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It’s a well-known reality about Iceland that the nation has pure scorching springs throughout. Positioned on the banks of Lake Urriðavatn, the Vök Baths stand out amongst Iceland’s scorching swimming pools for its idyllic setting, superb services, and delightful surrounding panorama simply ready to be explored.
Whereas geothermal exercise is widespread in Iceland, its Japanese area is a chilly spot, which makes the Vök Baths a rarity within the space. It was by pure coincidence that this geothermal pool was found within the first place. Locals observed {that a} particular spot of the Lake didn’t freeze in the course of the freezing winter months which quickly led to the invention of the underwater scorching springs.
As we speak, the Vök Baths are probably the greatest issues to do in Iceland. The swimming pools are surrounded by a wonderful customer heart, handy facilities, and much to do. The infinity swimming pools make for an other-worldly expertise as you loosen up within the pure scorching springs in near-freezing temperatures taking within the views of the cruel Icelandic wilderness.
On this information, we’ll be protecting the highest issues it is advisable know earlier than you go to the Vök Baths to make sure you get probably the most out of your go to!
All Concerning the Vok Baths
How Many Swimming pools Are On the Vok Baths?
There are three swimming pools at Vok Baths. One most important pool which feels a lot bigger than ONE pool and two Vakir (two floating swimming pools).
How Sizzling Are the Vok Baths?
The temperature of the swimming pools vary from 5° – 41°C (41° – 105,8°F). The 2 hottest are the floating swimming pools. The swimming pools additionally range in depth and are 1.2 meters the place they’re probably the most deep. For a chilly dip there are stairs main proper into the icy lake!
How A lot Are the Vok Baths?
The Vok Baths are about on par with many of the different scorching springs in Iceland (apart from the Blue Lagoon!)
- Adults – ISK 6.490
- Senior – ISK 4.690
- Disabled – ISK 4.690
- College students – ISK 4.690
- Kids (age: 6-16) – ISK 3.090
- Kids (age: 0-5) – Freed from cost*
All admission features a tisane brewed from the recent spring water and regionally sourced herbs on the infusion bar.
You'll be able to guide your ticket right here!
How Lengthy Can You Keep within the Swimming pools?
You’ll be able to keep within the swimming pools so long as you need to! We stayed for about two hours and felt it was greater than sufficient time. With that period of time we nonetheless received loads of leisure in. I might suggest planning for a 2-3 hour expertise on the Vok Baths.
Make Positive You Ebook Forward
The Vök Baths, or any of the various different scorching swimming pools in Iceland, are a very talked-about attraction for each vacationers and locals. Count on it to get busy while you go to, and, in the event you don’t guide prematurely, count on to attend some time in line, particularly in the course of the excessive season (summer time).
Even after shopping for your ticket, you’re not assured entry instantly. Workers want to make sure the swimming pools don’t get too crowded so that you is likely to be requested to attend even after you might have your ticket in hand. We received to the Vok Baths proper earlier than opening, and for the primary half-hour we had your entire space all to ourselves, then round 11am they received busier and busier.
From June 1st to August thirty first, Vok Baths ask all company to guide prematurely, no stroll ins are accepted at the moment.
You'll be able to guide your ticket right here!
What to Carry to the Vok Baths
The one issues it is advisable carry are a towel and a washing go well with. Despite the fact that you might have the choice of renting them every for round $6 every, and it makes the expertise very handy for guests, it’s nonetheless finest to carry your individual.
Clearly having your individual bathing go well with is the best choice and must be on any Iceland packing checklist, however in the event you occur to overlook they’re accessible for lease.
Carry some flip-flops as properly to put on from the altering rooms to the pool in the event you don’t need your naked toes to the touch the bottom (simply be sure they’re clear sandals!). You’re certain to take some photos because the Vok Baths are extremely distinctive. You’ll be able to carry both a cellphone or a DSLR, however most individuals get by simply positive with a cellphone, so ensure you carry waterproof safety. We extremely suggest a dry bag to your cellphone for visiting Iceland!
Showers Are A Should
Showering (with cleaning soap!) is obligatory earlier than you get into the swimming pools on the Vök Baths, or some other scorching swimming pools in Iceland for that matter.
Since there are lots of people coming and going into the swimming pools, it’s thought of a hygienic apply to ask guests to bathe earlier than they take a dip. This additionally makes certain that the water stays clear and uncontaminated for so long as doable.
One in all my prime Iceland journey ideas is to by no means enter any swimming pools in Iceland with out showering. Additionally, it’s finest to bathe utterly bare, Icelanders don’t admire foreigners who don’t take off their bathing go well with to bathe. Belief me, nobody automobiles – they’ve seen all of it and the bogs are separated by intercourse!
You don’t should carry something into the showers although as shampoo, conditioner, and physique wash are supplied! All I introduced additional was face wash! There are additionally blow dryers within the altering rooms so you will get prepared after your soak, simply carry all of your make-up, hair brush, and so on.
Get A Towel That Stands Out
It pays to have a towel which you can spot from distant, in any other case, you’ll be spending quite a lot of time wanting and may even stroll off with another person’s towel by mistake.
To keep away from an embarrassing and considerably unhygienic scenario, attempt to carry a novel or distinctive towel. Consider brilliant colours or distinctive patterns.
Pack A Few Swimsuits
Quite a lot of guests discover themselves visiting the Vök Baths for a second time actual quickly after visiting one other scorching spring!
The climate in Iceland isn’t precisely superb for drying swimwear and different heavy clothes and also you’ll be ready a few days to your swimsuit to dry out. We visited numerous thermal baths in Iceland and by no means as soon as was there a washing go well with dryer within the altering room. Having a second go well with readily available will make issues rather a lot simpler.
Take A Minute To Recognize The Structure
When you see the constructing of the Vök Baths, you’ll notice how a lot of an architectural masterpiece it’s. Designed by Basalt Architects and Design Group Italia, a agency primarily based in Reykjavik, the constructing provides a contemporary setting in the course of the historic panorama.
Wood partitions, giant glass home windows, and crops dominate all over the place, permitting the constructing to seamlessly mix into the encircling panorama. All the pieces is pristine and untouched, with the primary constructing being situated downhill on the aspect of the lake.
The panorama, scorching baths, and the constructing are all a testomony to Nordic tradition and historical past, making for a really memorable expertise.
Are there any chemical substances within the water?
Vök Baths supply a pristine pure scorching spring expertise, free from chlorine or any synthetic components within the swimming pools. The water’s purity is maintained by means of a continuing movement of contemporary water.
Whereas the pure swimming pools stay pure, they do develop algae development, which tends to flourish in the course of the sunniest durations of spring and summer time. Apparently, analysis has highlighted the helpful results of algae, comparable to nurturing and moisturizing the pores and skin. Nevertheless, to make sure security, as algae can create slippery surfaces, the swimming pools are routinely drained and the algae is eliminated, although you may nonetheless typically really feel it’s slipperyness in your toes as you stroll across the swimming pools – which is SUPER COOL!
Test Out The Stylish Tea Bar
When you see the setting of the Vök Baths, it isn’t too far-fetched to suppose the place would have an aesthetic and stylish tea bar.
Often known as the infusion bar, guests can deal with themselves to some refreshing tea, and it doesn’t price something. You simply must serve your self after your stress-free time within the baths.
Made utilizing water from the spring itself (extra on that later), you may select between cold and warm tea and have a spread of native herbs to select from. Choices embody birch, angelica, black currant, and nettle.
Locker Room Etiquette
Earlier than going into the locker room, ensure you take your sneakers off. If you would like you may put on a clear pair of flip-flops, however simply ensure you don’t usher in mud with you. There’s an area to go away your sneakers earlier than you enter.
You’ll be given a cool bracelet which will even be your locker key. Don’t lose your bracelet (the alternative is 5000 ISK!) and place all of your valuables inside your locker. This bracelet is waterproof and could be worn within the baths themselves. If you happen to purchase any drinks you may put the cost proper on the “bracelet” and pay it as soon as you permit.
It’s Not Simply Swimming pools
There are quite a lot of swimming pools on the Vök Baths (however that’s not all!). The primary is the primary pool situated adjoining to the constructing, and accessible proper from the locker rooms. It appears to be like like two giant swimming pools linked by a small passage, and there are additionally two floating swimming pools additional again of the constructing.
Guests may deal with themselves to a steam tub, with temperatures of fifty levels Celsius, or the chilly water spray tunnel, the place you get a refreshing hit of 10-degree water.
Be Cautious And Thoughtful
The water within the swimming pools at Vök Baths is scorching due to pure causes. Geothermal power naturally heats the water which is likely to be unbelievable, however may also be a bit harmful as there’s no solution to regulate the temperature of the water.
Test the water temperature earlier than you bounce in to ensure it isn’t too scorching for you. Whereas the temperature gained’t normally exceed 41 levels Celsius, it’d get barely hotter at instances.
Additionally, ensure you’re thoughtful to others and the surroundings. Don’t keep past the beneficial time and ensure you don’t trigger a multitude or depart any litter, both within the water or round it.
The Water Is So Clear You Can Drink It
Keep in mind the stylish infusion tea bar situated within the reception of the Vök Baths constructing? The water used for making these teas is from Lake Urriðavatn, the lake across the swimming pools of the Vök Baths.
Earlier than you gross out, know that the water is totally clear, uncontaminated, and is the ONLY licensed drinkable scorching spring water in Iceland. So it’s utterly secure and hygienic.
The Vok Baths Would possibly Not Be The Greatest Place For Small Youngsters
Whereas the Vök Baths should not have any age restrictions, that being stated it nonetheless won’t be an ideal concept to take younger youngsters with you in the event that they are usually loud and roudy. Individuals come to loosen up at these swimming pools, together with you, and having youngsters splash round won’t make for the most effective expertise and another guests may get aggravated as properly.
If you happen to do take your youngsters, you should definitely ask them to not splash round an excessive amount of and to benefit from the calmness and leisure from the heat of the swimming pools.
For splashing round, you may go to the accompanying lake. Adults may even bounce instantly into the lake from the swimming pools for a pleasant refreshing dip!
Kids below the age of 16 should be accompanied by an grownup chaperone.
The Lake Is Chilly
There’s no chilly plunge on the Vok Baths, as a substitute guests can get their chills on within the lake itself. There are two ladders proper from the floating swimming pools main proper into the chilly lake. If you happen to dare you may even take a swim round, although most individuals simply dip in and discover themselves proper again within the scorching swimming pools proper after.
If you happen to do determine to leap into the lake, then ensure you have expertise swimming in chilly water as a result of the water can generally be freezing. You could need to keep away from going into the lake throughout winter because the water is so chilly you would get hypothermia inside minutes of wading in.
At all times watch out when visiting websites just like the Vök Baths and stepping into the chilly water. Whereas it’s a fashionable vacationer attraction, it’s nonetheless a pure setting. Security ought to at all times be stored in thoughts in such locations.
You Can Change In Non-public
This won’t look like an enormous deal, however you need to know that just about each different scorching pool in Iceland doesn’t have personal altering rooms or showers. Guests are anticipated to vary and bathe within the locker rooms, in everybody’s view.
Along with the standard giant locker room, the Vök Baths have some personal showers as properly. Nevertheless, simply because they’re personal doesn’t imply you need to take an prolonged bathe.
Clear up completely however clear up quick so you may make your solution to the pool and never hold others ready unnecessarily.
Take pleasure in The Swim-Up Bar
Swim-up bars are widespread in scorching swimming pools round Iceland, and the Vök Baths aren’t any exception. The bar makes certain you may take pleasure in a drink with out having to go away the heat of the water, and it could get fairly chilly in Iceland in order that’s an ideal factor!
You should buy beer, champagne, Collab power drinks, smoothies, and even crimson and blue frozen slushies! Attempt the slushy for certain and you may have the distinctive expertise of what it feels wish to have a chilly deal with whereas stress-free in scorching water.
In contrast to the Blue Lagoon, the Vok Baths are usually not a celebration place and the bar doesn’t get rowdy right here; it’s all about leisure and delight.
You Can Even Decide For Day Excursions
It’s also possible to take pleasure in a tour of the realm throughout your go to to the Vök Baths. Vacationers are picked up from outdoors the constructing at 8:40 AM. You even have the choice to be picked up from Hús Handanna in Egilsstaðir at 8:30, or from Egilsstadir airport at 8:35.
You’ll begin the tour by driving to Rjúkandi waterfall in Jökuldalur, the place you’ll be taking a stroll as much as the highest of the waterfall. The following cease is Stuðlagil Canyon, probably the greatest locations on Iceland, on the east aspect of Jökulsá. The Canyon’s big rock formations are distinctive and luxurious and make for Instagram-worthy photos.
After Stuðlagil Canyon, you’ll drive again to the Vök Baths for a soak within the scorching swimming pools. You’re in for a tremendous therapeutic expertise within the swimming pools, particularly after exerting your self on the lengthy strenuous walks in the course of the tour.
The Meals Is A Sleeper Hit!
Individuals don’t converse concerning the Vök Bistro sufficient and so they’re lacking out!
After a day of dipping within the swimming pools and exploring the encircling space, you’re certain to be hungry. Earlier than you go wherever else, you need to know the on-site Bistro is fairly scrumptious!
All dishes are produced from regionally sourced produce, and fish from the native lakes and seas. You’ll additionally discover some fascinating rustic dishes like baked mushy cheese with grapes, lemon thyme, and walnuts, hummus with pine nuts, and pomegranate and pita.
There are another fascinating dishes like Pork stomach bao buns with oyster mayo and scallion and a charcuterie plate. If you happen to’ve received youngsters then there are some kiddy choices like pizza, french fries, and nuggets.
Drone Images Is Restricted
Drone lovers would salivate once they go to the Vök Baths, with the masterpiece of a constructing, the gorgeous panorama, and the pristine lake. Nevertheless, earlier than you are taking off, you need to know that droning is prohibited throughout opening hours.
This isn’t shocking contemplating there are individuals in swimsuits attempting to loosen up and revel in their time on the scorching swimming pools. The sound of the whirring blades isn’t precisely going to assist anybody loosen up both.
The workers does request that anybody eager to drone throughout off hours simply contact them earlier than doing so. So be well mannered and ensure you drop them a line earlier than you begin your flight. The drone photographs on this submit are all taken earlier than working hours with permission from the workers.
Keep The Evening At Egilsstaðir
A visit to the Vök Baths isn’t superb for a day journey contemplating it’s an 8-hour drive from Reykjavik and a 3-hour drive from Akureyri, so that you’ll have to think about staying in a close-by metropolis. Egilsstaðir is the one possibility and it’s a lucky factor as this picturesque city has rather a lot to supply. That is the place we stayed the evening and refueled on the Iceland grocery shops earlier than visiting the Vok Baths, earlier than we continued on our Ring Highway journey.
The biggest city in Iceland, Egilsstaðir is a superb hub not simply when you go to the Vök Baths, but additionally in the event you’re eager to discover alongside the Icelandic Ring Highway, a 1332-kilometer-long street giving entry to vacationer spots in all areas of Iceland besides the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Egilsstaðir itself additionally has a good bit to supply with Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland’s largest forest, and Lagarfjlót, a legendary lake.
A Gateway To A Magical Facet of Iceland
If you happen to’re visiting the Vök Baths and staying at Egilsstaðir then it could possibly be an opportunity so that you can discover East Iceland in depth, which isn’t a chance to be missed.
This aspect of Iceland is residence to some unbelievable pure wonders which should be seen, together with waterfalls and mountains. You would additionally go to Seyðisfjörður close by, an lovely small city and artsy commune perched on a fjord.
We have been capable of discover this entire on a whim as we rented a campervan in Iceland with Blissful Campers!
Are the Vok Baths Price It?
We visited over 10 thermal baths and scorching springs in Iceland and the Vok Baths have been up there as certainly one of our favorites. They’re quiet and serene, and their floating swimming pools, tea bar, and bistro definitely are distinctive. I wouldn’t hesitate to go to, particularly in case you are already within the space!
To keep away from crowds, we suggest visiting proper at opening or two hours earlier than shut. That is when the crowds would be the lowest.
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