Vök Baths: A Cool Wellness Escape in East Iceland
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Vök Baths is next to Urriðavatn Lake in East Iceland, and it's a great place to relax in hot springs. Famous for its floating pools and eco-friendly design, it's a nice spot to unwind and enjoy the beautiful area. You can sip herbal tea at the Vök Bar, chill out in the sauna, and soak up Iceland's amazing scenery.
Key Takeaways
- Where: On Urriðavatn Lake, near Egilsstaðir, East Iceland.
- Cool Feature: Iceland's only floating hot pools.
- Eco-Friendly: Designed to be kind to nature, with drinkable hot spring water.
- What's There: Hot pools, a sauna, cold water tunnels, and a tea bar serving teas made with hot spring water.
- Open All Year: Open every day, offering different vibes depending on the season—from sunny summer days to winter nights when you might see the Northern Lights.
History and Development
Vök Baths opened in 2019, but people have known about the warm water here for a long time. The name "Vök" comes from the spots on the lake that don't freeze in winter, showing there's warm water underneath.
The pools are man-made but use the natural hot water under the lake. They're designed to blend in with the surroundings, giving you a natural feel with some added comfort.
Vök Baths is quickly becoming one of East Iceland's must-visit places. Even though it's newer than other famous Icelandic baths, people love its floating pools and its quieter, less crowded location compared to busy spots like the Blue Lagoon.
Key Information About Vök Baths
Just 5 km from Egilsstaðir, Vök Baths sits right on the edge of Lake Urriðavatn in East Iceland. It's a fantastic stop if you're exploring the area.
Facilities
At Vök Baths, you'll find Iceland's only floating hot pools, a sauna, cold water tunnels, and a tea bar where they serve herbal teas made with hot spring water. There's also the Vök Bistro, where you can try local dishes like Arctic char.
The baths offer high-end changing rooms with showers and all kinds of shampoos and gels. These are probably my favorite facilities out of all the hot springs around the country.
Prices
Your ticket gets you into all the pools, the sauna, and a free herbal tea at the tea bar.
- Adults: 6,990 ISK ($51; €46)
- Seniors (67+): 4,990 ISK ($36; €33)
- Disabled Guests: 4,990 ISK ($36; €33)
- Students: 4,990 ISK ($36; €33)
- Kids (6-16 years): 3,390 ISK ($24.5; €22)
- Kids (0-5 years): Free
Opening Hours
Vök Baths welcomes visitors all year:
- Fall, Winter, Spring (Sept 16 – June 14):
- Open daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Vök Bistro is open Friday to Sunday, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM (kitchen closes at 9:00 PM). Monday to Thursday, they serve soups and platters only.
- Summer (June 15 – Sept 15):
- Open daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- Vök Bistro is open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM (kitchen closes at 9:00 PM).
What's Included vs. What to Bring
You get to use the sauna and enjoy a free herbal tea. If you need them, you can rent these items:
- Towel: 1,390 ISK ($10; €9)
- Swimsuit: 1,390 ISK ($10; €9)
- Bathrobe: 1,990 ISK ($14.5; €13)
If you want to save money, feel free to bring your own stuff.
Why Visit Vök Baths?
Vök Baths offers a unique experience with its floating hot pools. They're honestly one of my favorite geothermal spots in the country—not just because of the pools but also because of the amazing location.
The warm water (38-41°C) helps ease tight muscles, gets your blood flowing, and makes your skin feel refreshed. You can relax in the sauna with a great view of the lake. The tea bar is a nice touch, serving herbal teas made from the hot spring water.
For extra fun, you can try the cold water tunnel or even take a quick dip in the chilly lake before warming up in the pools again. But watch out—the lake is about 2°C cold!
What's really great about Vök Baths is how much they care about the environment. You can relax knowing they've done their best to protect nature.
Things to Do Around Vök Baths
East Iceland is one of the country's most remote areas, but there's plenty to do.
Check Out Egilsstaðir
Just 5 km from Vök Baths, Egilsstaðir is the biggest town in East Iceland and a good place to start exploring. You can visit the East Iceland Heritage Museum to learn about local traditions like farming and fishing. The town has cozy cafés and restaurants serving fresh Icelandic food, and shops where you can buy local crafts and travel supplies.
Visit Vatnajökull National Park
A short drive away, Vatnajökull National Park is home to Europe's biggest glacier. You can hike on trails for all levels, see amazing views of glaciers and waterfalls, and maybe spot Arctic foxes. In winter, you can even join guided tours through ice caves in the glacier.
Lake Urriðavatn
The lake that Vök Baths sits on is a big part of what makes it special. The floating pools are right on the lake. In winter, parts of the lake don't freeze because of the hot water underneath, which looks really cool against the snowy background. You can take a quick dip in the cold lake water before jumping back into the warm pools.
Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Drives
If you love the outdoors, East Iceland is perfect. From Egilsstaðir, you can drive along the beautiful Eastfjords, enjoying stunning coastal views and charming fishing villages. If you like hiking, you can visit Hengifoss, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls. The 2.5 km hike rewards you with awesome views of rock formations and the surrounding valley.
Wildlife Watching
The Eastfjords are great for spotting wildlife. In winter, you might see reindeer, and in warmer months, birdwatchers can see puffins, Arctic terns, and other seabirds. If you're near Seyðisfjörður, you can even go on a whale-watching tour.
Conclusion
With its floating hot pools, lovely lake views, and earth-friendly design, Vök Baths is a hidden gem in East Iceland. Just outside Egilsstaðir, it's a great place to relax any time of year—whether you're soaking up the summer sun or hoping to catch the Northern Lights on a winter night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vök Baths
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