Reykjavik is a coastal city; primary beaches are close to the city center or within 15-20 minutes travel. Water is cold year-round (7-10°C (45–50°F) even in summer); wetsuits are standard. Swimming is possible but uncommon for casual visitors.
Good to know
Good to Know
- Water temperatures remain 7–10°C (45–50°F) year-round; even geothermally heated beaches are cool. Wetsuits are widely used even in July.
- Swimming culture in Iceland is strong; public pools and geothermal beaches are social gathering spots, especially in winter.
- Black sand is common on Icelandic beaches; it gets hot in sun and can be rough underfoot—bring water shoes.
- Beaches are generally quiet and uncrowded compared to southern European coasts.
- Summer daylight extends to nearly midnight (June–July), making evening beach visits pleasant.
Beaches
Sundhöllin Beach
- Entry Fee
- ISK 900
- Designation
- family
- Access Time From Center Minutes
- 10
- Description
- Central beach within walking distance of downtown, backed by geothermal hot spring public baths. Calm waters and family-friendly facilities.
Amenities
- geothermal hot spring baths
- restaurant
- parking
Nauthólsvík Beach
- Designation
- family
- Access Time From Center Minutes
- 8
- Description
- Geothermal-heated beach with lagoon effect; warmer water makes it more accessible for families and swimmers.
Amenities
- heated geothermal pool
- food vendor
- parking
- changing rooms
ÖSkjuhlíð Beach
- Designation
- quiet
- Access Time From Center Minutes
- 15
- Description
- Black sand beach on peninsula with views of surrounding area; quieter, more rugged feel.
Amenities
- parking
- walking trails
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Reykjavík
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.