Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River

Overview

Available languages

English

Italian

Spanish

5 hours 40 minutes

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

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

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

International Mountain Leader

Headlamp

Bath in the hot spring

Local and certified guides

The price is per car

Cap and gloves

Hiking shoes

Windproof jacket and shoes

Dinner

Bottled water

Swimsuit

Towel

Sandals

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

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.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Reykjadalur Gonguleio

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.

2 hours • Admission Included

Options

Shared Hike (from 4 to 8)

9-seater 4x4 van
Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

2 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Magical Experience!
ryansN5083YO,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an incredible experience. We couldn't have checked off our aurora bucket list item any more magically! Roberto was very knowledgeable and prepared. The hike was a bit more strenuous than expected but well worth it! We highly recommend this experience through Hikers of Iceland.
A night we will never forget
RichardT232,
Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The hike has become the highlight of our week in Reykjavik. Rather hesitant at first as we didn't know what to expect really - not helped by me pulling a muscle in my back which made walking a bit awkward - we were met by Roberto who immediately put us at ease and filled us with confidence ( he lent me poles to help me walk). We had an adventure we could not have imagined .We hiked to the hot river as the night drew in, we soaked in blissful warm pool as Roberto explained the Northern Lights and the constellations to us. We then had some welcome snacks and started.our return hike. To be astounded by the Northern Lighfs that surrounded us - as we stared in awe Reberto took amazing pictures.. Our experience was better than we could have hoped or imagined! Roberto is an excellent guide helping us all with humour which made us feel just great! We talked about it endlessly the next day! A night to remember!