Finding Serenity at the Vok Baths in Iceland

In the Land of Fire and Ice, things can get pretty heated, even when it comes to our water resources! You will find hundreds of hot springs all across the island with warm water that’s being heated from the depths of the earth due to the volcanic systems underneath. These hot springs serve various purposes here in Iceland, from heating local homes and businesses to offering relaxing spots to soak and unwind in the healing waters. One of the most unique-looking venues to unwind and rejuvenate is the Vok Baths.

The Vok Baths are one of the latest developments utilizing local hot spring water to offer visitors the ultimate relaxation along with quite a few health and wellness benefits. This modern venue has a unique aesthetic that attracts visitors from far and wide to experience its healing waters, magnificent surroundings, and breathtaking views.

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the Vok Baths in Iceland and why they are not to be missed during your trip to the island.

The Vok Baths: An Overview

The Vok Baths officially opened to the public in 2019 and soon became extremely popular with its unique look, contrasting hot vs. cold experiences, and a variety of other offerings. The baths’ serene and beautiful setting is not to be scoffed at either.  

What Makes the Vok Baths So Unique?

The Vok Baths offer more than 4 geothermal pool experiences, all using the same local hot spring water, but differing in temperatures (ranging between 13 to 40+ degrees Celsius). These pools have been designed in unique hexagonal shapes and other interesting forms with two purposefully built level to the lake so one can vary your hot soak with a cold plunge.

There is also a dedicated colder water experience that is entirely fed by the cold water from the lake. The Vok Baths also have other facilities and amenities on-site such as a cold mist tunnel, a steam bath, a pool bar where you can find alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and a bistro. The baths have also been designed with nature in mind, and soaking in the hot pools makes you feel like it’s merely an extension of its natural surroundings.

For example, in the two pools leveled with the lake, it’s easy to forget that you’re not really swimming in the lake when at the edge of the pool looking out across the lake and the rest of the Icelandic landscape. Except for its unique setting and look, there are a few other factors that make the Vok Baths stand out from the rest of Iceland’s geothermal crowd:

The Area is (Ironically) Not a Hot Spring Hot Spot

While you’ll find hot springs all across Iceland, certain places are hotbeds (pun intended) for geothermal activity. East Iceland is definitely not one of them. So, the fact that the Vok Baths exist in the first place is a bit of an oddity for the region.

The Hot Spring Water is Some of the Purest on the Island

Most of our hot springs are known for their mineral-rich water which has all sorts of elements in it such as silica and sulfur (the latter which gives the hot springs an “eggy” smell). The hot spring water at the Vok Baths, however, is some of the purest in Iceland, so you won’t find any strange smells here. The pool water is actually so clean that you can drink it (but for common decency, please stick to the drinks at the swim-up bar). 

Additionally, the Vok Baths Do Not Use Cleaning Agents in The Pools

No cleaning agents and other chemicals are used to keep the pools clean – the Vok Baths rely on the natural flow of the water to continuously replace the water. That’s also why you’ll find natural algae growing in the pools, a sign of healthy and clean water, rather than dirty pools like many assume. This makes the Vok Baths the go-to place for those with sensitive skin and those who want to keep things as natural as possible.

The Vok Baths is Home to Iceland’s Only Floating Geothermal Pools

The floating geothermal pools at the Vok Baths are the ultimate relaxing experience, floating in the warm water while enjoying the incredible views. The Vok Baths is also the only place in Iceland that offers visitors this experience.

The Vok Baths’ are Extremely Dedicated to Their Sustainability Policies

The Vok Baths puts a high value on sustainability and follows strict environmental and sustainability policies. This includes sourcing only the freshest local ingredients for the bar and the bistro. Hiring efforts also focus on employing those from the surrounding community.

Vok Baths also strives to align itself with global sustainability goals and standards and is actively participating in collecting and sharing data for Festa’s Climate Meter, which includes electricity and water usage, waste, and CO2 emissions. This approach to sustainability is also in direct correlation with the venue’s design which aims to serve as an extension of the surroundings and environment rather than disrupting it.

The Vok Baths Visitor Experience

Below you will find all the important information you’ll need to plan your trip to the Vok Nature Baths:

Location and Directions

The Vok Baths can be found on the shore of Lake Urridavatn near Egilsstadir (often referred to as the capital city of East Iceland) and are easy to reach when driving along our main road and popular road trip route, the Ring Road.

Driving from the south you’re looking at the following drive times:

• From Höfn – 257 kilometers away (about a 3-hour drive)

• From Djupivogur – 157 kilometers away (about 2-hour drive)

Driving from the north you’re looking at the following drive times:

• From Akureyri – 259 kilometers away (about a 3-hour drive)

• From Myvatn – 165 kilometers away (about a 2-hour drive)

• From Seydisfjördur – 30 kilometers away (about a 40-minute drive)

There are various ways one can get to the Vok Baths. One can book a guided tour that either has the Vok Baths as a destination on an existing tour package or that can form part of a customized private tour. Those with limited time on the island can catch a flight from Reykjavik Airport (not to be confused with Keflavik Airport) to Egilsstadir.

This flight will take about an hour from where you will need to grab a taxi, use a shuttle, or rent a vehicle to take you to the Vok Baths, just a 5-minute drive away. Those who don’t have any physical restraints and feel like it can also easily take a scenic stroll to the baths (which will, of course, take a bit longer than just 5 minutes).

If you are road-tripping around the island or wish to make the trip from Egilsstadir with your own vehicle, you simply head north on the Ring Road, cross Lake Lagarfljot, and turn right on Route 925. Lake Urridavatn will be on your left and the Vok Baths entrance after that.

Admission and Pricing

You will need to pay an admission fee to enter the Vok Baths. The entrance fee gives you access to all pools, facilities, and amenities for the day, but excludes any food or drinks.

Admission fees are as follows:

• Adults, anyone 17+ years = 6 990 ISK (+/- $51/€46.95)

• Children, 6 to 16 years = 3 090 ISK (+/- $22.60/€20.70)

• Children, 0 to 5 = Free

• Pensioners, the disabled, and students with a valid student card = 4 690 ISK (+/- $34.30/€31.45)

For the forgetful among us or those with limited packing space, there are also other rental and purchase options:

• Towels @ 1 390 ISK (+/- $10.20/€9.30) to rent and 3 990 ISK (+/- $29.20/€26.70) for sale

• Swimwear @ 1 390 ISK (+/- $10.20/€9.30) to rent

• Bathrobes @ 1 990 ISK (+/- $14.55/€13.35) to rent and 9 990 ISK (+/- $73.00/€66.85) for sale

Opening Hours

Operating hours at the Vok Baths change throughout the year:

For the Pools and Other Facilities

Peak Season During Our Summer Months – 15 June to 15 September

• 7 days a week, 10:00 to 23:00

Our “Down” Season – 16 September to 14 June

• 7 days a week, 12:00 to 22:00 

For the Bistro

Peak Season During Our Summer Months – 15 June to 30 September

• 7 days a week, 12:00 to 22:00

Our “Down” Season – 1 October to 14 June

• 7 days a week, 10:00 to 22:00 

The Festive Season (for the pools as well as the Bistro) – 24 December to 1 January

10:00 to 16:00 

Public Holidays (for the pools as well as the Bistro)

7 days a week, 12:00 to 22:00 

* Please note that visitors will be requested to vacate the pools 15 minutes before closing time, and while the Bistro will continue serving soup, the kitchen will officially close at 21:00 every night. 

The Bistro: What to Expect

As we already mentioned, the Bistro uses only the freshest ingredients from local suppliers, so you are ensured of the highest quality whether you order bread, cheese, fish, meat, salad, or veg.

The Bistro doesn’t have a very extensive menu, but you will find something for everyone (even the kids), and the meals and dishes on the menu are guaranteed to leave your tastebuds giving a standing ovation. Prices start at about 2 500 ISK (+/- $18.30/€16.75), and you’ll have the option of everything from soup of the day and salad to sandwiches and selective grills.

Special Events

Since the Vok Baths is a place that promotes the ultimate rest and relaxation, you won’t find them playing host to all sorts of rowdy events such as pool parties and music festivals. But there are a few unique events the baths offer visitors:

The Midnight Sun

The Midnight Sun is when Iceland has 22+ hours of daylight each day mid-summer, and, even though the sun technically takes a dip behind the horizon, darkness never entirely falls, essentially allowing for a 24-hour “day”. During these days, the Vok Baths also give visitors the opportunity to come lounge in the pools for 24 hours.

The Northern Lights

Book a spot on one of the various tours in Iceland that allows you to soak in the warm waters of the Vok Baths while the Northern Lights dance across the sky overhead. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is only available during the colder months when weather conditions are just right and there’s plenty of darkness.

The Best Time to Visit the Vok Baths in Iceland

As you can see from the opening hours we mentioned earlier, the Vok baths are open all year round, although hours may vary slightly. This means that whenever you decide to visit will depend on your personal preferences and a few other factors:

• If you’re looking for the time of year offering the best weather, summer will be your best bet. The season is known for its high temperatures and milder weather conditions.

• If you’re looking for plenty of daylight hours for a jam-packed outdoor trip itinerary, the warmer months of the year will be your go-to, especially summer when daylight hours reach 22+ each day.

• If you’re not big on crowds, we wouldn’t recommend coming during the summertime, though. It is peak season here in Iceland and the island is at its busiest.

• If you’re traveling on a tight budget, our peak summer season is also not going to be for you (peak season = peak season prices). For a more affordable holiday experience while enjoying most of the better weather perks, you should plan your trip for the shoulder months (April/May and September/October).

• If you want to hot spring like a local, you need to come during the colder months when people swear by the thrilling experience and proven health benefits of the contrasting cold outdoors vs. the warm waters.

Other Attractions Near the Vok Baths

If you would like to extend your exploration in the area, you can add the following to your trip itinerary:

• Hallormsstadaskogar (Iceland’s largest forest)

• Hengifoss Waterfall

• Studlagil Canyon

• Askja Crater

• Wilderness Center and Cable Car

A Visit to the Vok Baths is a Must and Makes for the Perfect Road Trip Stop

It’s almost just as crystal clear as the pure Vok Baths water that this geothermal sanctuary offers a very unique experience to visitors. With it being so easy to reach the baths via a self-drive, whether you’re coming from the north or the south, we recommend that you rent a car in Iceland and either visit the Vok Baths as a day outing or (even better!) as part of a Ring Road road trip itinerary. This serene getaway makes for the perfect pitstop where you can unwind and reenergize for the rest of your journey amidst nature’s beauty.