Private Reykjadalur & Grændalur Circle Hike
by Absorb Iceland · Hiking & trekking · Reykjavík
- Luxury
- Couples
- Suits older travellers
- Good with teenagers
- Can be tailored
from €1,539.31 per vehicle
No published departures in the coming months — ask us
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Duration
7 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Season
All year
Starts in
Hveragerði
Pickup
Hotel pickup included
Guide
Guided in English
Departs
09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 …
Minimum age
10
Cancellation
Free until 2 days before
About this experience
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of Reykjadalur and Grændalur with this exclusive private hiking tour. Departing from the charming town of Hveragerði, you will embark on a captivating journey through picturesque valleys, bubbling hot springs, and a mesmerizing landscape of geothermal activity.
As you set foot on the trail, be prepared to be mesmerized by the enchanting scenery that unfolds before your eyes. The lush valleys, carpeted with vibrant green vegetation, create a striking contrast against the rugged mountains that surround them. The air is filled with the refreshing scent of geothermal steam, hinting at the geothermal wonders ahead.
Reykjadalur, or Steam Valley, will be your first stop on this adventure. As you go through the winding paths, you will encounter a series of natural hot springs, each with a unique charm. Take a moment to bathe in the warm thermal river of Reykjadalsá, allowing the soothing heat to relax your muscles and rejuvenate your senses. Surrounded by the untouched beauty of nature, you will experience a profound sense of tranquility and connection with the earth.
Continuing the hike, the trail will lead you to Grændalur (Grensdalur/Grænsdalur), a hidden gem in the heart of Iceland's countryside. Here, you will be greeted by a pristine wilderness untouched by the hands of time. As you explore the area, you will come across hidden waterfalls cascading down moss-covered cliffs, creating a symphony of sights and sounds that will leave you in awe.
Throughout the tour, your expert guide will share fascinating insights into the region's geological wonders and cultural history. Learn about the unique ecosystem in this geothermal paradise and gain a deeper understanding of the symbiotic relationship between the land and its inhabitants.
After hiking back down, we can stop and eat at the Greenhouse Food Hall in Hveragerði, where you can enjoy delicious food and a cozy atmosphere.
This private hiking tour in Reykjadalur and Grændalur offers an immersive and unforgettable experience, taking you off the beaten path to discover the hidden treasures of Iceland's natural landscapes. From the therapeutic hot springs to the untouched wilderness, every moment of this journey will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature and the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable country.
Description from the operator, Absorb Iceland. Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.
Where you go
- Reykjadalur hot river valley
- Grændalur geothermal valley
- Greenhouse Food Hall
Included
- When needed, we can provide crampons and hiking poles
- Knowledgeable & experienced English-speaking hiking guide
- Pickup & drop-off within the Reykjavik Capital Area
- Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Parking fees
- Services tax
Not included
- Food & drinks (your private driver-guide can recommend stops to pick up refreshments on the way, but we also make a lunch stop at the Greenhouse Food Hall after the hike)
- Tip or gratuity
Good to know
- Bring swimwear, a towel, and water.
- Please note that there are no dressing rooms or changing facilities. However, privacy barriers are available on-site for changing into your swimwear.
- Please respect nature - stay on the marked trails and do not throw out trash or walk on any moss.
- You do not need to print out your e-ticket for environmental responsibility purposes.
- Your private driver-guide can make a stop on the way so you can purchase food/snacks/drinks, but you are also welcome to bring a packed lunch.
- This tour's total duration depends on how much time you spend bathing in the hot river and your pace during the hike (our guides don't rush our guests and go by your group's pace).
- Dress according to the weather by wearing warm and wind-/waterproof clothing in layers and bring gloves and a hat.
- Wear suitable footwear, preferably waterproof with a good grip, in case of slippery conditions.
- We may occasionally need to alter the tour itinerary due to unpredictable weather and road conditions in Iceland. The weather in Iceland can be pretty unpredictable.
Cancellation for this tour
Free cancellation until 2 days before departure; no refund after that. If the operator cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date.
If the weather cancels this tour
Iceland's weather is real. What usually stops this one is wind above the treeline and river levels after rain — the guide decides on the day. Here is exactly what happens to your booking.
- 1Absorb Iceland decides, and tells us. Operators cancel when it is unsafe or pointless, and we back that call every time — we do not ask them to run anyway.
- 2We contact you by email, and by phone if your tour is the same or next day. You choose: another date if there is one you can make, or a full refund. There is no fee and nothing to argue.
- 3The refund goes back to the card you paid with, through Stripe, usually visible within a few working days. If this tour was one of several in your booking, the others are untouched.
What you do not get is the day back. If this is the only free day in your plan, put a spare day next to it — the planner leaves days free with the rest-day option. And if you want out because the forecast looks bad, that is your own cancellation: free until 2 days before departure, the operator's policy after that.
Questions on the day: [email protected] · +354 497 1373. How cancellations work in Iceland →
Sold out on your date?
Seats come back — a cancellation, or the operator adding a vehicle. Tell us the date and we will check once a day and email you if one opens. One email, then we delete the address; nothing else is ever sent to it.
Who this is not for
- Children under 10 cannot join this one.
- Priced per vehicle, so it is poor value for one or two people and good value for four or more sharing.
Read off the operator's own conditions. If none of it applies to you, this is a good one.
Why we list it
Absorb Iceland is one of 207 operators we work with — chosen for reliability, honest descriptions and how they treat guests when weather changes plans. We don't list everything; we list what we'd book ourselves. The six checks every operator passes →
Read before you book
- Blue Lagoon transfer: private car, shuttle or taxi?A private Blue Lagoon transfer costs €107 to €232 per car. Under three people the bus is cheaper; with luggage or a late flight the car wins.
- Keflavík Airport transfer: shared shuttle or private?Every Iceland trip starts at Keflavík. Shared shuttle or private transfer? The right answer depends on group size and landing time more than budget.
- Private family tours in Iceland: what they costTaste Iceland's private family tours run €1,024 to €1,595 per booking. What you get for that, which age limits apply, and when a cheaper family tour wins.
Reviews from our travellers
Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.
Reviews arrive the day after each trip — none yet for this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.
Hiking & trekking — questions people ask
When can you hike in Landmannalaugar?
Late June to September. The highland roads to Landmannalaugar are closed by snow the rest of the year, and the opening date shifts with the weather each summer. In season, day tours from Reykjavík (/experience/16823/) run about fourteen hours with a three- to five-hour guided hike and a soak in the hot river. If you have your own 4x4, the meet-on-location hike (/experience/254326/) skips the bus.
How hard is the Laugavegur trek?
Moderate to hard. It is 55 kilometres over four days from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, with river crossings, snow patches in July and weather that can turn to sleet in August. You do not need technical skills, but you need to carry a pack and walk five to eight hours a day. Guided treks (/experience/738812/) handle logistics and camping gear; the luggage transfer (/experience/1036525/) lets self-guided walkers carry a day pack only.
Can you hike to the volcano near Reykjavík?
Yes, when it is safe. The Reykjanes eruption sites at Fagradalsfjall and around Grindavík have drawn hikers since 2021, and guided tours (/experience/629086/, /experience/620679/) follow the routes the Civil Protection authority has open. If there is an active eruption, access changes daily and tours adapt or pause. The lava is usually cooled and crusted; you see fresh black rock and steam, not flowing lava. Wear boots; the ground is rough.
What should I pack for a day hike in Iceland?
Waterproof jacket and trousers, not a poncho; the wind will shred it. Hiking boots with ankle support, wool or synthetic layers, hat, gloves, sunglasses and a packed lunch with two litres of water. In the highlands add a warm mid-layer even in July. Guides carry first aid and route knowledge, not your rain gear. Cotton jeans and trainers are the most common reason people have a miserable day.
Hotels
Where to stay for this tour
From the cheapest to the top end of what is near Selfoss, from our hotel partners. Rooms are booked on our hotels site.
from 15.059 kr.Lowest price
Guesthouse · Selfoss
South Central Guesthouse
under 1 km away · a night for two, indicative
from 30.600 kr.Mid-range
Hotel · Selfoss
Hotel South Coast
under 1 km away · a night for two, indicative
from 32.688 kr.Top end
Hotel · Selfoss
Bella Hótel
under 1 km away · a night for two, indicative
One checkout, any number of operators
Rankings are not for sale
206 operators vetted, and not all of them accepted
If it falls short, we fix it
Pairs well with
Add any of these to this tour and 3 % comes off both at checkout. One basket, one payment, however many operators they come from.
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