Private Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River

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.

What's included

Itinerary

1. Tour stop

   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 - if you're arriving on your own, parking at the meeting point requires a ticket, which costs about €5 per car.

2. Tour stop

   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.

3. Tour stop

   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.

Know before you go

• 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