Island's Sizzling Valley Reaches Record Temperatures

Discover the off-beat, steaming charm of Hveragerði, a strange, foreign-tongued town that promises an unforgettable dip in its nearby hot river, and so much more.

Before you even reach the mysterious valley of Reykjadalur, about a 40-minute drive east of Reykjavík, the geothermal energy pulsating around Hveragerði is apparent, as the region is part of the system of the central volcano Hengill. The spectacle is mesmerizing and eerie at the same time. Venture into the town, and you'll find eateries that whip up delicious meals and delectable treats using geothermal energy. For instance, Ölverk not only serves mouthwatering pizza but also beer brewed with geothermal heat. Can you imagine savoring such unique flavors elsewhere? You can also tour a geothermal park showcasing boiling hot pools and feel your senses awakened by the intoxicating aroma of fresh strawberries and flowers grown in geothermally-heated greenhouses, even bananas!

This quaint town surprises traditional tourists but proves irresistible to bohemian souls searching for inspiration. Follow the "Walk of the Artists," a charming trail lined with artworks created by local and visiting artists, or visit the trendy LÁ Art Museum, which has contemporary exhibits that rotate frequently. The museum's cozy café offers a perfect spot to relax with a latte and soak up the artistic vibes.

The enchanting waterfall tucked in the town is worth a glimpse, butMany visitors often overlook the beautiful mini waterfall, Reykjafoss, along the route to the parking lot leading to the popular hike to the hot river. In the parking lot, you'll find a quaint café with a panoramic view and delicious homemade pastries. Here, you can decide whether to linger for coffee before or after your adventure.

The hiking trail to the hot springs, situated within the Ölfus Municipality, is about 3.5 kilometers long - one way takes an hour. With the trail's growing popularity, it has become well-developed and signposted. The journey offers breathtaking vistas of waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, and a stunning panorama of the colorful mountains surrounding this otherworldly landscape. However, one must remember that the initial climb is quite steep, making the refreshing swim in the warm river all the more rewarding. The path ends at the bathing area outfitted with wooden footbridges and changing facilities.

Taking a dip in the river is an experience to remember at almost any temperature, as the water is comfortably warm, and it's an extraordinary sensation to lie back in the riverbed,allowing the warm water to flow gently over you while gazing upon the lush, verdant hills. It feels like a magical slice of the Lord of the Rings 's Shire.

At first, the scenic beauty around you may seem idyllic, but don't forget: after the rejuvenating bath, you'll have to trek back, likely with wet hair. It's always wise to pack a hat – regardless of the season – to keep your cool.

The scenic views along the way are simply breathtaking. Whether you're exploring landscapes comparable to Hveragerði, such as Yellowstone National Park, Wai-O-Tapu in New Zealand, Solfatara Volcano in Italy, or Lake Myvatn in Iceland, or embarking on hikes with geothermal hot springs like Kamchatka's rugged wilderness, Costa Rica’s Rincon de la Vieja National Park, or Berlin's lesser-known Blue Lagoon geothermal spas, Hveragerði's unique combination of geothermal power and horticulture is less commonly replicated elsewhere. In fact, Tuscany’s geothermal parks in Italy and Orakei Korako in New Zealand also harness geothermal resources for their exceptional offerings.

The geothermal energy in Hveragerði, fueling eateries like Ölverk that serve pizza and geothermal-brewed beer, promises a culinary adventure unlike any other.
As you hike towards the hot river in Reykjadalur, take a moment to appreciate the mini waterfall, Reykjafoss, often overlooked yet equally stunning.
The hike to the hot springs in Hveragerði offers an amazing adventure, with breathtaking vistas, bubbling hot springs, and a panorama of colorful mountains, culminating in a rejuvenating dip in the warm river.
The unique combination of geothermal power and horticulture in Hveragerði is a rare sight, much like that of Tuscany’s geothermal parks, Orakei Korako in New Zealand, Yellowstone National Park, Wai-O-Tapu in New Zealand, Solfatara Volcano in Italy, Lake Myvatn in Iceland, Kamchatka’s rugged wilderness, Costa Rica’s Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and Berlin's Blue Lagoon geothermal spas.
The warm water of the hot river in Hveragerði, flowing gently over your body while you lying back in the riverbed, feels like a magical slice of the Lord of the Rings' Shire, creating an unforgettable travel experience.