Hveragerði

The steaming greenhouse town at the foot of a hot spring valley, and the gateway to the Reykjadalur hot river.

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The town where the earth steams

Hveragerdi sits on one of the most active geothermal areas in Iceland, just off the ring road about 40 minutes from Reykjavik. Steam rises from the ground between the houses, greenhouses glow through the evenings, and the town has built its life around the warm water beneath it.

It makes a perfect first or last stop on a south Iceland trip, an easy, friendly place with a geothermal park in its centre and, just above it, the steaming Reykjadalur valley where a naturally warm river waits at the top of a beautiful walk.

An easy stop on the south road

Hveragerdi is the first town you reach heading east from Reykjavik over the Hellisheidi heath, which makes it a natural gateway to the south coast and an easy half day from the city. You can drive yourself in well under an hour, or reach it on many south coast and Golden Circle tours.

Park in town for the geothermal park and the greenhouses, or at the trailhead just above for the Reykjadalur hike. Bring a swimsuit and a towel, because the reward at the top of the valley is a soak in a warm river.

Gateway: About 40 minutes east of Reykjavik
Best for: Hot river hiking, geothermal park, greenhouses
Best time: Year round, the hike best from late spring to autumn
Stay: A half day to a full day
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Hveragerði

What to see and do

The places worth slowing down for.

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The Reykjadalur hot river

A 3 kilometre walk up a steaming valley leads to a naturally warm river you can lie down in, with wooden boardwalks and changing screens. One of the most loved easy hikes near the capital.

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Geothermal park

In the centre of town, a small park of bubbling mud pots and hot springs where you can boil an egg in the ground and feel the earth's heat up close.

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Greenhouse town

Geothermal heat lets Hveragerdi grow tomatoes, flowers and even bananas under glass. Several greenhouses welcome visitors for fresh produce and a warm meal.

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Hverahlid and the heath

The slopes above town offer wider walking and the Kambar viewpoint, where the land drops away to the green Olfus plain and the sea beyond.

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Local swimming pool

Like every Icelandic town, Hveragerdi has a welcoming geothermal swimming pool with hot tubs, a relaxed and authentic soak among locals.

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Health and rest

Long known as a spa and wellbeing town, Hveragerdi pairs its warm water with a calm, restorative pace that makes it easy to slow down.

Tours & activities

Easy experiences around Hveragerdi and the Reykjadalur valley. Reserve in minutes once booking goes live.

Reykjadalur Hot River Hike
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⏱ 3 to 4 hours 📍 Reykjadalur

Reykjadalur Hot River Hike

A guided walk up the steaming valley to bathe in the warm river, with a local guide along the way.

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South Coast via Hveragerdi
Day Trip
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⏱ Full day 📍 From Reykjavik

South Coast via Hveragerdi

Begin in the geothermal town before rolling on to the south coast waterfalls and beaches.

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Geothermal Park & Greenhouse Visit
Local
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⏱ 2 hours 📍 Hveragerdi

Geothermal Park & Greenhouse Visit

Meet the bubbling earth in the town park and taste produce grown by geothermal heat.

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Make it a longer journey

Hveragerdi opens the door to the south coast and the Golden Circle.

From Hveragerdi the ring road runs east to the south coast waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss and the black beaches beyond, while a short turn north leads to the Golden Circle and the warm village of Fludir. It is an easy, warm place to begin or end a wider south Iceland loop.

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Good to know

Quick answers for planning your trip.

Where is Hveragerdi?

Hveragerdi is in south Iceland, about 40 minutes east of Reykjavik on the ring road, just over the Hellisheidi heath. It is usually the first town you reach heading toward the south coast.

Can you bathe in the Reykjadalur hot river?

Yes. After a walk of about 3 kilometres up the valley you reach a stretch of naturally warm river with boardwalks and changing screens, where bathing is the whole point. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a swimsuit and towel.

How far is Hveragerdi from Reykjavik?

It is roughly 45 kilometres, or about a 40 minute drive, which makes it one of the easiest geothermal day trips from the capital.

What else is there to do in Hveragerdi?

Beyond the hot river, you can explore the geothermal park in the town centre, visit greenhouses growing produce by geothermal heat, soak in the local swimming pool, and take in the view from the Kambar lookout.

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