Reykjavík Grapevine - 07.04.2017, Side 52

52The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 05 — 2017
Up In Smoke
Hiking to the Reykjadalur hot springs
Words: Signe Smala Photos: Art Bicnick

Going for a hike is a must-do activ-
ity in Iceland. The beautiful scen-
ery comes packaged with fresh air,
pleasant physical activity and—if
you choose right—a dip in some
natural hot springs at the end.
The Reykjadalur hiking and hot
springs day tour is one of the most
popular adventures of its kind.
Located just 40 minutes south of
Reykjavík, Reykjadalur is an easy
hike that nonetheless shows off
many of the Icelandic landscape’s
unique characteristics.
The coolness
The tour begins with a 9am pickup.
Well prepared for the -10 degree
winter weather in warm hiking
boots, wool sweaters, jackets, gloves
and hats, our group of seven passes
the guide’s clothing examination.
In the comfort of a toasty car, we set
out on the southern road.
Reykjadalur (“smoky valley,”
in English) is located near Hver-
agerði, Europe’s hot spring capital.
As we approach the town over the
Hellisheiði mountain pass, the sur-
rounding hillsides and fields are
decorated with telltale columns of
white steam. It’s a beautiful day—
the sky is clear, the sun is rising,
and the snowy mountains shine
with pink sunlight in the freezing
morning air.
At the base of the trail, the guide
hands out ice grips to help with
the slippery path, which is steep
at times, and gives us instructions
to take it slow and avoid breaking
a sweat, as that could make us cold
in this weather. Reassured that we
have an experienced guide who
knows his stuff, we start the hike.
Snow & steam
From door to door, the trip takes
seven hours, but the hike itself is
under an hour each way. The path
leads us up into the mountains,
winding around the sides of a long
valley. The hike is very nice, with
picturesque views, but it’s a little
scary at times—a few steps in the
wrong direction could mean roll-
ing down a long, steep mountain-
side. The trail isn’t difficult, but in
winter conditions, it pays to take
extra care. Feeling warm and cosy
in my winter wear, I soon get into
my stride and start enjoying the
sunshine of the fresh winter day.
After about forty minutes, we
start to see steam clouds rising
above the stream that runs down
the centre of the valley. As the
steam disperses in the sunlight,
I’m immersed in a creamy, surre-
al-looking world of mist. Despite
being just a few metres ahead, my
fellow hikers disappear in the white
steam as I admire the delicate ice
formations on the riverbank.
Frozen towels
We finally arrive at the bathing
spot. It takes a little courage to get
changed in an open field in -10 de-
gree weather, but it’s worth it as I
sink into the warm water. The river
isn’t very deep, but it covers me up
to my chin when I lay down, and
I enjoy the feeling of warm water
flowing around me amongst the
shining white mountains.
After a 40-minute soak, we sum-
mon the courage to get out of the
water. My towel is completely fro-
zen, and it feels like drying myself
with a cardboard sheet. It’s fun.
Once dressed, the female swim-
mers also have to address the issue
of frozen hair. Not just a few stray
snowflakes, but full-blown icicle
ponytails. We put our hats on and
hope for the best.
The walk back feels shorter, al-
though we’re retracing our steps.
We arrive back at the car park feel-
ing pleasantly tired, fresh and hap-
py. For nature lovers who find it
difficult to stand still in museums,
and those who simply love to have
rosy cheeks, this tour is a perfect
fit.
SHARE & VIEW GALLERY:
gpv.is/rey05
xxxxxxx
How to get there:
Route 1 to Hveragerði, then ask
for directions
Distance from
Reykjavík
50 km
Trip provided by
adventures.is
BRYGGJAN BRUGGHÚS * GRANDAGARÐI 8 101 REYKJAVÍK
00354 456 4040 * WWW.BRYGGJANBRUGGHUS.IS
DAILY TOURS ON THE HOUR BETWEEN 13-22
BEER TOUR
2O - 30 MIN TOUR INCLUDING A 3 OR 6
BEER FLIGHT MENU FROM OUR MICRO BREWERY.
2.900/5.400 KR.
DOCKSIDE BREWERY & BISTRO
BISTRO
11.30-23.00
JAZZ EVERY
SUNDAY
AT 20.00