Have you ever wanted to hike a mountain to relax in a hot spring? – If so, I have the perfect spot for you.
Approximately 45 min from Reykjavik, there is a moderately difficult hike to a FREE hot spring thermal river. Also known as “Steam Valley,” this poses as the perfect daytime excursion to see a glimpse of the natural beauty Iceland has to offer.
What to Bring:
Layered clothing, sturdy shoes, a towel, a swimsuit, a plastic bag (for your wet bathing suit), snacks and water
NOTE: When I hiked the trail in the beginning of April, there were segments of snow/ice, mud and rocks. SO, if you have hiking boots, I suggest wearing them to avoid any complications.
What to Expect:
At the trailhead, there is a coffee shop and a place to park your car. From there, a well-marked gravel footpath will lead the way. Considering the portions of steep incline, awe-inspiring photo pitstops (you will be hiking through mountains and will see waterfall on the way) and the occasional brief rest stop, traveling one way of the path averages around 50 min. Obviously, the trek up the mountain is a bit more difficult than on the way down… but, it is completely worth it as you get treated with a steamy thermal valley at the top!
Once you’ve made it to the top, you will find a wooden board path that extends the length of hot spring. Now, it’s time to relax! First things first, you need to change into your swimsuit. Note, there are no private bathrooms, just wooden barriers to stand behind to change. So, you will need to get naked in the outdoors. DON’T let this hinder you from this incredible experience. You’ll find in Iceland they are pretty care free with this stuff.
Note: The further up the river you venture, the higher the temperature of the water will be. If you are sensitive to temperature, I would test the waters at the beginning to see if it is comfortable. Also, keep in mind it will feel drastically different from the cold, windy Icelandic air you have spent about the last hour in!
