I have one of the most beautiful places to share with you all today! Are you ready to swoon over the stunning Icelandic nature???
Last week was the first day of summer here in Iceland. To celebrate H and I knew we wanted to get out of the city for a little adventure. The adventure had two requirements, hiking and hot springs. Enter in Reykjadalur and we had both items on our list taken care of.
Reykjadalur is a hiking trail just outside of Hveragerði, a short 40 minute drive from Reykjavik. Reykjadalur directly translates to “steam valley” and it holds true to its name with steam floating in the air everywhere on this hike!
You see that steam floating around? Pretty amazing right?
It always amazes me how close I live to such beautiful places! The fact that I can go from sitting in my pjs watching tv to taking in this view in just an hour, it makes me fall in love with Iceland all over again!
When you come across a view like this you just have to have a photo shoot right? I must say, I felt very Icelandic standing there taking in the landscape posing in my lopapeysa sweater with the always present wind in my face. Am I turning into a Viking woman???
Back to the hike.
This hike is not very long, only 3 km back to the hot springs, but there is a lot of beauty packed into this small hike! I quickly realized there is no reason to put your camera down on this hike, around every corner is a stunning view. For example…
A waterfall of course! It wouldn’t be a hike in Iceland without a waterfall or two.
This adventure just got better and better. You know those days that end up being exactly what you need. Those days filled with wonderful moments, simple and amazing that just leave you feeling rejuvenated. Well this hike, this day, it was all of that and more!
This awesome rock is what I have to thank for our next discovery on the hike. You see, this rock reminded H and I of something from Lord of the Rings. So we of course had to climb down towards it to get some pictures. While we were down there snapping away something shinny and blue caught my attention.
Do you see that magical water in the distance? I basically took off running towards it, I mean its not every day you stumble across a freakishly blue pool of water!
Amazing! It really was like discovering our own mini Blue Lagoon. Well kinda, we didn’t take a swim in it, just stared in awe instead.
My day was complete after this beautiful blue discovery but the steam in the near distance reminded me of the reason why I was out in the Icelandic mountains, to relax in the hot springs, so on we continued.
I was totally not kidding about the steam. At times the steam would become so thick we would have to stop walking and wait until we could see the path again. This is a short part of the pathway though and this steam is more of a mist so it is completely harmless. (the other steam though, coming directly from the bubbling water, that is not safe so stay a safe distance away.)
As soon as you come out on the other side of the steam you have reached your destination. The hot springs!
I will say, H and I were pretty disappointed to see all the new board pathways along the river. This is new from when we were last here and in addition to building pathways all over it looks like some dressing rooms are in the works. The reason I love this place is that it is just pure Icelandic nature, nothing touristy about it. The pathways kind of took this charm away for me, I just hope they don’t continue to build more back here, tourist will love it just how it is!
Okay rant over. Pathways and all this place is still absolutely amazing.
You know how wonderful it feels to have the warm sunshine on your face after months of darkness?! I had no desire to ever leave this place.
After spending a good hour in the hot spring H and I slowly made our way out of the water. And when I say slowly it was more like as quickly as possible as there was a group of tourists waiting to take our spot just hovering above us like vultures. So your welcome dear tourists for the peep show, thanks for not giving me a minute to at least get dressed before jumping into our area!
All I could do was laugh off that uncomfortable situation of trying to get dressed without a bunch of strangers seeing things they shouldn’t see. And take a nap, because all that rushing around to throw my clothes on was exhausting.
After enjoying the sunshine a bit longer both H and I were getting a serious case of hangry so I had to say goodbye to this beautiful place and head back to reality.
Over the river and through the steam to more beautiful nature we go… H loved my little jingle I made on our hike, it is quite fitting don’t you think?
Yes, we even saw the adorable Icelandic horses. A perfect ending to a wonderful adventure!
This hike has left a smile on my face all week. If your planning a visit to Iceland add Reykjadalur to your list, like at the top of the list! And for when your ready for your Reykjadalur adventure here is a handy map to help you find your way, it is super simple I promise!
Question of the Day?
Who is adding Reykjadalur to their bucket list!? What is your idea of the perfect outdoor adventure?
