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.
At a glance
- Duration: 5 hr 40 min
Plan your experience
Set aside 5 hr 40 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- International Mountain Leader
- Headlamp
- Bath in the hot spring
- Local and certified guides
Not included
- The price is per car
- Cap and gloves
- Hiking shoes
- Windproof jacket and shoes
- Dinner
- Bottled water
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Sandals
Itinerary and highlights
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.
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.
Meeting and pickup information
- You will find your guide at the parking lot waiting for you!
- The pick-up and drop-off service in town are supposed to last up to 20 minutes each
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Hikers of Iceland
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- 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 can 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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