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It’s a well-known truth about Iceland that the nation has pure scorching springs throughout. Situated on the banks of Lake Urriðavatn, the Vök Baths stand out amongst Iceland’s scorching swimming pools for its idyllic setting, wonderful services, and exquisite surrounding panorama simply ready to be explored.
Whereas geothermal exercise is frequent in Iceland, its Jap 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 seen {that a} particular spot of the Lake didn’t freeze throughout the freezing winter months which quickly led to the invention of the underwater scorching springs.
At this time, the Vök Baths are one of many finest issues to do in Iceland. The swimming pools are surrounded by a wonderful customer heart, handy facilities, and plenty to do. The infinity swimming pools make for an other-worldly expertise as you chill out within the pure scorching springs in near-freezing temperatures taking within the views of the tough Icelandic wilderness.
On this information, we’ll be protecting the highest issues it’s essential to know earlier than you go to the Vök Baths to make sure you get essentially 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 fundamental 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 essentially 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 (moreover 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 domestically sourced herbs on the infusion bar.
You possibly can ebook your ticket right here!
How Lengthy Can You Keep within the Swimming pools?
You possibly can 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 obtained loads of rest in. I might advocate planning for a 2-3 hour expertise on the Vok Baths.
Make Certain You E book Forward
The Vök Baths, or any of the numerous different scorching swimming pools in Iceland, are a extremely popular attraction for each vacationers and locals. Anticipate it to get busy whenever you go to, and, in case you don’t ebook prematurely, anticipate to attend some time in line, particularly throughout the excessive season (summer time).
Even after shopping for your ticket, you’re not assured entry immediately. Employees want to make sure the swimming pools don’t get too crowded so that you could be requested to attend even after you’ve gotten your ticket in hand. We obtained to the Vok Baths proper earlier than opening, and for the primary half-hour we had the complete space all to ourselves, then round 11am they obtained busier and busier.
From June 1st to August thirty first, Vok Baths ask all friends to ebook prematurely, no stroll ins are accepted presently.
You possibly can ebook your ticket right here!
What to Deliver to the Vok Baths
The one issues it’s essential to convey are a towel and a showering go well with. Regardless that you’ve gotten the choice of renting them every for round $6 every, and it makes the expertise very handy for guests, it’s nonetheless finest to convey your personal.
Clearly having your personal bathing go well with is the most suitable choice and needs to be on any Iceland packing listing, however in case you occur to overlook they’re accessible for hire.
Deliver some flip-flops as properly to put on from the altering rooms to the pool in case you don’t need your naked ft to the touch the bottom (simply make sure that they’re clear sandals!). You’re certain to take some photos because the Vok Baths are extremely distinctive. You possibly can convey both a cellphone or a DSLR, however most individuals get by simply high quality with a cellphone, so be sure to convey waterproof safety. We extremely advocate 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-about a hygienic follow 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 potential.
One in all my high 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 respect foreigners who don’t take off their bathing go well with to bathe. Belief me, nobody vehicles – they’ve seen all of it and the loos are separated by intercourse!
You don’t should convey something into the showers although as shampoo, conditioner, and physique wash are supplied! All I introduced further was face wash! There are additionally blow dryers within the altering rooms so you may get prepared after your soak, simply convey all of your make-up, hair brush, and so on.
Get A Towel That Stands Out
It pays to have a towel you can spot from far-off, in any other case, you’ll be spending loads of time wanting and would possibly even stroll off with another person’s towel by mistake.
To keep away from an embarrassing and considerably unhygienic scenario, attempt to convey a singular or distinctive towel. Consider brilliant colours or distinctive patterns.
Pack A Few Swimsuits
Loads 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 very best 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 showering go well with dryer within the altering room. Having a second go well with available will make issues quite a bit simpler.
Take A Minute To Recognize The Structure
When you see the constructing of the Vök Baths, you’ll understand how a lot of an architectural masterpiece it’s. Designed by Basalt Architects and Design Group Italia, a agency based mostly in Reykjavik, the constructing affords a contemporary setting in the midst 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. Every part is pristine and untouched, with the principle constructing being positioned 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 compounds within the water?
Vök Baths provide a pristine pure scorching spring expertise, free from chlorine or any synthetic components within the swimming pools. The water’s purity is maintained by a continuing circulation of recent water.
Whereas the pure swimming pools stay pure, they do develop algae development, which tends to flourish throughout 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’ll be able to nonetheless typically really feel it’s slipperyness in your ft 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 assume 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’ll be able to select between cold and hot tea and have a variety of native herbs to select from. Choices embody birch, angelica, black currant, and nettle.
Locker Room Etiquette
Earlier than going into the locker room, be sure to take your footwear off. If you’d like you’ll be able to put on a clear pair of flip-flops, however simply be sure to don’t usher in mud with you. There’s an area to depart your footwear 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 may be worn within the baths themselves. Should you purchase any drinks you’ll be able to put the cost proper on the “bracelet” and pay it as soon as you allow.
It’s Not Simply Swimming pools
There are loads of swimming pools on the Vök Baths (however that’s not all!). The primary is the principle pool positioned adjoining to the constructing, and accessible proper from the locker rooms. It appears 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 also 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 could be unbelievable, however may also be a bit harmful as there’s no approach to regulate the temperature of the water.
Test the water temperature earlier than you bounce in to verify it isn’t too scorching for you. Whereas the temperature gained’t often exceed 41 levels Celsius, it would get barely hotter at instances.
Additionally, be sure to’re thoughtful to others and the surroundings. Don’t keep past the really useful time and be sure to don’t trigger a large number 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 positioned 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 protected and hygienic.
The Vok Baths May Not Be The Finest Place For Small Children
Whereas the Vök Baths should not have any age restrictions, that being stated it nonetheless won’t be a fantastic thought to take younger youngsters with you in the event that they are usually loud and roudy. Individuals come to chill out at these swimming pools, together with you, and having youngsters splash round won’t make for one of the best expertise and another guests would possibly get irritated as properly.
Should you do take your youngsters, remember to ask them to not splash round an excessive amount of and to benefit from the calmness and rest from the heat of the swimming pools.
For splashing round, you’ll be able to go to the accompanying lake. Adults may even bounce straight into the lake from the swimming pools for a pleasant refreshing dip!
Kids beneath the age of 16 have to be accompanied by an grownup chaperone.
The Lake Is Chilly
There’s no chilly plunge on the Vok Baths, as an alternative 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. Should you dare you’ll be able to even take a swim round, although most individuals simply dip in and discover themselves proper again within the scorching swimming pools proper after.
Should you do resolve to leap into the lake, then be sure to have expertise swimming in chilly water as a result of the water can typically be freezing. Chances are you’ll 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.
All the time watch out when visiting websites just like the Vök Baths and stepping into the chilly water. Whereas it’s a standard vacationer attraction, it’s nonetheless a pure setting. Security ought to at all times be saved in thoughts in such locations.
You Can Change In Non-public
This won’t seem to be 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 can also make your approach to the pool and never maintain others ready unnecessarily.
Take pleasure in The Swim-Up Bar
Swim-up bars are frequent in scorching swimming pools round Iceland, and the Vök Baths aren’t any exception. The bar makes certain you’ll be able to get pleasure from a drink with out having to depart the heat of the water, and it may get fairly chilly in Iceland in order that’s a fantastic factor!
You should buy beer, champagne, Collab power drinks, smoothies, and even crimson and blue frozen slushies! Strive the slushy for certain and you may have the distinctive expertise of what it feels prefer to have a chilly deal with whereas stress-free in scorching water.
In contrast to the Blue Lagoon, the Vok Baths usually are not a celebration place and the bar doesn’t get rowdy right here; it’s all about rest and delight.
You Can Even Choose For Day Excursions
You may as well get pleasure from a tour of the world throughout your go to to the Vök Baths. Vacationers are picked up from exterior 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, among the finest locations on Iceland, on the east aspect of Jökulsá. The Canyon’s large rock formations are distinctive and sumptuous 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 an incredible therapeutic expertise within the swimming pools, particularly after exerting your self on the lengthy strenuous walks throughout the tour.
The Meals Is A Sleeper Hit!
Individuals don’t communicate in regards to 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 constituted of domestically sourced produce, and fish from the native lakes and seas. You’ll additionally discover some attention-grabbing rustic dishes like baked tender cheese with grapes, lemon thyme, and walnuts, hummus with pine nuts, and pomegranate and pita.
There are another attention-grabbing dishes like Pork stomach bao buns with oyster mayo and scallion and a charcuterie plate. Should you’ve obtained youngsters then there are some kiddy choices like pizza, french fries, and nuggets.
Drone Images Is Restricted
Drone lovers would salivate after they go to the Vök Baths, with the masterpiece of a constructing, the attractive 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 stunning contemplating there are folks in swimsuits attempting to chill out and revel in their time on the scorching swimming pools. The sound of the whirring blades isn’t precisely going to assist anybody chill out 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 be sure to drop them a line earlier than you begin your flight. The drone pictures on this publish 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 very best 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 quite a bit 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 Street journey.
The most important city in Iceland, Egilsstaðir is a superb hub not simply when you go to the Vök Baths, but in addition in case you’re eager to discover alongside the Icelandic Ring Street, 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 Aspect of Iceland
Should you’re visiting the Vök Baths and staying at Egilsstaðir then it may very well 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 have to be seen, together with waterfalls and mountains. You may additionally go to Seyðisfjörður close by, an cute small city and artsy commune perched on a fjord.
We had been capable of discover this entire on a whim as we rented a campervan in Iceland with Comfortable Campers!
Are the Vok Baths Price It?
We visited over 10 thermal baths and scorching springs in Iceland and the Vok Baths had been up there as one in all our favorites. They’re quiet and serene, and their floating swimming pools, tea bar, and bistro actually are distinctive. I wouldn’t hesitate to go to, particularly if you’re already within the space!
To keep away from crowds, we advocate visiting proper at opening or two hours earlier than shut. That is when the crowds would be the lowest.
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