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03 May 2020The Hot Springs of the Vök Baths
Iceland is widely known for its hot springs, a blessing from the island's major geothermal activity.
The Vök Baths rely on geothermal energy from the Egilsstaðir region in eastern Iceland to provide visitors with an unforgettable spa experience.
East Iceland had very few developed hot springs until recently, which is one of the reasons Vök Baths was created, opening in summer 2019. Set on Lake Urriðavatn, 5 km northwest of Egilsstaðir, Vök is home to the country’s first floating pools.
What are the Vök Baths?
Like the Secret Lagoon near Fluðir, Myvatn Nature Baths, or the famous Blue Lagoon, Vök Baths has become one of the best hot springs in the country.
Modern yet perfectly blended into the landscape, the complex owes much of its charm to its setting in the clear waters of Lake Urriðavatn, making it one of the most pleasant hot springs in the country.
About ten years ago, natural hot springs were discovered in Lake Urriðavatn when locals noticed that the snow did not cover the entire lake. A bit of research determined that hot springs gush hot water into the depths of the lake, with temperatures recorded around 75°.
In Iceland, when you see water that has not frozen in winter, there's a very good chance the explanation is a hot spring under water. Named “vök” by the Icelanders, the spa became the “Vök Baths”.
The Vök baths have a special feature that many will appreciate. Unlike most hot springs in Iceland where the stink of sulfur hangs everywhere, Vök is the exception, and even offers the only drinkable natural hot water in Iceland! You can indeed drink the spring water of Lake Urriðavatn, it is pure enough to be certified potable.
How to get there
Vök Baths is in East Iceland, at the gateway to the Eastfjords, 5 km from Egilsstaðir. From Egilsstaðir, take Road 1 north towards Akureyri, cross the bridge at Fellabær and drive a little over 4 km before turning right onto Road 925. The baths are a few hundred meters further on and well signposted.
Without a car, Egilsstaðir has daily flights from Reykjavík and Strætó buses from Akureyri. Check routes and timetables on straeto.is before you go.
Amenities, rates, and opening hours
Vök Baths has two floating pools on the lake, known as “vakir”, and a large pool on the shore next to the changing rooms. The floating pools are slightly warmer, at around 39 to 41°C, compared with 37 to 38°C for the shore pool.
For hot and cold contrast, there is also a sauna, two cold tunnels (a 10°C mist and spray), and steps leading straight into the lake for the brave.
Like any other swimming establishment, you need to swing through the changing rooms and showers before you can get to the pools. Then take the large wooden footbridges to get around the resort and get into the floating pools. The pools are large enough to give you a bit of privacy with only a few people, and this is the best way to really enjoy the absolutely breathtaking view of the lake and the surroundings.
A swim-up bar lets you order a beer or a drink without leaving the pool. Next door, Vök Bistro serves dishes made with local produce, with views over the lake. It is open daily from 12 pm to 9 pm from mid-June to the end of September, then Friday to Sunday for the rest of the year.
For tea lovers, visitors can try local herbal teas and the water comes from the lake itself. A complimentary cup of infused herbs is included with the entrance to the spa.
Opening hours
Vök Baths is open all year:
- 15 June to 15 September: daily, 10 am to 11 pm
- 16 September to 14 June: daily, 12 pm to 10 pm
- Holidays: shorter hours on 24, 25 and 31 December (11 am to 3 pm) and 1 January (4 pm to 10 pm)
You must leave the pools 15 minutes before closing time. Check the latest hours on the official Vök Baths website.
Prices
Prices as of October 2026 (standard entry, local herbal tea included):
- Adults (16+): ISK 7,690
- Students, seniors (67+) and disabled visitors: ISK 5,290
- Youth aged 6 to 15: ISK 3,590
- Children under 6: free
Packages adding a towel and a drink at the bar cost around ISK 8,700 to 9,900 for an adult. You can also rent a towel or swimsuit (ISK 1,390) and a bathrobe (ISK 1,990).
Advance bookings are strongly recommended, especially during summer:
Vök Baths is now East Iceland’s go-to geothermal spa, and it would be a real shame to pass through the region without stopping. It is the perfect way to end a day around Lake Lagarfljót, with Hengifoss waterfall and Hallormsstaður forest, or after a visit to Stuðlagil canyon. It also makes a great stop on the way to Seyðisfjörður.
Official website: vokbaths.is
You can also get a glimpse of the best hot springs in Iceland in our article:
