The smoky valley
A small dirt path winds down through the valley and disappears over a hill, the lush green dotted with white sheep and volcanic scree. It’s hard to believe that we are only a 45 minute drive from the bustling streets of the capital city Reykjavík. From the parking lot, a 3 kilometer hike (which takes about an hour) takes you to the hot spring. The trail twists and turns through a valley before giving way to cascading waterfalls, bubbling mud pots and misty air.
Reykjadalur roughly translates to “smoky valley” and rightly so as the steam from the bubbling hot spring and surrounding hills is constant year round. Due to volcanic minerals in the river, the water has turned bright blue and the moist air cultivates mossy rocks and budding succulents along the banks of the river. The only man-made indications are the small boardwalks and a few small walls that have been put up for privacy when changing.
Find the pool that is just right (for you)
In addition to the hike in, the most adventurous part of the Reykjadalur hot springs is finding the best place along the river to bathe in as the swimming holes vary dramatically in temperature. To help you choose, you will find signs posted with thermometers. Note that some spots are constantly boiling so be wary of where you dip your toes.
In the summer months, the most equilibrated temperature is where the boardwalks begin; however as the air gets cooler, so does the water. If you choose to visit Reykjadalur in colder months you will most likely need to continue walking up the river past the boardwalks, this is where it becomes a game of trial and error, sticking in your toes or fingers to find the water most suitable for you.
Note that the river is only about waist deep, which is perfect for wading into and sitting in but in order to get your whole body soaked you must lie back and let the river wash over you.