Iceland may be famous for its hot springs and geothermal experiences, but the Vok Baths take it to a whole new level with its unique hexagonal designs and modern facilities. Whether you just want to enjoy a relaxing soak in a geothermal pool surrounded by breathtaking landscapes or marvel at innovative architecture, the Vok Baths is a must-visit.
In this article, we dive deeper into its unique features and what makes the geothermal experience at the Vok Baths so special. We also give you all the info you’ll need to plan your visit to the Vok Baths.
The Vok Baths: What to Expect
The Vok Baths opened its doors in 2019 and immediately made an impression with its variety of modern facilities and amenities, spectacular surroundings, and unique designs aimed at enhancing your geothermal experience. When you visit the Vok Baths you will have the option of taking a dip in 4 geothermal pools, all offering different temperature ranges, from a lukewarm 13 degrees Celsius to 40+ degrees Celsius.
Some of these pools are hexagona, making for a unique and abstract aesthetic. Two of the pools are built level with the lake. This not only gives one the illusion that the pools are almost floating on top of the lake but allows you to take cold plunges (the health and wellness benefits of which are numerous and well-documented).
But this isn’t the only cold experience you can have at the Vok Baths. There’s another cold water option at the venue that is entirely fed by the water from the lake. You can also look forward to a wide array of other facilities and amenities such as the steam bath, the cold mist tunnel, the pool bar, and a bistro.
What Makes the Vok Baths So Unique?
Except for its extraordinary design, there are a number of other things that make the Vok Baths an exceptionally unique experience:
Hot Springs in the Area is a Rare Occurrence
Iceland might be famous for its hot springs, but there are certain areas/regions based on their proximity to the Mid-Atlantic Rift and volcanic systems, that are considered hot spring hot spots. East Iceland is not one of them, making the Vok baths one of the rare geothermal experiences to be had here.
The Vok Baths Water is Drinkable (in Theory)
Most of our hot spring water has an incredibly high mineral content and contains elements such as sulfur and silica. The Vok Baths water is unique in the fact that it’s probably the purest hot spring water you’ll find here on the island. In fact, it’s so pure that you could drink it (this is, of course, only in principle, and we’re not recommending that you give it a try for the sake of consideration and social decorum).
This Clean Water Doesn’t Include Any Cleaning Products
When we say that the water is drinkable, we really mean it. Absolutely no cleaning products are used, and the only cleaning process used is nature itself. You see, the speedy flow of the hot spring water ensures that the water is constantly replacing itself with fresh, clean water. You might also notice that there are algae growing in some of the pools.
This actually has nothing to do with how clean the water is and is simply a reflection of a healthy ecosystem. With so many suffering from skin conditions and other sensitivities (no more red swimming eyes!) the Vok Baths is a welcome solution.
It’s the Only Place in Iceland Where You Can Come and Float
No, we’re not talking about just you lying, and floating around in the water. The Vok Baths actually offer an entire experience using floating devices to have you float around in their dedicated Floating Geothermal Pools. No holding your breath or trying to keep yourself afloat on the surface of the water, just lie back, take a breath, and relax as you surrender to your incredible surroundings.
The Vok Baths Walk the Walk When It Comes to Sustainability
The Vok Baths follow very strict environmental and sustainability policies to ensure that it has as little impact as possible while also giving back. The Vok Baths was not only designed to appear as part of nature, but it also tries to align its practices with this outlook as well.
That’s why you’ll find that the Vok Baths are on par with global sustainability goals and standards and actively take part in gathering data for Festa’s Climate Meter to keep track of what’s happening in the world and how to better our efforts in the fight against climate change. The data collected at the Vok Baths include water and electricity usage, CO2 emissions, as well as waste.
But sustainability efforts extend much further than the environment here. All hiring at the Vok Baths is done on a local community-first basis and all the fresh ingredients used at the bar and the bistro are sourced from local businesses and entrepreneurs.
The Vok Bath Basics
Below you will find all the necessary information to plan your visit to the Vok Baths:
The Location of the Vok Baths in Iceland
The Vok Baths is located on the shore of Lake Urridavatn (the lake some of the pools are level to), near Egilsstadir (what we call the capital city of East Iceland). The Baths lie just off the main road, which is also one of our popular road trip routes, called the Ring Road.
Getting to the Vok Baths in Iceland
There are various ways you can get to the Vok Baths in Iceland. One of the ways is by booking a spot on a tour. The Vok Baths has become quite a popular destination. Therefore, many local tour operators and guides have begun to include it in their tour packages (whether a day tour or a multi-day holiday package).
Others prefer to drive there themselves, whether as a day outing or as part of a road trip around the island. Some may have very limited time on the island or dread driving long stretches (looking at you parents of tots). In these instances, it’s worth checking into local flights. We have daily flights from Reykjavik Airport to Egilsstadir.
The flight takes roughly an hour and once you’ve arrived at Egilsstadir, the Vok Baths are a mere 5-minute drive away. So, you can rent a car, grab a taxi, organize a shuttle, you name it. And, if you’re up for a scenic stroll, you can even walk the rest of the way to the pools.
Distance to the Vok Baths
These are the drive times to the Vok Baths from the cities and towns that most kickstart their Vok Bath journey from:
From the South
Höfn = 257 kilometers away (+/- a 3-hour drive)
Djupivogur = 157 kilometers away (+/- a 2-hour drive)
From the North
Akureyri = 259 kilometers away (+/- a 3-hour drive)
Myvatn = 165 kilometers away (+/- a 2-hour drive)
Seydisfjördur = 30 kilometers away (+/- a 40-minute drive)
The Cost of Visiting the Vok Baths
The Vok Baths charge an entry fee (which excludes any food or drinks), and they also have a few rental and purchase options available for those without some of the hot spring essentials. Pricing looks as follows:
Entry for adults (those 17 years and older) = 6 990 ISK (+/- $51/€46.95)
Entry for children (those between 6 and 16 years old) = 3 090 ISK (+/- $22.60/€20.70)
Entry for children (those from 0 to 5 years) = Free
Entry for pensioners, the disabled, and students (providing you have a valid student card with you) = 4 690 ISK (+/- $34.30/€31.45)
Towel to rent = 1 390 ISK (+/- $10.20/€9.30)
Towel to buy = 3 990 ISK (+/- $29.20/€26.70)
Swimwear to rent = 1 390 ISK (+/- $10.20/€9.30)
Bathrobe to rent = 1 990 ISK (+/- $14.55/€13.35)
Bathrobe to buy = 9 990 ISK (+/- $73.00/€66.85)
Operating Hours at the Vok Baths
Like many of our attractions here on the island, the operating hours at the Vok Baths differ throughout the year. This is to take the weather as well as the “down” seasons into account. Operating hours at the Vok Baths are as follows:
The Pools and Other Facilities
15 June to 15 September (our summer peak season)
7 days a week, 10:00 to 23:00
16 September to 14 June (our “down” season)
7 days a week, 12:00 to 22:00
The Bistro
15 June to 30 September (our summer peak season)
7 days a week, 12:00 to 22:00
1 October to 14 June (our “down” season)
7 days a week, 10:00 to 22:00
For Both the Pools and the Bistro
24 December to 1 January (our festive season)
10:00 to 16:00
For Both the Pools and the Bistro
Public Holidays
12:00 to 22:00
* All visitors will be required to vacate the pools 15 minutes before closing time, irrespective of day or season. The Bistro’s kitchen will also strictly be closing at 21:00 every night, although soups and drinks can be bought till closing time.
Grabbing a Bite at the Bistro
Whether bread, cheese, veg, salad, fish, or meat – you are guaranteed only the best local quality at the Bistro. While the menu might not be as extensive as you are used to, the Bistro focuses on quality and not quantity, yet still manages to cater to all by offering everything from soups and salads to sandwiches and grills. The cost of a meal starts from 2 500 ISK (+/- $18.30/€16.75).
Spending Occasions at the Vok Baths
From the operating hours, you’ve already gathered that the Vok Baths are open during the festive season and New Years, but there are also a few other special occasions you can spend at the baths that are worth taking note of:
Northern Light Spotting
The Northern Lights are these bright neon-colored lights that appear in the sky under very specific conditions. This includes conditions like cold temperatures, dry air, and, of course, plenty of darkness. These are the type of conditions found during the colder months here on the island, but especially in the wintertime.
At the Vok Baths, you have the unique opportunity of booking one of the Northern Light tours that allows you to lounge in the warm waters of their pools while watching the Northern Lights dance above your head. This also makes for some pretty incredible Vok Baths photos.
A 24-Hour “Day” During the Midnight Sun
The Vok Baths keep to their promise of admission fees granting you access for an entire day. So, when darkness never really falls mid-summer during the phenomena we call the Midnight Sun, you have the opportunity to not only lounge around in the pools till midnight but keep lounging till you’re done within the 24-hour “day” window. Definitely a unique experience and one that gives you the most bang for your buck.
The Best Time to Visit the Vok Baths
As you might’ve guessed from the operating hours, the best time to visit the Vok Baths will not depend on whether it’s open, but rather on personal preferences and the things you’d like to experience while here on the island. To gauge what the best time for your visit to the Vok Baths might be consider the following:
Summer will have the most stereotypical poolside weather with higher temperatures and milder weather conditions.
The warmer months have plenty of daylight hours to ensure that you can spend hours lounging at the Vok Baths and even squeeze in a few other outings on the day.
Summertime is our peak season here in Iceland which means more visitors on the island (and at our attractions) and you’ll also have to deal with our peak season prices.
Those who want the nice weather, but want to avoid the crowds and heftier pricetags, tend to visit the island during the shoulder months (April/May or September/October).
After what we’ve already discussed, it should also be obvious that you won’t be able to experience a Midnight Sun at the Vok Baths when it’s not mid-summer. In the same vein, you also won’t be able to spot the Northern Lights if you’re visiting during the summertime.
While typical summer weather might be what is usually associated with spending time poolside, many locals will tell you that the best hot spring experiences are during the colder months when the contrast between the outside temperatures and the warm hot spring water makes for a thrilling experience.
Hot Spring Etiquette: What to Know Before You Go
There are a few things you need to take note of that might not be in your frame of reference when it comes to pools like these:
Even though it’s called a geothermal pool, you won’t be swimming laps here or practicing cannonballs. The hot springs and geothermal pools in Iceland like the Vok Baths have been created as a place to find solace, and where you can lie back, have a soak, and just relax. Absolutely no rambunctiousness and splashing will be tolerated.
The same type of consideration goes for noise. Do not scream at each other from opposite sides of the pool, and don’t start blasting your music from your phone or a speaker. These types of disturbances will see you quickly escorted off the premises.
Remember that the Vok Baths are not actual baths. You’re not going to be bringing your soap-on-a-rope and sponges along to wash off the long drive or the outdoor adventure you had before. In fact, it is standard practice to have a shower where you properly clean yourself before getting into the pools.
The Vok Baths with its pure waters that boast no external agents and a natural cleaning process does not need you to come and have a dip and then leave your hair gel, perfumes, make-up, you name it, behind. ALL of this needs to be washed off during your shower before you enter the pools.
Once again, just because they are called the Vok Baths doesn’t mean you can lounge around in your birthday suit. You need to ensure that you are appropriately dressed at all times. In and around the pools, that means wearing proper swimwear and bathrobes.
Other Things to Do and See Near the Vok Baths in Iceland
If you are looking for other interesting things in the area to add to your trip itinerary, you can consider the following:
Wilderness Center and Cable Car
Studlagil Canyon
Hallormsstadaskogar (Iceland’s largest forest)
Askja Crater
Places to Stay Near the Vok Baths in Iceland
Since the Vok Baths do not offer accommodation on-site like some of our other geothermal pools, you’ll need to look at accommodation nearby if you’d like to stay over or make the area a pitstop along your road trip. In this case, we can recommend the following (if you would like to do your own research first, you’ll also find that these are some of the accommodation nearest to the Vok Baths with great reviews):
Come Experience the Soothing Waters of the Vok Baths for Yourself
Relaxation, rejuvenation, and a feeling of connection to the natural surroundings – you can expect all this and more from your visit to the Vok Baths. Visiting the Vok Baths when you travel to Iceland, doesn’t just mean immersing yourself in its warm waters, but also immersing yourself in an Icelandic tradition that spans thousands and thousands of years.
So, come and relax in the soothing waters of the Vok Baths and get swept away by the breathtaking surroundings and the incredible wonders resulting from being the Land of Fire and Ice.
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