Reykjavik's only sandy beach, with golden sand imported from Morocco and geothermally heated seawater in a sheltered bay. Unique opportunity to swim at a warm beach in Iceland.
Nauthólsvík is Reykjavik's only sandy beach, tucked into a small sheltered cove ten minutes from the city centre, with golden sand imported to cover the natural volcanic gravel shoreline. What makes it unusual is the geothermal water piped in to warm a shallow lagoon, blending hot runoff with the cold sea to create a bathing area that typically sits around 15-19°C in summer, far warmer than the open ocean around it. The cove is small, curved, and well sheltered by breakwaters, giving it a calm, family-friendly vibe rather than a surf or party atmosphere; it draws locals and visitors alike for a relaxed dip rather than serious swimming laps. Amenities are well developed for a city beach, including heated changing rooms, outdoor hot tubs, a cafe, sunbeds, and showers, with lifeguards on duty during the official open season in summer. Access is easy by car, bicycle, or city bus along the Reykjavik coastal path, with free entry to the beach area itself, though the changing facilities and hot tubs carry a small fee outside the free summer bathing season.
| Distance | 10 minutes from city centre |
|---|
Amenities
- heated changing rooms
- hot tubs
- cafe
- sunbeds
- showers
Good to know
- Best for
- families, couples, swimmers, sunbathers
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Highlights
- Geothermally heated lagoon blending hot water with the sea
- Outdoor hot tubs and heated changing rooms
- Imported golden sand cove just minutes from downtown Reykjavik
- Lifeguard supervision during the official summer bathing season
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the free summer season, typically mid-May to August, when lifeguards are on duty and entry is free
- Bring a swimsuit and towel; changing rooms and lockers are available for a small fee outside summer
- Arrive by bike or the coastal footpath to skip car park congestion on sunny days
- The hot tubs get busy on cold or windy evenings, so early morning visits are quieter
When to visit
Visit on warm summer afternoons during the official bathing season for the warmest water and full facilities, or in the evening for a quieter hot tub soak.
Accessibility
The beach area and changing facilities are step-free with paved paths from the car park, and the site is one of the more wheelchair-friendly beaches in Iceland.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nauthólsvík free to visit?
Entry is free during the official summer bathing season, roughly mid-May to late August; a small fee applies for changing rooms and hot tub access outside that season.
How warm is the water?
The geothermally heated lagoon typically runs between about 15 and 19 degrees Celsius in summer, noticeably warmer than the open sea nearby.
Is Nauthólsvík suitable for children?
Yes, the sheltered, shallow lagoon and lifeguard presence in summer make it a popular family spot.