#625 European Rank
Nauthólsvík
Reykjavík, Iceland•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: June, July, August
Photo: Alexander Grebenkov (CC BY 3.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.18/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
11.4°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€68/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Golden Sand
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Reykjavík · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Refreshing Plunge
Jan
5.3°C
Air 9°C
Feb
5.1°C
Air 10°C
Mar
4.9°C
Air 12°C
Apr
5.6°C
Air 15°C
May
7.2°C
Air 18°C
Jun
9.6°C
Air 21°C
Jul
11.2°C
Air 23°C
Peak
Aug
11.4°C
Air 23°C
Sep
10.0°C
Air 21°C
Oct
8.3°C
Air 18°C
Nov
6.8°C
Air 14°C
Dec
5.8°C
Air 11°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 11.4°C in August · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Iceland Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.5 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.9 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing3.7 / 5
About Nauthólsvík
Golden sand imported to a Reykjavík cove where hot spring water warms the North Atlantic enough to swim.
Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (11.4°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Located in Nauthóll, just south of Öskjuhlíð hill and Reykjavík Domestic Airport in Reykjavík, with dedicated parking and city bus links.
•Protected Status / Environment: Geothermally heated ocean inlet and sea-walled lagoon designed for urban recreational cold/warm water swimming.
•Notable Feature: Unique golden-sand beach created by blending warm geothermal runoff water with cold Atlantic seawater inside a sheltered sea wall lagoon (15–19°C in summer), complete with hot tubs and steam baths.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
YesShowers
NoFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
NoDog Friendly
NoLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
YesNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
NoWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
NoNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Reykjavík. Accessible via regional coastal roads (64.126°N, -21.945°E).
•A man-made cove where hot geothermal water warms the sea to a swimmable temperature.
•A geothermal beach lagoon on the edge of Reykjavík with hot-pots.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Reykjavík, Iceland.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Nauthólsvík?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nauthólsvík
What is the water temperature at Nauthólsvík?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Nauthólsvík averages 11.4°C (53°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Nauthólsvík?
Nauthólsvík is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in Reykjavík, Iceland.
Is Nauthólsvík good for families with kids?
Nauthólsvík has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.
Are there parking and facilities at Nauthólsvík?
Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.
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