooden boardwalk tracks along the banks of the river, featuring low wooden partitions for changing. You simply slide into the flowing water and find a comfortable spot among the smooth river stones. Moving further upstream brings you closer to the hot springs, allowing you to customize your ideal soaking temperature.
Wear sturdy hiking boots for the trek up, as the trail can be muddy and steep in certain sections. Bring a backpack to carry your towel, swimwear, water bottle, and a warm jacket for the walk back down. A plastic bag to separate your wet clothes is highly recommended.
The trail is open year-round, but checking the local weather and trail conditions before heading out is essential. Evenings are magical during the summer when the crowds thin out and the low sun casts long shadows across the valley. There are no facilities at the river itself, so enjoy a hearty meal at one of the geothermal greenhouse restaurants in Hveragerði afterward.
Mineral chemistry
Sulfuric hot springs are among the most studied in balneology worldwide. The sulfur compounds, primarily hydrogen sulfide and thiosulfate, have documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular bathing is associated with relief from chronic skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis, as well as joint inflammation and muscle soreness. Sulfuric waters have been used therapeutically across Asia and Europe for centuries.
The distinctive rotten-egg smell dissipates quickly after leaving the bath. Avoid if you have a sulfur allergy, very sensitive skin, or respiratory conditions. Remove silver jewellery before entering — sulfur will blacken it permanently.
Simple thermal springs have lower dissolved mineral content but are valued for the pure therapeutic effect of heat immersion itself — easing muscle tension and improving circulation. Considered the gentlest introduction to hot spring bathing.
Standard precautions apply: avoid bathing within 30 minutes of eating, keep soaks to 10–15 minutes for first-timers, and hydrate before and after.
Similar springs
This world-famous geothermal spa features striking milky-blue waters rich in silica and sulfur. The massive lagoon is surrounded by a dramatic, pitch-black mossy lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Modern architectural facilities seamlessly blend luxury wellness with the raw volcanic environment.
This beautiful alkaline bathing complex overlooks the volcanic terrain and craters of the Lake Mývatn region. The steaming blue pools are supplied with mineral-rich water drawn from depths of up to 2500 meters. Visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramic vistas of the surrounding geothermal landscapes while they soak.
This historic open-air pool utilizes a continuously flowing natural hot spring that feeds a stone-lined basin. A small active geyser erupts nearby every few minutes, casting thin plumes of steam across the pastoral landscape. The water remains perfectly warm year-round and maintains an authentic, old-world Icelandic atmosphere.
This luxury oceanfront geothermal spa features a dramatic seventy-meter infinity edge overlooking the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The architectural design incorporates traditional Icelandic turf walls to replicate the aesthetic of historical coastal homesteads. A multi-step wellness ritual takes guests through steam rooms and cold plunges cut into artificial volcanic rock walls.
Amenities
Getting there
Drive thirty-five kilometers east from Reykjavík along Route 1 to Hveragerði, follow the main road through town to the trailhead parking lot, and hike three kilometers up.
Location & nearby
Reykjadalur, 810 Hveragerði
Make a day of it
Pair your soak with these nearby spots.
Attraction
Hot Spring River
0.1km away
Attraction
Mega Zipline
0.1km away
Viewpoint
Dalafell
1.5km away
More springs in South
This historic open-air pool utilizes a continuously flowing natural hot spring that feeds a stone-lined basin. A small active geyser erupts nearby every few minutes, casting thin plumes of steam across the pastoral landscape. The water remains perfectly warm year-round and maintains an authentic, old-world Icelandic atmosphere.
This lakeside wellness facility features multiple outdoor mineral pools, steam rooms, and shallow wading zones built directly over bubbling geothermal vents. The stone-lined pools vary in temperature and border the dark sand shoreline of Lake Laugarvatn. A highlight of the property is the outdoor bakery where traditional Icelandic rye bread is buried and baked directly in the hot geothermal sand.
This charming, small geothermal pool sits nestled into a grassy hillside on a private historic farmstead. The pool walls are crafted from rough, moss-covered stone boulders that blend seamlessly into the surrounding green valley pasture. A tiny turf-roofed stone hut stands at the water's edge to serve as a rustic, historical changing shelter.
Common questions
What is the water temperature at Reykjadalur Hot Spring River?▾
The water temperature at Reykjadalur Hot Spring River ranges up to 40°C (minimum around 36°C).
Is Reykjadalur Hot Spring River free to visit?▾
Yes, Reykjadalur Hot Spring River is free to visit.
Is Reykjadalur Hot Spring River a public or private bath?▾
Reykjadalur Hot Spring River is a public bathing spring.
Are tattoos allowed at Reykjadalur Hot Spring River?▾
Yes, Reykjadalur Hot Spring River welcomes visitors with tattoos.