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

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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Planning Your Visit

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

💰 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

reddit.com

Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach- Reykjavik

🚿 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.

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.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nauthólsvík is a fantastic option for families visiting Reykjavik. The geothermal lagoon is heated and shallow enough for children to play safely, and there are even toys available to keep them entertained.Reddit The facilities include changing rooms and showers, making the logistics of a family outing much smoother. While the ocean is cold, the lagoon provides a warm and fun alternative for younger visitors who might not be ready for a full ocean dip.

💰 Budget Travelers

For travelers looking to experience Iceland's famous geothermal bathing without the hefty price tag of places like the Blue Lagoon, Nauthólsvík is a dream come true. The entry fee is very affordable, offering unlimited time in the pools and hot tubs.Reddit It's a great way to enjoy a quintessential Icelandic experience on a budget, with convenient facilities that mean you don't need to pack everything yourself.

🏃‍♀️ Active & Adventurous

If you're seeking a bit of an adrenaline rush, Nauthólsvík offers the chance to swim in the cold ocean waters right next to the warm lagoon.Reddit This 'cold plunge' is a popular activity for those wanting to experience the invigorating effects of the North Atlantic. You can easily alternate between the bracing sea and the comforting heat of the geothermal pool or steam room for a truly unique and revitalizing experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Geothermal Advantage

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is a unique urban oasis that harnesses Iceland's natural geothermal energy. Unlike natural hot springs, the main lagoon here is a man-made construction where hot water is pumped directly from the earth. This ensures a consistently warm and inviting temperature, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of visitors, including families.

The facility provides a controlled environment with changing rooms, showers, and lockers, making the experience convenient. Visitors can choose to relax in the heated lagoon, invigorate themselves in the steam room, or enjoy the warmth of the hot tubs. The proximity to the cold ocean allows for a thrilling contrast, a true Icelandic experience for those who dare to dip into the bracing North Atlantic waters.Reddit

Beyond the Lagoon: Exploring the Area

While the geothermal lagoon is the main draw, Nauthólsvík offers more than just a warm soak. The beach itself is a pleasant golden sand stretch, offering a different vibe from Iceland's typical black sand beaches. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore or even walk along the base of the nearby airport runway, which provides a unique perspective and photo opportunities.

For those seeking a bit more adventure, the surrounding coastline is perfect for exploration. The area is relatively quiet and secluded, offering a tranquil escape from the city bustle. It's a great spot to enjoy the crisp Icelandic air and the dramatic coastal scenery. The free parking and accessibility make it an easy addition to any Reykjavik itinerary.Reddit

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