Reykjadalur Thermal River

The hike is part of why we loved it

The route climbs steadily through an active geothermal valley. It is uphill, but we found it manageable. Steam rises from the landscape as you get farther in, so the experience starts well before you reach the bathing area.

Changing is very basic

There are wooden privacy screens beside the river—not locker rooms. The easiest strategy is to wear a swimsuit underneath your hiking clothes and bring a towel plus something dry for the walk back.

Find the right temperature

The river temperature changes depending on where you sit. Move upstream or downstream until you find a section that feels comfortable. Sitting in naturally warm water after hiking there felt completely different from entering a commercial spa.