Iceland Travel Guide logo Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND My trip Talk to a local

Nauthólsvík geothermal beach

ReykjavíkLagoonEntry feeOpen all year
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
Nauthólsvík
Nauthólsvík
NAUTHÓLSVÍK IN SHORT

Nauthólsvík is a small, man-made beach in Reykjavík with imported golden sand, a seawater lagoon warmed with geothermal run-off water, and hot tubs by the shore. It's about five minutes' drive from the city centre, below Perlan, and a popular spot for locals to swim, sunbathe and do a hot-and-cold dip. The main season runs from mid-May to mid-August.

ON THIS PAGE
Quick factsGetting thereWhat to doBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Nauthólsvík

Nauthólsvík sits on a small bay just south of the city centre, below Öskjuhlíð hill and next to Reykjavík University and the domestic airport. The city opened the beach in 2001: a curved strip of imported golden sand behind a stone sea wall, with a sheltered lagoon where cold seawater is mixed with hot run-off water from the storage tanks on Öskjuhlíð. That brings the lagoon to around 15–19°C in summer, cool by pool standards but far warmer than the open sea outside the wall. The real heat is in the hot tubs by the shore, at about 38°C.

It's a local spot as much as a visitor one. Families come for the sand and the shallow lagoon, and the hardier locals do a cold sea, hot tub, cold sea routine known in Iceland as sjósund, or sea swimming. A small service building has changing rooms, showers, a steam bath and a snack kiosk.

Most Icelandic beaches are black sand and heavy surf, so a golden, sheltered one in the capital is something of a novelty. On a sunny day you can lie on the sand and look across the bay to Kópavogur, the neighbouring town in the greater Reykjavík area. Don't expect a tropical swim, though. Even at its best the lagoon is refreshing rather than warm, and when the wind picks up it feels cold quickly.

Behind the beach rises Öskjuhlíð, a wooded hill criss-crossed with walking and cycling trails. Some of them pass bunkers and other remains from the Second World War. At the top stands Perlan, about 900 m from the beach, with its exhibitions and a viewing deck over the city, so the beach, the woods and the museum fit easily into one half-day.

Quick facts

RegionReykjavík, below Öskjuhlíð hill and Perlan
From the city centreAbout 4 km, 5–10 minutes by car
BusStrætó no. 5 to the Nauthóll / HR stop, then up to 10 minutes on foot
Lagoon temperatureAbout 15–19°C in summer (seawater warmed with geothermal run-off water)
Hot tubsAbout 38°C
Sea temperatureColder than the lagoon in summer and close to freezing in winter
EntryThe beach is free to walk onto. The facilities have traditionally been free in summer and charged a small fee in winter; check the current charge
Opening hoursSummer season (15 May–15 August): daily, roughly 10:00–19:00. Winter: shorter hours on fewer days; check before you go
Opened2001

How to get to Nauthólsvík

By carIt's about a five-minute drive (roughly 4 km) south of the city centre, next to Reykjavík University and the domestic airport, below Perlan. There is a free car park by the beach, which can fill up on sunny summer days.
By busTake Strætó bus no. 5 to the Nauthóll / HR stop, right by Reykjavík University. From there it's a walk of up to 10 minutes down to the beach. Check straeto.is for current routes and times.
On foot or by bikeIt's a pleasant walk or cycle from the city centre along the coastal path or over Öskjuhlíð hill, past Perlan.

What to do at Nauthólsvík: swimming, steam bath and barbecue

Most people stay an hour or two. This is how locals use the beach.

Sea swimming (sjósund)Cold-water swimming is a year-round habit for many locals. The usual routine is a short dip in the sea, then straight into the hot tub to warm up, and repeat. If you're new to it, go in slowly, keep the first dip to a minute or two and don't swim alone.
Hot tubs and steam bathThe long hot tub by the service building is kept at about 38°C, and there is a steam bath as well. Outside high summer this is where you'll spend most of your visit.
Sand, sun and gamesOn warm days the beach fills with families building sandcastles and paddling in the shallow lagoon, and there is room for beach volleyball. Bring a ball. The lagoon is shallow near the sand, which suits children, but it is still seawater and still cool.
Barbecue and picnicThere is a barbecue area by the beach, and it's a favourite outdoor picnic spot. Bring your own food and something warm to drink; the kiosk covers snacks and coffee when it's open.
Sailing and paddlingThe bay is also used for sailing and other water sports, so you'll often see small boats, kayaks and paddleboards out beyond the sea wall.

Best time to visit Nauthólsvík

SummerMid-May to mid-August is the main season. The lagoon is warmed, the facilities are open daily with lifeguards on duty, and sunny afternoons are the busiest time.
WinterThis is sea-swimming season for hardy locals. The hot tub, steam bath and changing rooms open for shorter hours and the lagoon is cold, so most people come for a quick dip in the sea and a long soak in the hot tub.

Safety and practical tips

  • Check current opening hours before visiting, as the facilities are not staffed the same way year-round.
  • Bring a swimsuit and towel; changing rooms and showers are on site when the facility is open.
  • The lagoon is cool rather than warm, even in summer. The hot tub is where you warm up.
  • Pack warm clothes for afterwards. The wind off the bay is cold even on sunny days.
  • Coming with family or friends? Bring snacks, a ball and barbecue food and make an afternoon of it.
  • It's an easy stop to combine with Perlan, just up the hill.

Facilities and accessibility

The service building has changing rooms, showers, a steam bath and a small kiosk selling snacks and drinks when it is open. Outside are the hot tubs, a barbecue area and space for beach volleyball. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer season.

On the map

Open in Google Maps →

Nearby places worth a stop

PerlanPerlanLandmark dome and exhibition centre on Öskjuhlíð hill, about 900 m awayTjörninTjörninThe city pond by the town hall, a short drive or bus ride northHallgrímskirkjaHallgrímskirkjaReykjavík's landmark church with a tower view over the cityHarpaHarpaGlass concert hall on the old harbourSun VoyagerSun VoyagerSteel sculpture on the seafront path

Where to stay near Nauthólsvík

Nauthólsvík is within Reykjavík, so any city accommodation puts you within a short drive, bus ride or walk.

Nauthólsvík FAQ

Is Nauthólsvík free to visit?

The beach is open to walk onto at any time. The changing rooms and hot tubs have traditionally been free during the summer season, with a small fee in winter. Check the current charge before you go.

How warm is the water?

The lagoon is warmed to around 15–19°C in summer, the hot tubs are about 38°C, and the open sea is colder than both.

Is it open in winter?

Yes, on shorter hours. The lagoon is cold in winter, so visitors come for sea swimming followed by the hot tub and steam bath.

How far is it from the city centre?

About 4 km, around five minutes by car, and an easy walk or cycle along the coastal path.

Which bus goes to Nauthólsvík?

Strætó bus no. 5 stops at Nauthóll / HR by Reykjavík University, and the beach is up to 10 minutes' walk from there.

Can you barbecue at Nauthólsvík?

Yes, there is a barbecue area by the beach. Bring your own food.

More places in Reykjavík