Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach

Nautholsvik is a manufactured beach on the southern shore of Reykjavik: yellow sand was imported to cover the local black, a sea wall built to enclose a shallow lagoon, and geothermal water is fed into it so the enclosed water sits at a temperature people can actually swim in - usually somewhere between fifteen and nineteen degrees, against a sea that stays close to five. There are hot tubs, changing rooms and a steam bath on the shore. In summer it is free and busy on the rare hot days; through winter it stays open on shorter hours for the sea swimming community, who use it without the warm water.

What you actually see

• Imported yellow sand - laid over the local black shore.
• Hot water fed into a lagoon - lifting an enclosed pool above sea temperature.
• Hot tubs and a steam bath - on the shore behind the beach.
• Winter sea swimmers - using it cold, on reduced hours.

When to go

Mid-May to mid-August for the full free service; winter for cold water swimming. Two to three hours.

Honest expectations

Even the warmed lagoon is cold by any normal beach standard, and the open sea beyond it is dangerous cold. Warm days are few and the place is packed when they come. Outside summer there is a charge and the facilities are reduced.

Nearby

Perlan is on the hill above; the coastal path runs into the centre.