Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River

Reykjavik , Iceland

Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River

Active

(2 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

40 MINUTES DRIVE from Reykjavik city center
LENGTH: 6 km – 3,7 miles
ELEVATION: 330 m – 1090 ft
DIFFICULTY: easy
DURATION: 4hrs
AGE LIMIT: 8+

Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure into the heart of Reykjadalur Valley, where Iceland’s geothermal wonders and breathtaking night sky spectacles converge. This enchanting journey begins in the charming town of Hveragerði, just a short drive from Reykjavík, where your adventure kicks off with a warm welcome. You’ll be equipped with a headlamp, providing the perfect light to guide your way, as your expert guide leads you along a scenic trail into the darkness of Iceland’s volcanic wilderness.
At the end of the trail lies your reward: a naturally heated river nestled between the hills, where warm, mineral-rich waters await beneath a sky full of stars.
Your night hike to Reykjadalur is led by a local and experienced mountain leader who knows the Icelandic terrain intimately. Safety, comfort, and storytelling are at the heart of the experience.

Available options

Shared Hike (from 4 to 8)

9-seater 4x4 van<br/>Pickup included

What's included

International Mountain Leader

Headlamp

Bath in the hot spring

Local and certified guides

Detailed itinerary

The hiking tour begins with a meet-up in front of Reykjadalur Café, where you’ll receive your headlamp and we’ll get ready to start the hike together. Please note that parking at the meeting point requires a ticket, which costs about €5 per car.

This enchanting journey begins in the charming town of Hveragerði, where you’ll be equipped with a headlamp and guided along a scenic trail into the darkness. The hike lasts about one hour, gradually leading you through breathtaking terrain as daylight fades.
Shadows deepen, the air cools, and the valley takes on a quiet, almost mystical character.
Reykjadalur—literally “Steam Valley”—is alive with geothermal energy. Bubbling hot springs, steaming vents, and earthy aromas line your path, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that feels otherworldly in the stillness of night. As you walk through this surreal landscape, you’ll witness nature’s quiet power, surrounded by native plants and nocturnal wildlife in this unique ecosystem.

Stop 3

Your destination: a naturally heated river hidden within the hills, where warm waters await beneath a starlit sky.
During the Northern Lights season, this remote valley becomes a natural theater for one of Earth’s most dazzling phenomena. Far from city lights, the sky above Reykjadalur offers perfect conditions for aurora viewing. Picture yourself soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the hot river, steam curling into the air, while waves of green, pink, and violet light dance overhead. It’s a moment of pure magic—a sensory experience that blends warmth, silence, and awe in perfect harmony.
Even when the auroras aren’t performing, the night sky here offers a show of its own. On a clear evening, constellations shine brilliantly above, undimmed by urban glow. The stars seem closer, more vivid, casting a gentle light over the valley. Whether you're floating in the river or sitting along its banks, the feeling is one of peace and timeless wonder.

What's not included

The price is per car

Cap and gloves

Hiking shoes

Windproof jacket and shoes

Dinner

Bottled water

Swimsuit

Towel

Sandals

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All participants are required to be over 8 years old

Group sizes are kept very small for a personalized experience (up to 8)

Meet at the designated starting point 10 minutes before departure

We will cancel and refund in case of no chance to see the Northern Lights

Please note that the tour requires a minimum of four participants. If this number isn’t reached, the tour will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund

Meeting point

You will find your guide at the parking lot waiting for you!

About Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital city, known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural surroundings, and unique Icelandic charm. It offers a blend of modern amenities and ancient geothermal wonders, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Top Attractions

Hallgrímskirkja

This iconic church is a landmark of Reykjavik, known for its distinctive architecture and towering spire. It offers panoramic views of the city from its tower.

Architecture/Religious 1-2 hours Moderate (ISK 1000 for the tower)

Harpa Concert Hall

A stunning modern concert hall with a glass facade that reflects the surrounding landscape. It hosts a variety of performances and events.

Architecture/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free to enter, performance tickets vary

Blue Lagoon

A geothermal spa known for its milky-blue waters rich in minerals. It's a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Nature/Relaxation Half a day Expensive (ISK 49,900 and up)

Reykjavik Art Museum

A museum showcasing contemporary Icelandic and international art. It's housed in a striking building with a glass facade.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (ISK 1400)

Perlan Museum

A unique museum located in a glass dome that offers a variety of exhibits, including a glacier exhibit and a planetarium.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive (ISK 3,990 and up)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Plokkfiskur

A traditional Icelandic fish stew made with mashed potatoes, white fish, onions, and béchamel sauce.

Main Course Contains fish and dairy

Hákarl

Fermented shark, a traditional Icelandic delicacy known for its strong smell and taste.

Snack Contains fish

Skyr

A thick, creamy Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product, often served with berries or cream.

Dessert Contains dairy

Rúgbrauð

A dense, dark rye bread traditionally baked underground using geothermal heat.

Bread Vegan

Popular Activities

Glacier hiking and ice climbing Whale watching Snowmobiling on a glacier Caving and lava tunnel exploration Visiting geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon Enjoying a traditional Icelandic massage or spa treatment Taking a leisurely walk around Tjörnin Lake in Reykjavik Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with numerous festivals and events.

8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F) 46°F to 55°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Icelandic
Widely spoken: English, Danish, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Time Zone

GMT+0

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Iceland is a very safe country with low crime rates. However, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and only use ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas
• Research tour operators and rental companies before booking to ensure they are reputable and legitimate

Getting there

By air

Keflavík International Airport • 50 km (31 miles) from Reykjavik

By bus

BSÍ Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and affordable, with frequent services and easy-to-use ticketing.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bustravel, Uber (limited availability)

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Reykjavik Hlemmur Vesturbær

Day trips

Golden Circle

230 km (143 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day

A popular day trip route that includes three of Iceland's most famous attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

South Coast

150-200 km (93-124 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day or overnight

A scenic drive along Iceland's south coast, offering a variety of attractions, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

240 km (149 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day or overnight

A scenic peninsula known as 'Iceland in Miniature' due to its diverse landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, lava fields, and beaches.

Festivals

Reykjavik Arts Festival • Late May to early June Iceland Airwaves • Early November Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival • Late January to early February

Pro tips

Visit the Blue Lagoon or another geothermal spa for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience
Explore Reykjavik's street art and murals, which can be found throughout the city
Take a day trip to the Golden Circle or another nearby attraction for a taste of Iceland's natural wonders
Try traditional Icelandic food, such as lamb soup, fish stew, and fermented shark
Visit a local brewery or distillery and sample Icelandic craft beer or spirits