Bucket List: Vök Baths in Iceland
“Let your smile change the world, but do not ever let the world change your smile. ”
Welcome back to our Bucket List posts. A community curated list of amazing things to do around the world. From places, to people, activities, adventures and beyond, we are seeking out some of the most rugged, off the beaten path things to do and bringing them to the VoyEdge RX blog for a reason!
Today, we’re bringing you the recently opened (as of 2019) Vök Baths in Iceland. As you probably know, Iceland is KNOWN for its geothermal activity and has an alluring number of baths, pools, and natural hot springs to which you can relax in. And while tourism in Iceland grows, as does its infrastructure, which has obviously led to the new opening of this amazing facility to which we’ll get to in just a sec!
What You Need To Know
The Vök Baths are Iceland’s only floating pools in the entire country. And from the pictures above, it looks pretty damn serene here. Much like some of the other geothermal areas in Iceland, the Vök Baths are nestled in an area of activity near Lake Urriðavatn, close to the tourist destination of Egilsstaðir, the largest settlement in east Iceland. Right now, the only way to get here is by car, or if you are staying close in the area.
And while the pools only allow for several people at a time to enter, perhaps it is a good thing these pools are so remote from the rest of the country. Since you are actually floating on the cool waters of the lake (which is drinkable, by the way!), you’ll be fully immersed with views of an untouched landscape and find yourself in the countries only floating geothermic pools.
In comparison to the rest of the country, these are really the only geothermic pools you can find in the eastern part of the country. The floating pools have been designed to immerse you in the unspoiled beauty, yes, but there are also two on-shore hot pools and an outdoor pool bar as well.
Not to mention there is a steam bath and cold tunnel equipped with a mist shower inside so you don’t have to run out into the elements.
And for those of you asking, yes there are indoor showers, changing facilities, a place to rent swimsuits, towels and more! They also have food from East Iceland, including locally produced meats, soups and an entire bistro featuring a seasonal menu and wide selection of teas, herbs and water sourced directly from the lake.
Lastly, YES - much like the Blue Lagoon and other geothermal areas in Iceland, the Vök Baths have a pool bar so you can enjoy a refreshment while soaking in the cyrstal clear waters surrounded by untouched and undiscovered nature.
Opening hours
Summer
(1 May – 30 August)
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Winter
(1 September – 30 April)
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Last entrance 45 minutes prior to closing
Ticket prices
Walk-in visitors are welcome but to ensure you are guaranteed entrance we recommend making a reservation.
Standard fee*
Standard adult single ticket (see current exchange rates here)
5.000 ISK
Standard students, senior citizens, disabled⊡
2.900 ISK
Children (6-16 years)
1.800 ISK
Children (0-5 years)
free entrance
Comfort rate**
Comfort adult single ticket
5.900 ISK
Comfort students, senior citizens, disabled
3.800 ISK
Premium rate***
Premium adult single ticket
8.200 ISK
Premium students, senior citizens, disabled
6.100 ISK
Towel and swimsuit rental
800 ISK each
No age restrictions apply.
⊡Students, senior citizens, disabled (ID shown at reception)
*includes a tisane brewed from the spring water and local herbs at the infusion bar
** includes a tisane brewed from the spring water and local herbs at the infusion bar and a drink at the outdoor pool bar
*** includes a tisane brewed from the spring water and local herbs at the infusion bar, a drink at the outdoor pool bar and tasters from the restaurant.
Where Is It?
Short answer - it is far away from Reykjavik. It’s actually closer to the second town of Akureryi than Reykjavik., but if you plan on driving to the Vök Baths, you might as well make a stop in Akureryi as well, since you’ll be driving past it, according to Google Maps….
The drive from downtown Reykjavik says it is 7 hours and 42 minutes, but if you have ever wanted to drive the ring road around Iceland….here’s your chance. Just don’t miss this pit stop. Map below showing you where the baths are located in terms of Reykjavik.
How To Get There
By car
From South
Höfn 262 km
Djúpivogur 161 km
From North
Akureyri 269 km
Myvatn 164 km
By plane
Direct flights from Reykjavik to Egilsstaðir (1-hour flight, 3 times a day) Search Flights Here
Why You Need To Go
Should be pretty obvious here, by my answer is that the Vök Baths are still relatively new here and untouched which is always one of my interests when it comes to deciding where to go next and what is on my bucket list. Even though Instagram has pretty much continuously discovered hidden gems on a daily basis, I feel as if the trek out to the Vök Baths is something only a fraction of all the tourists coming to Iceland will make.
Despite it only being 500-meters off the Ring Road itself, the Baths are a quaint area that won’t allow for thousands of tourists a day, making it a rural spot one should feel inclined to visit. With the advent of two smaller baths floating on the lake, the serene views and surrounding nature make it a must-see place in my opinion.
If you’re going to Iceland, plan on visiting the East, or the Ring Road, add this to the many pit-stops on your journey!
Get in touch
Should you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to hearing from you! ~ Vök Baths
Phone: +354 4709500
Email: hello@vok-baths.is
Vök við Urriðavatn
701 Egilsstaðir
Media&press
info@vok-baths.is
Contact Vök Baths: HAFA SAMBAND
+354 4709500
P.S. As I am posting the YouTube video down below, you should know it only has 144 views! Talk about getting in before this place explodes onto the map!
The architecture designed by the Reykjavik-based Basalt Architects and the interior designed in collaboration with Basalt Architects and Design Group Italia, celebrate and highlight the lake’s purity by creating an establishment that seamlessly fits within nature.
More Bucket List Posts
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