Reykjadalur Hotspring: Swim in a Warm River in Iceland

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Iceland is the land of fire and ice, and of course, hot springs! What could be more delightful than taking a dip in a warm bath in cold Iceland, right in the heart of nature? Iceland is home to many natural hot springs, but the Reykjadalur hot spring is unique because it is a river. The river is located in a beautiful green valley, and the hike to get there is already a rewarding experience. You’ll pass through a geothermal area full of hot springs, steam, and boiling pools. After this enjoyable hike, it’s incredibly relaxing to unwind in a warm river.

How to Arrive at the Reykjadalur Hotspring?

Het starting point of the hike is just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik, and you’ll pass by it if you visit the Golden Circle. The hike to the river is 3 kilometers (about 1.9 miles) long, and it takes approximately one hour. The trail is mostly uphill on the way there, but it’s not a difficult path. The return journey is mostly downhill, so you’ll likely be back down a bit faster. All in all, you should plan for about 3 to 3.5 hours for the entire activity, but this also depends on how long you spend at the hot springs and how often you stop along the way.

What to Know Before You Go?

  • At the parking lot, there are public toilets, and since you won’t find any toilets during the hike or at the river, it’s a good idea to use them before starting the hike.
  • Set aside any shyness because there are no changing rooms. However, there is a sort of partition where you can stand behind to change. Remember, you’re in Iceland, and everyone has to change, so the chances of seeing anyone again are slim.
  • Bring a towel with you, as it’s helpful for drying off and changing.
  • Having a plastic bag with you is also a good idea for storing your wet clothes.
  • The temperature of the river varies. The closer you get to the source, the warmer it becomes. This way, you can choose your preferred temperature.
  • Iceland’s weather is unpredictable. During our hike, we experienced six heavy rain showers, and the sun broke through four times. So, a raincoat is a practical item to have, and consider wearing layered clothing that you can remove if the sun comes out.