Vök Baths Travel Guide: Floating Geothermal Spa in East Iceland

What are Vök Baths?

Vök Baths is a geothermal spa on Lake Urriðavatn, about five minutes from Egilsstaðir. There are three pools in total. One is on land, and two are floating on the lake. It’s the only place in Iceland where you can bathe in floating geothermal pools.

The name “Vök” comes from an Icelandic word for spots on frozen lakes that don’t freeze. For years, people have noticed that parts of Lake Urriðavatn remain ice-free even in winter. That happens because warm geothermal water rises from underground. The spa was built around this natural heat, and now you can soak in that same water.

What makes Vök different is how it feels and where it’s located. The floating pools give you open views across the lake, and water surrounds you on all sides. The geothermal water here is clean enough to drink, which is very rare in Iceland. It’s so pure that they use it for the free herbal tea you can try while you’re there. No chemicals are added to the pools. The water flows through naturally and goes back into the lake.

Vök is quiet and relaxed. It’s not a party spot or a luxury spa. You’ll see families, couples looking for something calm, and solo travelers who just want to unwind. Bathing is a big part of life in Iceland, and Vök keeps that tradition going in a simple, modern way.

Where Are Vök Baths Located & How to Get There

Vök Baths is on the western side of Lake Urriðavatn in East Iceland. Egilsstaðir is the closest town, about five kilometers away, so it’s only a five-minute drive. It’s easy to get there from the Ring Road (Route 1). Just turn onto Road 925 before you reach Egilsstaðir and follow the signs.

If you’re coming from Reykjavík, the drive is about 650 kilometers and usually takes eight hours or more. Most people visit Vök while traveling the Ring Road. If you don’t want to drive that far, you can fly instead. Air Iceland Connect operates daily flights from Reykjavík City Airport to Egilsstaðir Airport, and the flight takes about an hour. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi.

Because it’s in East Iceland, there are fewer tourists around. That’s a big reason why Vök Baths feels much calmer than the popular spas near Reykjavík.

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What Is the Vök Baths Experience Like?

When you arrive, you check in and get an electronic wristband. This opens your locker and is also what you use if you buy food or drinks. Before entering the pools, you must shower without your swimsuit. This is normal in Iceland and not optional. The changing rooms have both open showers and private stalls, and they provide soap, shampoo, and conditioner.

Most people spend their time moving between all three pools, trying different temperatures and views. The floating pools have the best scenery, but the pool on land is closer to the sauna and the cold tunnel. The sauna is about 50°C. Right next to it is a short tunnel where cold mist sprays on you, around 10°C, as you walk through.

The non-floating pool has a swim-up bar, so you can order drinks without getting out of the water. They sell beer, wine, soft drinks, and frozen slushies. Inside the main building, there’s also a free tea bar. You pick herbs like birch, nettle, or rhubarb and make your own tea using the geothermal water.

Most people stay about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. That’s enough time to try everything, sit in the sauna, maybe have a drink, and fully relax.

Geothermal Water and Heating

The water at Vök Baths comes from geothermal sources deep below Lake Urriðavatn. Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where volcanic activity naturally heats the ground. To reach the water, they drilled about one to two kilometers underground, where the water is heated to around 75°C.

Before it goes into the pools, that hot water is cooled using lake water. By the time it reaches the pools, it’s usually around 38–41°C.

What stands out most about the water is how clean it is. It’s the only geothermal water in Iceland that’s certified safe to drink. Most hot springs have strong sulfur smells or lots of minerals, but Vök’s water is clear and doesn’t smell.

The pools don’t use chlorine or other chemicals. Fresh geothermal water is always flowing through the pools and then back into the lake. You might notice a little algae in the water, which is normal and actually good for your skin. This fits with Iceland’s focus on renewable energy, since more than 85% of the country’s energy comes from geothermal and hydro power.

Floating Pools on Lake Urriðavatn

The floating pools are the main reason Vök Baths is special. There are two of them, and they sit out on Lake Urriðavatn, connected by wooden walkways. They’re hexagon-shaped and built so it feels like you’re soaking right on the lake.

Both pools have infinity edges. When you’re in the water, it looks like the pool just blends into the lake around you. You don’t really see where one ends and the other begins.

These two pools are usually the warmest, at around 40-41°C. They’re shallow, about 1.2 meters deep at most, so kids can stand easily. Between the two pools, there’s a ladder that goes straight down into the lake. The lake water is cold all year, usually around 5 to 10°C. You can hop in for a quick cold dip and then climb back into the hot pool. That hot-cold contrast is a big part of Nordic bathing.

Being out there feels different than a normal pool. You’re outside, surrounded by water, with open sky above you. It feels more natural and a lot more relaxing.

Design, Architecture, and Atmosphere

The design at Vök Baths is simple and very Icelandic. Nothing flashy. Everything is clean, practical, and built to fit into the surroundings. The main building has a grass roof, so it blends in with the landscape instead of standing out.

The spa was designed by Basalt Architects, and the idea was to work with the lake, not take over the area. Everything feels intentional but low-key.

The atmosphere is calm. Even when there are quite a few people there, it doesn’t feel crowded because the space is spread out. People tend to speak quietly and take their time. Sustainability is a big part of how the place works. The spa runs on geothermal energy, uses natural materials, and doesn’t use chemicals in the water.

Vök Bistro and On-Site Facilities

Vök Bistro is the restaurant on site, with large windows looking out over Lake Urriðavatn. The food is straightforward and based on Icelandic ingredients. You’ll find soups, salads, sandwiches, and dishes made with local fish or lamb. Prices are usually between 2,000 and 5,000 ISK per dish, which is about $15 to $40 USD.

During the summer, the bistro is open every day while the baths are open. In winter, it’s usually only open from Friday to Sunday.

Facilities

The facilities are clean and easy to use. There are modern changing rooms, lockers, private showers, and bathrooms. There’s also a small shop where you can buy swimwear, towels, and local skincare products. Vök Baths is wheelchair accessible, and they have pool wheelchairs and staff who can help if needed.

Best Time to Visit Vök Baths

Vök Baths feels pretty different depending on when you go, but honestly, there’s no wrong time.

Summer runs from June to September. The days are long, and around midsummer, it barely gets dark. You can be in the pools late at night and still have daylight. The lake is cold, but not painfully cold, so doing a quick dip is easier if you’re curious.

Winter, from October to April, has a totally different feel. Parts of the lake freeze, except right around the hot pools. You’ll see steam rising off the water, especially when it’s really cold outside. On clear nights, if the aurora is active, you can sometimes see the Northern Lights while you’re soaking. The downside is shorter days, colder weather, and winter driving that can be a bit tricky.

If you care about crowds, early mornings and later evenings are usually the quietest. Mid-afternoon can be busier, especially in summer when tour groups stop in.

Practical Visitor Information

Here’s the straightforward stuff people usually want to know.

Opening Hours

• Summer (June 15 to September 15): 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day
• Rest of the year: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM every day

Vök is open even on December 24 and 25, as well as over the December 31–January 1 period. The opening hours do change, though:

• December 24: 11:00–15:00
• December 25: 11:00–15:00
• December 31: 11:00–15:00
• January 1: 16:00–22:00

Admission Prices

• Adults (16+): 7,690 ISK, about $55 USD
• Youth (6–15): 3,590 ISK, about $25 USD
• Children (0–5): Free
• Seniors, students, and disabled visitors: 5,290 ISK, proof required

Rentals

Towels and swimsuits cost 1,390 ISK each. Bathrobes are 1,990 ISK.

Booking online ahead of time is a good idea, especially in summer. If you bring your own towel and swimsuit, you’ll save a bit. In winter, it helps to bring a warm hat that you don’t mind getting wet.

Vök Baths vs Other Icelandic Geothermal Spas

Iceland has a lot of geothermal spas, and they’re all a little different.

• Blue Lagoon is the one everyone knows. It’s close to Keflavík Airport and has that milky blue water. Entry usually starts around 12,990 ISK, or about $90 USD. It’s impressive, but it’s also busy and very touristy.
• Sky Lagoon is in Reykjavík. It’s known for its seven-step ritual and ocean views. Entry starts around 12,990 ISK, or about $90 USD. It feels more like a high-end spa experience.
• Mývatn Nature Baths are in the north. The water is milky blue too, but the place is smaller and quieter. Entry is usually between 6,500 and 7,000 ISK, around $47 to $50 USD.
• Forest Lagoon, near Akureyri, is built into a hillside with trees all around. Entry is about 7,490 ISK, or roughly $44 USD.

Vök Baths is different because the pools float on a lake, the water is clean enough to drink, and it’s in East Iceland. It costs less than Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, and it feels much calmer. If you like quieter places and being close to nature, Vök is a great option.

Is Vök Baths Worth Visiting?

For most people, yes. I’m not lying when I say that these are my favorite hot springs in the whole country. I like them much better than the Blue Lagoon, for instance.

The floating pools are something you won’t really find anywhere else in Iceland. You’re not sitting next to the lake. You’re out on it. Because it’s in East Iceland, there are fewer people, and the whole place feels more relaxed.

Vök Baths is great for couples, solo travelers, families with kids, and anyone who just wants to slow down for a bit. If you’re looking for lots of spa treatments or fancy extras, it might feel simple. But if you want a calm place to soak for a couple of hours, it’s absolutely worth the stop.

Places to Visit Nearby

If you’re going to Vök Baths, it’s easy to turn it into a full day because there’s a lot nearby.

1. Egilsstaðir is about five minutes away. It’s the main town in the area. This is where you’ll find supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants, and the East Iceland Heritage Museum.
2. Hengifoss Waterfall is about a 30-minute drive. It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland at 128 meters. The water drops down a cliff with red layers in the rock, which makes it look different from most waterfalls. There’s a marked trail from the parking lot, and the hike usually takes about an hour.
3. Stuðlagil Canyon is about an hour west. It’s known for its tall basalt columns and bright blue glacial river. It’s one of the most popular natural spots in East Iceland.
4. Seyðisfjörður is about a 35-minute drive. It’s a small fishing town with colorful houses and the well-known blue church. Some scenes from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty were filmed here.
5. Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest is about 27 kilometers south of Vök. It’s Iceland's largest forest and sits along Lake Lagarfljót. There are walking and hiking trails through birch trees, which feel very different from most of the country.

Conclusion

Vök Baths shows a calmer side of geothermal bathing in Iceland. The floating pools, the clean water you can drink, and the East Iceland location all make it feel different from the big, well-known spas near Reykjavík.

You won’t find huge crowds or a flashy spa scene here. It’s more about soaking in warm water, looking out over the lake, and taking things slow. If you’re driving the Ring Road or spending time in East Iceland, Vök Baths is an easy stop and well worth a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions Vök Baths

About the author

Aron Freyr

Born and raised in Iceland, Aron Freyr has spent all 28 years of his life exploring the country and getting to know its landscapes, regions, and ever changing conditions. From long summer road trips to winter journeys through remote areas, he has traveled across Iceland more times than he can count. As part of the Go Car Rental Iceland team, Aron turns this firsthand experience into trustworthy, practical guidance that helps visitors navigate Iceland with confidence. His deep local insight makes him one of the most reliable voices on Icelandic travel today. He claims this expertise also includes knowing exactly which gas stations make the best hot dogs.