Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach (Ylströndin í Nauthólsvík) is a man-made lagoon beach on the southern shore of Reykjavík‘s Vatnsmýri peninsula, in the 102 Reykjavík postal district beside the Reykjavík University campus and the Öskjuhlíð hill. Sea walls enclose a sheltered cove where cold North Atlantic seawater is blended with geothermal hot water, and golden crushed-shell sand has been laid down around it, giving the capital a Mediterranean-style bathing spot just minutes from downtown. Visitors come for the warm lagoon, the hot tubs, and the beach-day atmosphere in the northernmost capital city in the world.
What to Expect at Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
The centerpiece is the beach lagoon (strandlaug), sealed off from open water by massive sea-defense walls that keep the swell out and the temperature manageable. Hot geothermal water is fed in at an underwater inlet, so the water is noticeably warmer near the upwelling and cools as you move toward the wall. The imported shell sand is spread across a swimming beach and a separate sunbathing area, and viewing terraces overlook the cove toward Kópavogur and the mountains across Skerjafjörður bay.
Beside the lagoon, a service building holds changing rooms, showers, toilets, first aid, and a small cafe counter for snacks and drinks. The beach sits within a wider outdoor recreation area: the neighboring Siglunes sailing club runs a boat rental and a floating dock, and the site also includes a memorial from the Norwegian community and a strength-test stone display. Nauthóll itself was a farmstead built around 1850, a smallholding of the nearby Skildinganes estate on a well-traveled track, and the area’s farming past gives the beach a layer of local history.
- Beach lagoon (strandlaug): A sheltered cove where geothermal water mixes with seawater behind stone sea walls, with the warmest water near the underwater inlet.
- Hot tub (setlaug): A soaking pool beside the lagoon, the usual place to warm up after a dip in the cooler outer water.
- Golden shell sand: Crushed shell sand imported to line the swimming and sunbathing beaches, unlike the black volcanic sand typical of Iceland.
- Service building: Changing rooms, showers, toilets, first aid, and a small snack and drinks counter.
- Sea-swimming and sailing hub: Cold-water swimmers use the sea access, and the Siglunes sailing club operates a pier, floating dock, and boat rental next door.
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Nauthólsvík, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland |
| Neighborhood / Area | Nauthólsvík / Vatnsmýri, beside Reykjavík University and Öskjuhlíð |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday to Friday 11:00 to 19:00; Saturday 11:00 to 16:00; closed Monday and Sunday (holiday hours posted on the official site) |
| Admission / Price Range | Budget tier ($); check the official website for the current entry policy |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Strætó city bus stop near the beach; free parking by the site |
| Official Website & Phone | nautholsvik.is, +354 511 6630 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Hours are short and closed on Mondays and Sundays, so confirm the day before you go; the official site also publishes live air temperature, sea temperature, and wind readings, which help you judge how brisk it will feel. Arrive at opening or in the late afternoon on weekdays to avoid the busiest stretch. Bring a swimsuit and towel, and rinse in the showers before entering, as at all Icelandic pools. The lagoon is warmest near the inlet and noticeably cooler near the outer wall, so step in gradually and use the hot tub between dips. Reaching the beach is straightforward by Strætó bus from central Reykjavík, by car with free parking beside the site, or on foot and bike along the coastal path that rings the peninsula from the city center.
For accessibility, the service building and the paths around the lagoon are on level ground, which suits strollers and most mobility devices, but the sand itself can be difficult to cross, so ask staff about the easiest route to the water. Within a 5 to 15 minute walk or bike ride you can pair the beach with the wooded trails of Öskjuhlíð hill, the Perlan dome and viewing deck above it, and the coastal path toward the Skerjafjörður shoreline. Walkers and cyclists can continue east along the waterfront, and the city center lies roughly 4 kilometers to the north.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit?
The beach is open Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 to 19:00 and Saturday from 11:00 to 16:00, and closed on Mondays and Sundays, with holiday hours listed on the official site. Weekday opening and late afternoon tend to be calmer, and the warmer months, when the sun lingers well into the evening, are the most comfortable for sunbathing.
How much does it cost to visit?
Nauthólsvík sits in the budget tier ($), and its entry policy and any fees are published on the official website at nautholsvik.is. Snacks and drinks at the cafe counter are extra, and you should confirm current rates before you go.
How long should I plan to stay?
Plan 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a lagoon swim, time in the hot tub, and a snack. Add more time if you plan to sunbathe, try sea swimming, or stroll the nearby Öskjuhlíð trails and coastal path.
Is it suitable for families and what should I bring?
Yes, the sheltered lagoon, sand beach, and hot tub make it popular with families, though the water stays cool and children should be supervised. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and a warm layer for afterward, and shower before entering the water as at all Icelandic pools.
When planning your Reykjavik travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Reykjavik, pair this stop with standout local spots including Elliðaárdalur, Hellisgerði, Reykjavik Domes, and Perlan (1.0 km away).
