Words by

Andie Sophia Fontaine

Photo by

Varvara Lozenko

As per tradition, some Icelanders took to Nauthólsvík beach on New Year’s Day to go for a swim – some even bathed in the more frigid waters outside the heated cove.

When you’ve had your fill of champagne, beer and party food – and possibly smoked a few – over the course of a night, nothing sweats all that junk out of you quite like a good swim. New Year’s Day is therefore a prime opportunity to take a dip, as many Icelanders know.

We visited Nauthólsvík, a beach better known for being Reykjavík’s premiere summertime bathing spot, on New Year’s Day and spotted many Icelanders having a swim. Some had party hats and champagne in tow, others were more health-minded. All were enjoying themselves immensely.