Nautholsvik is an artificial geothermal beach which is located a few minutes drive away from downtown Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city. It is located near Öskuhlíð and is an excellent place to unwind and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In this man-made lagoon, the hot water is pumped in during the summer months and maintained at a temperature between 15°-19°C.
The beach with its golden sandy stretch and warm water is ideal for those who love sunbathing or going for a splash in the water. Apart from the lagoon, the beach also has hot tubs and a steam room where you can soak to rejuvenate. The Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach will also give you an opportunity to enjoy a hot and cold spa experience. You can first swim in the chilly sea and then switch to the Nautholsvik warm beach.
Highlights
• Spend a day at the Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, an artificial beach located very near downtown Reykjavik.
• Relax and unwind on the beach by indulging in sunbathing and admiring the breathtaking view surrounding the beach.
• Take a swim in the geothermal lagoon where the warm water is maintained at a temperature between 15°-19°C.
• Opt to splash in the chilly sea to enjoy a hot and cold spa by switching to the lagoon waters.
• Soak in one of the two hot tubs or relax in the steam room to feel energised.
How To Reach
By Car: Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is 3.5 km from the city centre, it will take 8 min via the Nauthólsvegur route.
By Bus: Take a bus to Nauthóll station which is 720 feet away from the beach. You can reach the beach from the bus station with a 10-minute walk.
Best Time To Visit
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is open all year round but the opening hours vary based on season. In Summer, the beach is open from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm and in winter it is closed on Sunday and Monday and open from Tuesday to Friday from 11 am to 7 pm and on Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. The best season to visit is during the summer months from May to October when the weather is warmer and the geothermal waters are more inviting. The best days of the week for visiting the beach are during weekdays when the crowd is less compared to weekends. The best time of the day to visit the beach is during late afternoon or evening when the weather is comfortable for indulging in beach activities.
Other Essential Information
- If you go for a swim in the Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, you must be vigilant and not go off very far and be restricted to the lagoon.
- The beach has showers and a changing room which you can use after and before your swim.
- If you are not carrying your own towel and swimwear, you can rent them from the service centre.
- If you feel hungry, you can grab a bite from the small snack bar inside the service centre.
Enjoy a day on the beach
Nautholsvik Beach is an excellent place for unwinding and relaxing after a busy week. Relax on the soft sand, spend some time sunbathing, take a stroll on the beach or admire the surrounding views of the ocean and distant mountains. Swimming enthusiasts would surely love to take a dip in the warm waters of the Geothermal lagoon.
Delight in Cold Water Swimming
Brave the chilly and frigid North Atlantic waters as you opt for cold water swimming to feel the difference from the warm water of the geothermal lagoon. First, go for a swim in the cold sea and then relax in the steam room and float in the lagoon or hot pool.
Soak in the hot Spring
Located in front of the main building of the Nautholsvik geothermal beach is a rectangular pool with a hot spring. Head out to the pool to sunbathe or simply sit inside the hot pool where you will find the temperature to be moderate. There is also a smaller hot pool which you can enjoy, as well as a steam bath inside a steam cabin that you can relax in.
Go Sightseeing
There are several picturesque sights near the Nautholsvik geothermal beach which you can visit while spending a day on the beach. Visit the beautiful Kopavogur Town and its Siglunes Sailing Club where little ones between the age of 9 to 12 can take sailing courses. There is a snack bar located around the corner where you can grab a bite on the run.