Geothermal beach celebrates 25 years - anniversary celebration
The geothermal beach at Nauthólsvík celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and everyone is invited to a celebration on the beach on Aug. 16 with entertainment for all.
The geothermal beach at Nauthólsvík opened on National Day, June 17, 2000. The main goal of the construction was to create a diverse outdoor recreation area focused on outdoor activities, sailing, sunbathing and ocean swimming. Massive sea walls were built to create a lagoon where cold seawater and hot water flow together. The sand dredging vessel Sóley brought golden shell sand from Faxaflói Bay to the beach area within the sea walls.
Changing rooms and shower facilities were built for swimmers, along with concessions and a grilling area. In front of the changing facilities, there is a long hot pool and a steam room. An upwelling system at the high-tide line heats the lagoon during the summer months.
The beach and sea walls cover nearly 14,000 square meters. The sailing clubs Siglunes and Brokey have facilities at Nauthólsvík and offer various courses. On average, nearly 530,000 visitors come to the beach each year.
Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, who was mayor at the time, officially opened the geothermal beach on National Day by going for a swim with a group of children from the Reykjavík Swimming Association and the late, great swimmer Eyjólfur Jónsson. They swam across the bay, though not from Kópavogur, and after the swim they relaxed in the hot pool. The opening was covered in Morgunblaðið.
Over the past 25 years, the geothermal beach has established itself as a place where people enjoy health and wellness, community and nature by the sea. Ocean swimming, sunbathing and socializing have made the beach an essential part of city life.
Anniversary celebration - all welcome
To mark this milestone, there will be a celebration on the beach on Aug. 16 from 1:30pm to 4pm.
The schedule will be as follows:
- At 1:30pm – 4pm. DJ Bjössi keeps the good vibes going
- At 2pm – 4pm. Bouncy castles for the youngest visitors will be on the beach
- At 2pm – 4pm. Tufti and a troll child greet guests
- At 2:15pm. Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir welcomes guests
- At 2:30pm. Suzie the entertainer performs for guests
Guests will be offered ice pops, and Bæjarins beztu hot dogs will be on site. All events are free to attend.
Everyone is welcome.