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All Iceland Hveragerði Reykjadalur

Reykjadalur

Iceland's "Smoky Valley" is a beautiful river that is shrouded in a constant cover of steam clouds.

Hveragerði, Iceland

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K. Le
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Reykjadalur   Peter Collins on Flickr
Reykjadalur   K Y LE / Atlas Obscura User
Reykjadalur   K Y LE / Atlas Obscura User
Reykjadalur   K Y LE / Atlas Obscura User
Reykjadalur   K Y LE / Atlas Obscura User
Reykjadalur   K Y LE / Atlas Obscura User
Reykjadalur   K Y LE / Atlas Obscura User
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Reykjadalur   aRedLetterLife / Atlas Obscura User
Reykjadalur   aRedLetterLife / Atlas Obscura User
Reykjadalur   Jaszmina Szendrey / Atlas Obscura User
Reykjadalur   aRedLetterLife / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Located within the vicinity of the quaint town of Hveragerði, just 45 kilometers away from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, this smoke-shrouded, hidden valley is a part of one of the largest geothermal areas in the country.

A popular local hiking trail leads into the valley after about an hour's trek, which is eventually dominated by a gorgeous geothermal river. The river bank is reminiscent of a muddy expressionist painting due to the natural composition of the waters. Near boiling waters from a natural hot spring mix with cold river waters in the valley, creating hot baths that visitors can relax in. Many locals and visitors actually come here to bathe in the warm river but keep in mind there are no bathroom facilities so you’ll have to strip in the cool Icelandic air.

Also, pay heed to the signs warning “Hætta!” (this means “Danger!” in Icelandic). Along the gravel path leading into the valley, not only will you see beautiful sights of waterfalls, but you’ll also find hot, bubbling (and yet beautiful) mud pools that reach temperatures of 100ºC. The steam rising from these pools pours over the hiking trail like a warm sulfur-smelling fog. Signs remind hikers to stay on the trail because flowing under the ground is hot, molten lava and you never know when a hot spring might erupt in your face.

The town of Hveragerði is actually powered in part by the same geothermal energy that makes Reykjadalur such a haunting location. 

Related Tags

Geology Geological Oddities Hot Springs Natural Springs Natural Wonders Iceland Nature Water

Know Before You Go

You can park your car in the parking lot right outside the northern part of the town, Hveragerði, where you can then take a path into the valley.

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Added By

K Y LE

Edited By

aRedLetterLife, nakedshakespeare, Blindcolour, Jaszmina Szendrey...

  • aRedLetterLife
  • nakedshakespeare
  • Blindcolour
  • Jaszmina Szendrey
  • EricGrundhauser
  • cararomanodesigns

Published

May 12, 2015

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Sources
  • http://icelandinpictures.com/post/34116664002/how-to-get-to-reykjadalur-hot-spring
  • https://alavigne.net/Outdoors/TripReports/2012/Iceland/?p=day_2&n=2
  • https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/reykjadalur
Reykjadalur
Reykjadalur
Hveragerði
Iceland
64.04864, -21.222597
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Nearby Places

Hveragerði Sunnumӧrk Shopping Center

Hveragerði, Iceland

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Hveradalir Geothermal Area

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Selfoss, Iceland

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Hveragerði

Hveragerði

Iceland

Places 3

Nearby Places

Hveragerði Sunnumӧrk Shopping Center

Hveragerði, Iceland

miles away

Hveradalir Geothermal Area

Hellishelðivegur, Iceland

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Öndvegissúlur

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Hveragerði

Hveragerði

Iceland

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