Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Urban geothermal beach and sea-bathing area in Reykjavík.
At a Glance
Visit time
Allow 1-2 hours to enjoy the warm waters, relax on the beach, and utilize the facilities.
Best Season
All year round, though summer offers warmer air temperatures for sunbathing. Winter provides a unique, invigorating experience.
Getting There
Located in Reykjavík, Nauthólsvík is easily accessible by car, public bus, or bicycle from the city center. Parking is available.
GPS
64.1213, -21.9305
About
About Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Urban geothermal beach and sea-bathing area in Reykjavík.
A distinctly Reykjavík mix of geothermal bathing and North Atlantic sea swimming.
Tours Near Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Private Reykjavik LGBTQ+ City Walk
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Private Reykjavik Shopping & Sightseeing Walking Tour
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Photos
Gallery
Background
History & Background
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is a modern marvel, conceived and created as a unique man-made attraction in Reykjavík. Its significance from an Icelandic perspective is profound: it transformed a section of the cold North Atlantic coastline into a vibrant, year-round swimming destination. This innovative project demonstrates Iceland's pioneering spirit in utilizing its abundant geothermal resources for public benefit and recreation. The development involved blending natural elements with ingenious engineering. Geothermal water is pumped into a man-made lagoon, where it mixes with the incoming seawater, creating a consistently warm and inviting bathing area. The golden sandy beach, specifically brought in for the project, further enhances the appeal, creating an accessible and attractive recreational space that beautifully marries natural beauty and cutting-edge geothermal technology.
Nauthólsvík combines a sandy urban beach with geothermal bathing infrastructure and open-sea swimming. The heated lagoon, hot-water facilities and staffed services do not necessarily operate on the same schedule year-round, so visitors should check current opening information before relying on warm-water access. Cold-water sea swimming requires appropriate experience and caution.
Did You Know?
Nauthólsvík is a unique man-made geothermal beach in Reykjavík.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Harðar saga og Hólmverja", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
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Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
Steam Patterns
Watch how the steam patterns change with wind direction and temperature throughout the day.
On cold mornings, the steam is most dramatic, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that photographs beautifully.
Mineral Colors
Notice the vivid colors around the geothermal features — yellow sulfur, red iron oxide, and green algae.
These colors represent different minerals deposited by the hot water, creating a natural palette unique to each hot spring.
Bubbling Mud Pots
If present, the bubbling mud pots are mesmerizing to watch — each bubble is a small volcanic event.
The mud is created by acidic steam breaking down the surrounding rock, and each site has a unique bubbling rhythm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Location
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