Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is Reykjavík's golden-sand urban beach, where warm geothermal water mixes into a sheltered tidal lagoon beside the cold North Atlantic. It combines a lively summer beach atmosphere with hot tubs, changing facilities and Reykjavík's year-round sea-swimming culture.
Quick guide to Nauthólsvík
| What it is | Reykjavík's geothermal beach, with a golden-sand shore, a heated tidal lagoon and access to the cold sea |
|---|---|
| Address | Nauthólsvegur 100, below Öskjuhlíð and Perlan |
| Summer facility hours | May 15–August 18, daily 10:00–19:00 |
| Winter facility hours | August 19–May 14, Tuesday–Friday 11:00–19:00 and Saturday 11:00–16:00; closed Monday and Sunday |
| Facilities | Changing rooms, showers, steam bath, two hot tubs and a seasonal beach setting |
| Good to know | Hours and holiday schedules can change; the lagoon is tidal and the open sea remains cold |
| Coordinates | 64.1219, -21.9306 |
Nauthólsvík: Reykjavík's geothermal beach
Nauthólsvík gives Reykjavík something unusual for a North Atlantic capital: a golden-sand urban beach where warm geothermal water meets the sea. The beach opened in 2000 and has become both a relaxed summer meeting place and an important home for Reykjavík's cold-water swimming culture. It sits on the sheltered southern side of the city, directly below the wooded slopes of Öskjuhlíð and within easy reach of Perlan.
This is not a naturally warm ocean beach. Warm water from Reykjavík's geothermal system flows into two hot tubs and into a partly enclosed tidal lagoon. A seawall gives the bathing area some shelter while leaving it connected to the sea, so the temperature changes with the tide, weather and season. In summer, the lagoon is often around 15–19°C, but visitors should never expect swimming-pool temperatures.
What to expect in summer
On a calm, sunny day Nauthólsvík feels like a small seaside resort inside the city. People sunbathe on the imported golden sand, children play close to the shore and swimmers move between the lagoon, hot tubs and changing facilities. The long Icelandic daylight makes late spring and summer the liveliest time to visit, but the beach can become busy when Reykjavík gets warm weather.
The lagoon changes visibly with the tide. At higher water it feels more like a sheltered bay; at lower water more of the sand and shoreline is exposed. Wind also matters: even if the air temperature looks pleasant, a breeze off Faxaflói can make the beach feel much cooler. Pack a warm outer layer as well as swimwear.
Winter sea swimming
Outside summer, Nauthólsvík is quieter and the focus shifts from beach life to cold-water swimming. Local swimmers use the sea throughout the colder months, often warming up in the hot tubs afterwards. For a first winter dip, treat the cold as the main event rather than trying to swim a normal distance. Enter gradually, stay close to shore and leave the water while you still feel in control.
Never swim alone. Settle your breathing before moving away from the entry point, keep watching your companion and use a bright swim cap so you remain visible. Cold can affect coordination and judgement quickly. Dry off, dress in warm layers and reheat gradually after leaving the water. If conditions, visibility or your own health make you uncertain, stay out.
Facilities and opening hours
The staffed facility includes changing rooms, showers, a steam bath and two outdoor hot tubs. Access to those facilities follows published opening hours, which are different in summer and winter. The current general schedule is daily 10:00–19:00 from May 15 to August 18. From August 19 to May 14 it is open Tuesday to Friday 11:00–19:00 and Saturday 11:00–16:00, and closed Monday and Sunday.
Holiday hours, maintenance closures and individual services can differ from the general schedule. Check the official City of Reykjavík opening-hours page on the day of your visit, especially in winter or around public holidays.
Getting to Nauthólsvík
Nauthólsvík is south of central Reykjavík at Nauthólsvegur 100. Walking and cycling paths connect it with the city centre, the Fossvogur shoreline and Öskjuhlíð. The descent through Öskjuhlíð makes it easy to combine the beach with Perlan's viewpoint and woodland paths.
City buses serve the surrounding area, but the best stop and route depend on where you start. Use the current journey planner and allow time for the final walk. Our public transportation guide explains Reykjavík tickets and payment. Drivers will find parking by the beach, although spaces may fill quickly during the best summer weather.
What to bring
- Swimwear, a towel and sandals or water shoes
- A warm, windproof layer even on a bright summer day
- A bright swim cap if you plan to enter the open sea
- Water and sun protection in summer
- A dry bag for damp clothing and valuables
The sand, lagoon edge and changing areas can all be wet or slippery. Keep children within reach near the water and follow instructions from staff. For wider trip preparation, see our health and safety guide.
Combine the beach with Öskjuhlíð and Perlan
Nauthólsvík works well as part of a half-day outdoors in Reykjavík. Walk uphill into Öskjuhlíð for sheltered woodland paths, traces of the area's wartime history and views between the trees. Continue to Perlan for its observation deck and exhibitions, or follow the coastal paths towards Fossvogur. This combination gives a useful contrast between Reykjavík's shoreline, green spaces and city views without requiring a car.
See also in Reykjavík
Continue with three Reykjavík places that pair naturally with a visit to the geothermal beach.
Frequently asked questions about Nauthólsvík
It is a developed geothermal beach. Golden sand was brought to the site, and warm water is added to a partly enclosed tidal lagoon that remains connected to the sea.
The lagoon is warmed, but it is not a swimming pool. In summer it is often around 15–19°C, with the exact temperature affected by tide, weather and the mixing of warm water with the sea.
Yes, cold-water swimming is popular here, but the staffed facilities follow winter hours. Never swim alone, keep the first dips short and stay close to the shore.
The facility has changing rooms, showers, a steam bath and two outdoor hot tubs. Check the official page for current hours, holiday changes and any temporary closures.
Choose a calm summer day for the full beach atmosphere. Early or late in the day is usually quieter. Winter suits experienced cold-water swimmers who prefer a more local, low-key visit.
Families use the beach in summer, but the lagoon is tidal and connects to the sea. Adults should keep children within reach, follow staff guidance and never assume the water is warm or risk-free.
Walk or cycle on the connected city paths, or take a Reykjavík bus to the surrounding area and complete the journey on foot. Check the live journey planner because routes and stops can change.
Bring swimwear, a towel, warm layers, sandals or water shoes and a bright swim cap. A dry bag and a warm drink can also be useful in colder weather.
Nauthólsvík photo album
Nautholsvik is a man-made geothermal beach in Reykjavik
The view from Nautholsvik beach in Reykjavik
Offers good facilities including changing rooms, hot showers, hot tub outside and a steam-bath
Kids love to play around on a good day at Nautholsvik
Many Icelanders go sea-swimming at Nautholsvik
Nautholsvik beach Reykjavik Iceland