Most people are well aware of the fact that Iceland has a lot of hot springs scattered across the country. Beaches you can swim at, on the other hand, are few and far between. So, you might ask yourself, “Does Reykjavik have a beach?” and the answer is yes! Nauthólsvík is one of the few beaches in Iceland you can safely visit all year round without being afraid of getting lost at sea.
At Nauthólsvík, you can experience the not-so-tropical riviera of the North. The sea is at a safe distance, and the water is warm enough to be enjoyable.
Nauthólsvík – What is It?
Even though locals might be happy to take a dip in the cold North Atlantic Ocean, for a visitor on holiday, the geothermal springs in Iceland are far more attractive. In 2001, a new kind of attraction opened amongst the many things to do on the Reykjanes Peninsula: Nauthólsvík Beach!
This beach quickly gained popularity and is now estimated to attract more than half a million visitors each year. It’s known as Iceland’s own Ibiza that, despite the nickname, keeps a cool 15-19 degrees Celsius (59-66 degrees Fahrenheit) at the lagoon outlet. This is possible due to the continuous pumping of the excess hot water into the base of the lagoon, which also means that the further out you swim, the colder it gets.
When you visit Nauthólsvík, you might notice that the sand is not exactly what you normally would expect in Iceland. Instead of having the characteristic black sand that Iceland is famous for, it has a classic golden sand that you would typically find in Southern Europe or the Caribbean.
The entire beach is completely man-made with imported sand from Morocco, warm water from the local hot water reservoir, and a barrier against the sea. Luckily, this only adds to the experience of being on an exotic beach, meanwhile, you’re actually close to the Arctic Circle.
Does Reykjavik Have a Geothermal Beach?
Yes, Reykjavik has a geothermal beach and it’s smack-dab in the middle of the city. Nauthólsvík is just a couple of minutes away from downtown Reykjavik and sits close to attractions like the Perlan Interactive Museum, Öskuhlíð Hill, and many cycling and hiking routes. Reykjavik University is also nearby, making it a popular hangout for its students.
How Do I Get to Nauthólsvík?
Since Nauthólsvík is practically in the middle of the city, it’s easy to get to. You can choose to either drive yourself, take the bus, or have a walk.
Drive Yourself
If you’ve already rented your own transport, there is no reason not to use it. Simply head towards Reykjavik University and follow that road past the university until you reach the parking lot outside Nauthólsvík. It’s as easy as pie.
Take the Bus
Getting around Reykjavik by bus is an easy way to keep costs and effort low on your holiday. Make the most of your Reykjavik City Card while you’re here by taking the bus to the HR (abbreviation for Háskólinn í Reykjavík – Reykjavík University) bus stop and walk the last 500 meters to Nauthólsvík.
Take a Walk
Nothing compares to walking around the capital and exploring it freely. Iceland has topped the list of the safest countries in the world for 14 years in a row, so if there is any place on earth you should walk around without feeling unsafe, it’s Iceland.
The walk to Nauthólsvík is literally only a kilometer from Reykjavik City Center, so it won’t take more than 15 minutes. Worst case scenario, if you walk from the Reykjavik Old Harbor, it would take just under an hour.
What to Expect at Nauthólsvík
Since its opening in 2001, Nauthólsvík has offered its visitors everything they could ask for. There are currently two hot pools at the beach: one in front of the facilities, and one next to the man-made lagoon.
In the summer months between May 15 and August 18, the opening hours for Nauthólsvík in Reykjavik are between 10 am and 7 pm. In the winter in Iceland, the beach is only open Tuesday to Saturday between 11 am and 7 pm (4 pm on Saturdays). It will also be closed on most public holidays, so double-check the geothermal pool’s opening hours when you plan your visit.
Is Nauthólsvík free? Nauthólsvík is only free if you are under 18 years old. For the rest, see the prices for different options below.
- Entrance: 890 ISK ($6.50/€6)
- 10 times valid entrance pass: 5,510 ISK ($40/€37)
- 20 times valid entrance pass: 10,040 ISK ($73/€67)
- 6 months pass for adults: 11,560 ISK ($84.25/€77,25)
- 1 year pass: 21,210 ISK ($154.50/€142)
If you come with a child under 18 years old, they will enter for free. If you forget your things, you can always rent a towel for 800 ISK ($6/€5.5) and swimwear for 1,190 ISK ($8.5/€8).
The hot baths at Nauthólsvík vary between 30 and 39 degrees Celsius, and they’re often around 38 degrees warm. If you’re not a fan of swimming, you can always head into the steam baths and heat up instead. The Reykjavik Geothermal Beach is also equipped with modern changing rooms and showers as well as a kiosk with ice cream, drinks, and snacks.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Visit Nauthólsvík Beach
A whopping half a million visitors coming to the geothermal beach in Reykjavik can only attest to how great it is. The easy access and nearby attractions are the cherries on top and just more reasons to take the time to visit Nauthólsvík.
You might have a lot of other items on the list of things you want to do in Iceland so it can feel like adding another one is making it a little overwhelming. Since this is in the beautiful capital of Iceland, you can easily visit Nauthólsvík at the beginning or end of your trip.
If you’re not up for walking, an easy solution is to rent a motorhome in Iceland. That way, you can take charge of your adventure and not have to plan where to sleep at night.
