Ocean related outdoor activities

Description of the action and objectives

Green Deal action

This project involves identifying and mapping areas suitable for diverse, ocean-related experiences, such as steam baths, hot baths, ocean swimming, or other experiences with the sea or outdoor activity along the Reykjavík coastline. Reykjavík's shoreline is a cherished common asset, and increasing accessibility to it promotes opportunities for ocean related experiences and outdoor activities. These factors can encourage residents to spend more time outdoors, improving public health, both physically and socially.

Implementation period

Planned completion in the second half of 2023

Status: Completed

Status report January 1

Action completed. A report with analysis, ideas, and proposals about marine-related experiences and outdoor recreation in Reykjavík highlights numerous opportunities for marine-related experiences aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents and promoting better public health.

The report was approved by the City Executive Council on September 14, 2023, with the following statement: "A request will be directed to the board of the Association of Municipalities in the Capital Area and the Capital Area Regional Planning Committee, encouraging the project to be undertaken jointly for the capital area under the leadership of the Regional Planning Committee. The Committee will initiate the project in cooperation with all municipalities in the area as part of the emphasis on outdoor recreation and outdoor recreation areas in the capital area, which is a component of the strategic plan for the capital area. Simultaneously, the increased possibilities for cross-country skiing, either within or near current residential areas, such as in Heiðmörk and Hólmsheiði, will be mapped in addition to the planned development for cross-country skiing in Bláfjöll. Both initiatives should align well with the clear emphasis of the committee and the Association of Municipalities in the Capital Area on outdoor recreation, outdoor recreation opportunities, and joint green areas and boundaries of the capital area."

The report of the Marine-Related Experience and Outdoor Recreation in Reykjavik working group can be found here.

Older status reports

Below you can find older status reports with information on the progress of the action since its inception (if you're using your phone, it's better to turn it sideways).
Timing Progress description
July 2023 Regular status, work, and consultation meetings were held with the working group and stakeholders. Environmental analyses and microbial studies were conducted, and interesting areas for marine-related experiences and outdoor recreation were mapped. Consultation has been a significant part of the project, with interviews and conversations with key stakeholders carried out. The working group's report will be submitted to the City Executive Council in fall 2023.
January 2023 A working group has been assigned to map the area and specifically examine different operational models, assess whether pilot projects are applicable in any cases, and evaluate quality based on the locations of different projects.
July 2022 A working group has been assigned to map the area and specifically examine different operational models, assess whether pilot projects are applicable in any cases, and evaluate quality based on the locations of different projects. A working group has also been assigned to create a possible time-line of execution. The working group will deliver its work to City Council no later than December 8, 2022.

Connection of action to Reykjavík City's policies:

Reykjavík City departments:

Related actions

The table below contains actions related to this initiative, and you can access more information by clicking on the "action title" in the table (if you're using your phone, it's better to turn it sideways).
Action name Status Completion Departments
Ocean related outdoor activities Completed 2023 Department of Environment & Planning
Training of institutional chefs in primary schools and preschools Completed 2022 Department of Education & Youth
Health labels on shopping lists for cafeterias In progress 2025 Department of Education & Youth
Development of a 6 week menu Completed 2022 Department of Education & Youth
Kitchen management system tender In progress 2024 Department of Education & Youth

Department of Welfare