Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River

5.0 (2 reviews) 5 h 40 min Free cancellation

out of 5

2 reviews

5.0

Crazy Northern Lights — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Let's start bathing at the sunset — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Day Trips Hiking Tours Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Walking Tours Ports of Call Tours Night Tours Nature Walks

At a glance

Duration: 5 h 40 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Italian, Spanish
Operated by: Hikers of Iceland

Ages: Children (8–15 years) · Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: International Mountain Leader
Included: Headlamp
Included: Bath in the hot spring
Included: Local and certified guides

Not included

Not included: Parking fees: The price is per car
Not included: Cap and gloves
Not included: Hiking shoes
Not included: Windproof jacket and shoes
Not included: Dinner
Not included: Bottled water
Not included: Swimsuit
Not included: Towel
Not included: Sandals

Itinerary

Stop 1

10 min

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.
Reykjadalur Gonguleio

2 hours Admission included

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.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs

1 h 30 min Admission included

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 point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

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

End point

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

Pickup points

Hotel Muli
Hotel Reykjavik Grand
Hilton Reykjavik
Hotel Cabin

and 8 more pickup points

The pick-up and drop-off service in town are supposed to last up to 20 minutes each

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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