Nauthólsvík, Reykjavík University in the background

Costa del Nauthólsvík

The geothermal beach in Nauthólsvík was installed in 2000, where large seawall defenses close off a beautiful man-made lagoon. But the bay has been the main sea bathing place for Reykjavík since after the Second World War. During World War II, there was a large military camp there, as Reykjavík Airport is in the immediate vicinity. Nauthólsvík had facilities for seaplanes that were very important in the battles of the Atlantic. Today, there are few reminders of the war, but on the other hand, there are excellent facilities for sea swimming, which is growing in popularity among the city’s residents.

The facilities in Nauthólsvík, including changing rooms, showers, hot tubs and a steam-bath
Just like being on a Spanish beach
The young and the old all enjoying Nauthólsvík together
Nauthólsvík has great facilities
The crowd in Nauthólsvík, in the background you can see the mountain Keilir (the pyramid-shaped one) and to left of that Fagradalsfjall. There we have seen the most recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland  and geologists are expecting to see more in the close future
: Jumping into Fossvogur,  the bay by Nauthólsvík
A great beginning to a swim

Photographs & text: Páll Stefánsson
Reykjavík 09.07/2023 : RX1R II, A7C – 2.0/35mm Z, FE 1.8/20mm G