A process for steam reforming of hydrocarbons utilizing a catalyst comprising at least 3% by weight, preferably 10, to 30% by weight of nickel per weight of the catalyst, at least 2 mg-atoms of silver per 100 g of the catalyst; if necessary at least one of rare earth elements such as lanthanum, cerium, yttrium, praseodimium, neodimium, or a mixture of rare earth elements in an atomic ratio of the rare earth elements to silver of 10 or less, preferably 0.2 to 2.0; and a heat-resistant oxide carrier such as alumina, silica, magnesia, titania, zirconia, beryllia or thoria.