Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach

Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach is a small, man-made cove on the southern shore of the Skerjafjordur inlet, about 4 km from central Reykjavik in Iceland's Capital Region. The beach is a strip of imported pale sand and shell sand rather than natural Icelandic black sand, and the water is the cold North Atlantic. What sets it apart is a heated lagoon, separated from the open sea by a barrier, into which geothermal water is fed so that the temperature in summer is comfortable for a short swim. The sea outside the lagoon remains cold year-round, and the water is generally clear with a grey-green tint rather than the turquoise of southern beaches. The cove is sheltered and shallow near the shore, which suits families, though the fjord can be breezy and the weather changes quickly. The beach is short, roughly a few hundred metres, and is best described as a sheltered cove rather than an open surf beach. There is no surf, and the atmosphere is relaxed and local: Reykjavik residents come for lunchtime dips, after-work soaks and, in winter, cold-water swimming followed by the hot tubs. Amenities include changing rooms and showers, several hot tubs kept at roughly 38 to 42 C, a steam bath and a beach volleyball court. Lifeguards and a small kiosk operate in the main summer season, and opening hours of the facilities are shorter outside it, so the municipal page should be checked before travelling. Entry to the beach is free, while the changing facilities have been run on a free basis in recent years, though conditions can change. Access is simple. Straeto city buses serve the Nautholsvik area, the beach lies on a popular cycling and walking path along the coast, and the centre of Reykjavik is about 25 minutes away by bike. Car parking is available near the beach, and the nearby woodland of Oskjuhlid offers walking trails and views back over the water to the Reykjavik skyline and the Reykjanes peninsula. The airport at Reykjavik Domestic is a short distance away, so aircraft are often visible overhead. Visitors should bring a towel and swimwear, and follow Icelandic pool and beach hygiene etiquette by showering before entering the water.