Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River worth booking?
Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River is a 5.7-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $159 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 5.7 hours
- From
- $159 per person
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 you get
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
Included
- International Mountain Leader
- Headlamp
- Bath in the hot spring
- Local and certified guides
Not included
- Parking fees
- Cap and gloves
- Hiking shoes
- Windproof jacket and shoes
- Dinner
- Bottled water
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Sandals
What you'll see and do
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 here
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.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Reykjadalur Hot Springs
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.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
You will find your guide at the parking lot waiting for you!
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 70 minutes before departure.
Ends at
You will find your guide at the parking lot waiting for you!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hikers of Iceland
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
- 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
Photos
Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Magical Experience!
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.
via Tripadvisor
A night we will never forget
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!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Hikers of Iceland, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.8.
See everything Hikers of Iceland runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River cost?
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Prices start at $159 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River take?
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Plan for about 5.7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.
Is Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 5.7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?
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On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River?
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Included: International Mountain Leader; Headlamp; Bath in the hot spring; and Local and certified guides. Not included: Parking fees; Cap and gloves; Hiking shoes; and Windproof jacket and shoes. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 22 listed pickup locations in and around Reykjavik. Be ready about 70 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River offered in?
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It is offered in English, Italian and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
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