Vök Baths – East Iceland´s Premier Geothermal Spa

A perfect stop for self-drive travellers, cruise ship passengers, and participants on BusTravel Iceland´s Ring Road tours. Soak in the relaxing and healing geothermal waters as you consider the unspoiled surrounding landscape.

Introduction to Vök Baths

Nestled in idyllic surrounds on Iceland´s East Fjörds, Vök Baths is a serene geothermal spa hugging the shores of Urriðavatn lake. Just a few minutes from the Ring Road, Vök is a great option for a relaxing and replenishing stop. What distinguishes Vök from other geothermal spa is that its floating geothermal pools sit directly on the lake – this really feels like you are communing with nature.

Vök is a great options for vistors to the region, and is situated close to many other destinations of note. Let´s explore Vök Baths together!

What makes Vök such an essential East Iceland pit-stop?

Set on the serene banks of the immaculately pure lake, Vök Baths offers unparalled relaxation amid the natural beauty of East Iceland. Experience the broad range of amenities during your visit – Vök features a plethora of bathing options including a cold mist tunnel, steam baths, main lagoon, and of course the two floating infinity pools which are Vök´s trademark. Dive into the icy waters of Lake Urriðavatn, and switch back and forth between the warm pools for the full experience.

Your entrance ticket for Vök grants you access to all the facilities on-site. as well as a free Tisane herbal tea at the tea bar. Please note that towels and robes are not included but can be rented for an additional fee, as can swimsuits.

The onsite restuarant, Vök Bistro offers a diverse menu with locally sourced ingredients where possible.

Pure Water – Icelandic Pool Etiquette

Like all geothermal spas and public pools in Iceland, everyone is required to shower thoroughly before entering the water. The waters at Vök have no chlorine or other added chemicals, making the mandatory pre-pool shower a necessary step in ensuring clear and pure bathing waters.

For more modest visitors, this shower can be stumbling block. Luckily Vök offers the use of closed off changing stalls within the main locker rooms at no extra charge. There are also private shower stalls.

There is also a continuous flow of water at Vök, further helping to keep the pools and baths clear and pure.

Where are Vök Baths located and how can I visit?

Vök Baths are located just outside the town of Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland. This is a massive 630km from Reykjavik. If you are traveling the Ring Road of Iceland, Egilsstaðir is a popular choice as an overnight stop. Whether you are self-driving or taking a orgnaised tour, Vök is a great activity option.

Self-drive – In summer especially if is advised that you purchase your Vök Baths entrance ticket in advance – Book here.

Guided Tours – BusTravel Iceland offer several versions of Ring Road tour, with Vök as an optional extra on each tour. You can explore this exciting range of tours here.

Shore Excursion – Another way to visit would be on a shore excursion tour for cruise ship passengers docking at Seydisfjörður. If you would like to organise a private shore excursion featuring Vök Baths combined with Stuðlagill canyon and more. Contact us for a quote.

Is it possible to visit Vök from Reykjavik in one day? – Hypothetically this is possible if you take a 1 hour return flight from Reykjavik´s domestic airport to Egilsstaðir. Icelandair have flights twice daily.

When is the best time to visit Vök Baths?

Vök Baths are open almost all year long. They close their doors for a few weeks around Christmas. Whether in summer or winter, Vök is a wonderful retreat. In winter, the soothing warmth of the various hot-pots is a welcome balm on a chilly day. On the other hand, only the hardiest of sould might dare a dip in the freezing lake Urriðavatn. The summer months are perhaps a more welcoming time of year in that regard!

Early morning and the late evening are the least crowded times to visit. In summer the baths are open from 10am to 11pm, whereas off-season hours are a little less generous – from 12pm to 10pm. It´s highly recommended to pre-book your tickets whatever time of the day or year you plan to visit.

Thing to see nearby Vök Baths

East Iceland is a rather under-appreciated region of Iceland. After your time at Vök Baths, why not add a few more local gems to your itinerary.

Borgarfjörður-Eystri is a small fishing village nearby to Vök. In summer it plays host to a large colony of nesting puffins. The small islet of Hafnarholmi is a puffin paradise and here is a great opportunity to get up close and personal with this magical species. The best time to visit is between mid-May and mid-August.

The largest town in the east is Egilsstaðir, just a few kilometers to the south of Vök. Egilsstaðir is a great place to base yourself, with Lake Hotel Egillstaðir and Berjaya Herað two great central options. As for dining, Nielsen offers scandinavian delights, while Eldhúsið Restaurant specialises in local sourced seafood.

Egilsstaðir boasts a small airport, with daily flights to and from Reykjavik linking this remote region to the capital.

Not far from Egilsstaðir, one can find the quietly beautiful waterfall, Litlanesfoss. It stands some 30m in height, nestled on either side by impressive cliffs composed of wonderful geometric basalt rock formations. So precise of their angles that it´s hard to credit that these formations are the natural result of ancient lava flows.

A short hike further along the same trail leads to Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls at 128 meters. Cascading down a dramatic cliff face streaked with vivid layers of red clay and dark basalt, Hengifoss presents a striking contrast of color and texture. The surrounding gorge enhances the sense of scale and isolation, making it not just a geological marvel but also a deeply atmospheric experience for any visitor.

Futher afield one comes to the quaint village of Seyðisfjörður. An important port, this settlement was once noteworthy mostly as the point where ferries from mainland Europe terminate in Iceland. But in recent years, perhaps thanks to its colorful LGBTQ+ inspired rainbow street, Seyðisfjörður has become a destination rather than just a starting off point.