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Geothermal beaches – to be extending bathing culture in Reykjavik, Iceland

Geothermal beaches – to be extending bathing culture in Reykjavik, Iceland Nauthólsvík geothermal beach, Reykjavik/ Iceland (source: flickr/ bekassine, creative commons)
Alexander Richter 20 Oct 2017

The City of Reykjavik in Iceland is planning two additional geothermal beaches modelled on its popular Nauthólsvík geothermal beach in the city, utilising underutilized geothermal energy heated water during summer months.

In the city of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, a geothermal beach has been a popular bathing spot for the local population and a tourist spot. Predominantly used in the summer, a small pool operated year round provides a possibility for swimmers to heat up after a swim in the ocean.

The Nauthólsvík beach is located near the local airport in the city, near the University of Reykjavik and below Perlan, a tourist spot built around hot water tanks supplying the city. On the beach, hot water is pumped into an artificial lagoon with warm water between 15-19°C (59-66°F). The facilities on site include changing facilities and showers, as well as steam room and a hot water pot.

Now the city of Reykjavik has announced to extend utilising geothermal energy beyond that one beach at Nautholsvík and has established a group to explore the possibility for two additional beaches as reported by local TV station RÚV.

With a decreased hot water use for heating during the summer, the public heating utility Veitur has been exposing excess water and plans now are considering it using for additional beach lagoons, similar to Nauthólsvík at Gufunes and Skarfakletter in the east of the city.

The City of Reykjavik hopes that these additional geothermal beaches could have a positive impact on health, community life and tourism.

Source: City of Reykjavik via Iceland Review