Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is an artificial sandy beach at Nauthólsvegur 106, on a small bay between the wooded Öskjuhlíð hill and the Kópavogur shoreline, a short distance south of central Reykjavik. The beach was created with imported sand, and geothermal water is fed into a lagoon area separated from the open sea by a barrier, which raises the water temperature enough for swimming in summer. Next to the beach are hot tubs, with temperatures ranging from warm to hot, and a steam bath, so visitors can alternate between the sea lagoon and heated water. A service building offers changing rooms, showers and a small café. The beach is most active between mid-May and mid-August, when it is open daily from about 10:00 to 19:00 and entry is free. In winter, opening hours are reduced and a small fee of about ISK 650 to 895 applies for use of the facilities. Locals use the beach throughout the year, including winter sea-swimmers who combine a cold dip with a hot tub. A typical visit lasts one to two hours. The bay is also a popular spot for walkers and cyclists, since paths follow the shoreline and a 20-minute walk leads to Perlan through the Öskjuhlíð woods. Views look across the water toward the Kópavogur and Garðabær shores. Children aged eight and under need adult supervision, and visitors are expected to shower before entering the lagoon and tubs. Sunny summer afternoons are busiest, with families and groups of friends filling the sand, while mornings and cooler days are calmer. Photographers can capture the contrast between steaming tubs and the cold sea, particularly in the low winter light.