Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
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Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

4.5
·708 reviews·Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavik's urban geothermal beach offering a warm lagoon, hot tubs, and a bracing ocean dip at an affordable price.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Longer hours, warmer weather

CrowdMedium
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Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Best Time

Summer mornings

Longer hours, warmer weather

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Reykjavik's urban geothermal beach offering a warm lagoon, hot tubs, and a bracing ocean dip at an affordable price.

4.5
(708 reviews)

"Totally worth visiting! For not much money, you can stay there indefinitely. Way more affordable than other famous spa places."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Affordable Spa Alternative

Much cheaper than Blue Lagoon! Pay a small fee for unlimited time in pools & hot tubs .

🥶 Ocean vs. Lagoon

Try the lagoon first, then brave the ocean for a true Icelandic experience .

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 719 reviews

Type

Beach

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Geothermal Lagoon

Geothermal Lagoon

Main pool area

A man-made lagoon with pumped-in hot water, offering a warm embrace against the Icelandic chill.

Ocean Dip

Ocean Dip

Adjacent to the lagoon

For the adventurous, brave the bracing North Atlantic waters right next to the warm lagoon.

Hot Tubs & Steam Room

Hot Tubs & Steam Room

Near the lagoon

Relax and unwind in the steaming hot tubs or the invigorating steam room after your swim.

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Beat the Crowds & Cost

Nauthólsvík is surprisingly affordable, offering a much cheaper alternative to other Icelandic spas.Reddit Visit during off-peak hours to enjoy the geothermal pool and hot tubs with fewer people. Summer offers longer opening hours, but can be busier.

Embrace the Cold (or Not!)

While the geothermal lagoon is heated, brave souls can try swimming in the colder ocean waters nearby.Reddit The facility provides changing rooms, showers, and lockers, making it easy to transition from a brisk dip to a warm soak.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Longer hours, warmer weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Winter (check hours)
Why
Unique chilly experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Bathing at Nauthólsvík

Hey there! I’m currently visiting Iceland and wanted to know if it’s possible during this time to get in the water at Nauthólsvík beach. I know that you have tons of public pools and also lakes, but I’m from a country from South America that has oceanic beaches and was looking…

💰 Affordable Spa Alternative

Much cheaper than Blue Lagoon! Pay a small fee for unlimited time in pools & hot tubs.Reddit

🥶 Ocean vs. Lagoon

Try the lagoon first, then brave the ocean for a true Icelandic experience.Reddit

reddit.com

Swimming in the ocean at the Nauthólsvík beach

Hello everybody! I decided to splurge and visit Iceland. I would love to try to swim in the cold water of Nauthólsvík beach, but I don't have a partner or anything. Is there a group I could join? Are there regulars that somehow pull this off every day that I could join? Should…

reddit.com

Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach- Reykjavik

Traveling next month, haven't found too much info on this beach. Considering walking or taking the bus for a hour or two visit, but October and weather dependent not sure what to expect if we decide not to swim.

🚿 Facilities Available

Clean showers, changing rooms, and lockers (bring your own padlock) are provided.

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Runway

Enjoy a stroll along the runway base near the beach for unique views.

reddit.com

101 all things hot springs / water in general in Iceland for first timers.

**Long post.** A 101 guide to all things water in Iceland. This is intended more for first timers, so if I have included errors or there are glaring omissions of something relevant, please feel free to correct me. Please ask any questions you have here, someone will answer, no…

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Affordable Spa Alternative

Much cheaper than Blue Lagoon! Pay a small fee for unlimited time in pools & hot tubs.Reddit

🥶 Ocean vs. Lagoon

Try the lagoon first, then brave the ocean for a true Icelandic experience.Reddit

🚿 Facilities Available

Clean showers, changing rooms, and lockers (bring your own padlock) are provided.

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Runway

Enjoy a stroll along the runway base near the beach for unique views.

🧸 Kid-Friendly Fun

Toys available for children in the geothermal pool area.

What Travellers Say

4.5
(708 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is praised as an affordable and enjoyable alternative to more expensive spas, offering a unique blend of warm geothermal waters and the bracing ocean. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, the relaxing hot tubs, and the scenic coastal location, though some note the geothermal pool can be small and its winter hours limited.

"Totally worth visiting! For not much money, you can stay there indefinitely. Way more affordable than other famous spa places like Blue Lagoon. The outdoor heated pool is great and they also have a very hot steam room.

You can alternate between the outdoor pool and the cold lagoon, or even try to swim in the sea nearby"

Álvaro Menduiña

"Great little beach. Pretty and not too busy. You can see the steam rising from the water and close to the hot tub area the sea water is warm"

Kelly Rickard

"Amazing place, public, free, opens 10am-7pm in the summer! GREAT PLACE"

Pámela Bóveda-Aguirre

What People Like

Affordable entry fee
Warm geothermal lagoon
Ocean dip option

What People Dislike

Geothermal pool size
Limited winter hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Nauthólsvík is easily accessible by public bus from downtown Reykjavik. Several routes stop nearby. Alternatively, it's a pleasant walk or a short taxi ride, offering scenic views along the coast. Free parking is also available if you're driving.

Yes, it's a scenic walk from the city center, taking about 30-40 minutes along the coast. It's a great way to see more of Reykjavik's waterfront.

There is free parking available at Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.

While possible on a clear night with good aurora activity, Nauthólsvík's city lights can reduce visibility. For better aurora viewing, consider heading further away from the city.

Absolutely! Nauthólsvík is a perfect half-day or full-day trip from Reykjavik, offering relaxation and unique geothermal experiences.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Nauthólsvík is very affordable, significantly less than other popular spas like the Blue Lagoon. The fee grants you access to the geothermal pool, hot tubs, and steam room for an unlimited time.Reddit

Opening hours vary seasonally. In summer, it's typically open from 10 am to 7 pm. During winter, the geothermal pool may only be open on certain days and has shorter hours. Always check the official website for the most current schedule.Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for Nauthólsvík, especially outside of peak summer days. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival.

Yes, lockers are available for storing your belongings. It's recommended to bring your own padlock for added security.Reddit

The geothermal pool is generally open year-round, but its operating days and hours can be reduced during the winter months. The ocean access is always available, weather permitting.

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

Nauthólsvík offers changing rooms, showers with washing liquid, lockers, a geothermal lagoon, hot tubs, a steam room, and a cooler circular pool near the water. Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase.Reddit

Yes, you can swim in the ocean adjacent to the geothermal lagoon. It's a bracing experience, and many visitors enjoy alternating between the warm lagoon and the cold sea.Reddit

Yes, Nauthólsvík is family-friendly. There are toys available for children in the geothermal pool area, and the lagoon provides a safer, warmer environment for them to play in compared to the open ocean.

The geothermal lagoon is heated to a comfortable temperature, while the ocean water is significantly colder, typical of the North Atlantic. The hot tubs and steam room offer very warm temperatures.

Yes, you can walk around the beach and the surrounding area. A popular activity is walking along the bottom of the runway from the beach, offering unique views.

🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining

Yes, there is a snack bar at Nauthólsvík where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and ice cream.Reddit

While there are food options available for purchase, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy during your visit.

The snack bar typically offers a selection of light snacks, hot and cold drinks, and ice cream, suitable for a casual visit.

There are restaurants located in the vicinity of Nauthólsvík, particularly back towards the city center or in the nearby Grótta lighthouse area, offering more substantial dining options.

Prices at the snack bar are generally in line with typical Icelandic prices for casual food and drinks.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the geothermal lagoon with steam rising, the contrast between the warm lagoon and the cold ocean, and the unique coastal landscape. The nearby runway offers an interesting backdrop too.

Yes, photography is generally allowed at Nauthólsvík. Be mindful of other visitors' privacy when taking photos.

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for photography. However, the steam rising from the lagoon can create dramatic effects at any time of day.

Drone usage may be restricted in public areas. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and the lagoon. A waterproof camera or phone case is recommended if you plan to get close to the water.

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