Plumes of steam rise up around me like smoke rising from a fire. One step in the wrong bubbling pool, and the soles of your shoes could literally melt. But not to worry; the dangerous pools are marked with signs and so long as you stick to the well-trodden trail, Reykjadalur is a beautiful spot to hike in Iceland.
Reykjadalur, which literally means Smoky Valley, is just a 45 minute drive from Reykjavik and a popular spot for the locals to head out for a half day trek. It’s located near Hengill, an active volcano, though it last erupted over 2000 years ago.
The steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots are a reminder that hot lava is flowing somewhere beneath our feet. A local even tells me of a family in the area that has a new hot spring that erupted right through their kitchen. You’d think it’s a bit scary, especially since Bardarbunga was rumbling and spewing lava in the center of the island nation during this particular visit, but I’m fascinated.
The hike can be done in just 2.5 hours and ascends past bubbling mud pools that are clearly just short of reaching boiling. As we ascend, we have to use chains drilled in to the rock to help us up the narrow and slippery ledges. But the bit of scrambling is worth the effort just for the views alone. Even though the clouds look like they are about to burst at any second, we can still see all the way to Lake Þingvallavatn.
The descent leads to the Reykjadalur valley where a hot, steaming stream has warning signs that the water is 100°C (212°F). I watch it gurgle, spurt and steam while wishing I’d brought an egg. How often can you boil an egg in nature?
This water is too hot, but as we head downstream a cold river merges with the hot, creating the perfect temperature for a natural hot pool. You’ll want to wear your swimsuit on this hike and take a dip. It’s otherworldly with the steam from the fumaroles rising around and the scent of sulfur floating on the air.
The hike then ascends again out of the valley, creating a loop back to the gravel road near the power plant where you can park. After, head to the nearby Sundlaugin Laugaskarði swimming pool for a shower and a soak in the hot tub with electronic massage. There is also a natural sauna, lap pool, and a shallow sitting pool. Trust me – it’s like heaven after the muddy Reykjadalur hike.
While Reykjadalur is a perfect taste of hiking in Iceland, especially on shorter trips like a 5-day Iceland itinerary, the trek will no doubt lure you back for more Iceland hiking adventures. Long on our own bucket list is hiking the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland’s Highlands, which is a hike that offers up a multitude of natural hot springs and mud pools over 5-6 days in one of the least visited parts of Iceland.
Know Before You Go
This post was brought to you by Society of American Travel Writers Iceland Convention in collaboration with Iceland Travel and the support of Icelandair. However, Luxe Adventure Traveler maintains full editorial control of the content published on this site. As always, all thoughts, opinions, and enthusiasm for travel are entirely our own.
Cathy Sweeney says
The hot pools remind me of Yellowstone. When I was there as a kid, there really wasn’t much keeping visitors from getting close them — pretty exciting. I think I’d love this hike, even the bit with the chains. Some of your climbing adventures, I might not be ready for, but this looks good — and there are great scenic rewards.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
You could definitely easily do this hike, Cathy. The chains are just a short part of the hike.
Rhonda Albom says
Interesting. I thought New Zealand was the only spot in the world with bubbling mud pools. This sounds like a fascinating hike. Iceland would be such an interesting place to visit. Maybe someday.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I think anywhere with high volcanic activity has the bubbling mud pools. I think there are some in Yellowstone in the US? We haven’t been to New Zealand yet, but I imagine we’d quite like it. From the photos, the landscapes look spectacular and there is a lot for adventures like us to do.
Janice says
Sounds like a fun hike! So long as you watch your footing :-). We hiked in Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii when the lava was running across the road – we had to watch our steps there! And the bottoms of our running shoes were slightly burnt afterward…
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Oh my gosh! That sounds crazy, yet we’d love an up close look at lava. I have no idea why, but volcanoes and lava totally fascinate me.
Angela says
Looks like a great escape from the city. I would love to head back to Iceland and see more. I went in March last year, which was more of an aurora borealis trip. I hope to get back in the summer months to explore the Interior! Looks like you had a blast 🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
That’s why we think September is the perfect month to visit Iceland. There’s still enough hours of daylight for things like hiking, yet at night you can see the Northern Lights too.
Richard says
Iceland is one place I would love to visit. When I am over there, I will try and do this walk. I have seen the hot pools in New Zealand, but this would be something different. Great blog!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks Richard! This is definitely a fun hike right outside Reykjavik and off-the-beaten-path from the Golden Circle.
Vicky says
I’ve read a few of your blogs on Iceland and looks like you had an amazing time! I went a few years ago on a family holiday but we only went for five days, and we went in January so it was really hard to get around as there was just so much snow. I’m fancying going back next year as there’s obviously so much more to do and see than my few days at the geysers and Blue Lagoon. Cheers for the inspiration!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
We’ve also been in January and it is more difficult because the weather can completely alter your plans and the days are so short. There is so much more though than Geysir and the Blue Lagoon! I much prefer the natural hot pots to the Blue Lagoon. I’ve also driven the Ring Road twice now and there are still so many attractions I want to stop off at yet. We need to move to Iceland and spend a year just exploring every nook and cranny!
Mike says
I am heading to iceland this February. you mention this is a 2.5 hour hike. is that round trip?
We are going to explore southern iceland and this looks to be the natural hot spring that makes the most sense to visit and is most accessible.
any other suggestions?
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Mike! Yes, the 2.5 hours is round trip. Are you staying around the Reykjavik area? Have you checked out all of our other Iceland articles yet? We have tons of information. There is a really cool semi-natural hot pool you can visit on the South Coast too. You can find directions to it in our post: Iceland Secret South Coast Attractions.
Hopefully you are renting a car to explore on your own as so much is missed on guided tours. Check out our other articles and let us know if you have more questions!
Alpona says
Hi, I really want to do this hike. Can kids aged 11 to 13 do this? Loved the article by the way. Travelling to Iceland next week for 5 days from London.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Alpona,
I don’t see why not. It’s not a guided hike. You just go on your own and you’re the best gauge of your kids’ hiking ability. As long as they can walk for about 2 hours, I’d think they will be just fine.