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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, superb services, and exquisite surrounding panorama simply ready to be explored.
Whereas geothermal exercise is widespread 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 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 among the finest issues to do in Iceland. The swimming pools are surrounded by a lovely 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 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 In regards to the Vok Baths
On July twenty sixth, 2019, Vok Baths celebrated its opening, but its origins prolong a lot additional into the previous. The preliminary idea of creating a heated facility at Lake Urriðavatn may be traced again to 1999, originating from Gudmundur Davidsson, the District Heating Supervisor at the moment.
Vok Baths will get its title from the openings that incessantly manifest on the frozen floor of Lake Urriðavatn, brought on by the emergence of geothermal warmth. These openings within the ice have sparked a mess of people narratives and legends about mystical beings. Amongst these was “Tuska,” a legendary creature believed to reside beneath the lake, piercing by means of the icy cowl in the course of the winter. These icy apertures on the lake have been generally known as “Tuskuvakir.”
Vok Baths boasts a definite characteristic – two floating swimming pools located throughout the lake, mirroring the type of the unique “Vok.” These swimming pools, a singular marvel in Iceland, have been conceived by the Finnish design agency Bluet, famend for its experience in floating improvements. Notably, the water inside Vok Baths’ scorching springs is exceptionally pristine – to the purpose the place it’s protected for consumption.
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 Scorching 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 fluctuate 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 a lot of the different scorching springs in Iceland (in addition to 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 may ebook your ticket right here!
How Lengthy Can You Keep within the Swimming pools?
You may 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 bought loads of rest in. I might suggest 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 highly regarded attraction for each vacationers and locals. Count on it to get busy while you go to, and, in case you don’t ebook upfront, 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 immediately. Employees want to make sure the swimming pools don’t get too crowded so that you is perhaps requested to attend even after you could have your ticket in hand. We bought 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 bought busier and busier.
From June 1st to August thirty first, Vok Baths ask all visitors to ebook upfront, no stroll ins are accepted right now.
You may ebook your ticket right here!
What to Convey to the Vok Baths
The one issues it’s essential to deliver are a towel and a showering swimsuit. Though you could 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 deliver your personal.
Clearly having your personal bathing swimsuit is the best choice and needs to be on any Iceland packing record, however in case you occur to overlook they’re out there for hire.
Convey some flip-flops as effectively 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 be sure that they’re clear sandals!). You’re positive to take some photos because the Vok Baths are extremely distinctive. You may deliver both a cellphone or a DSLR, however most individuals get by simply high-quality with a cellphone, so be sure you deliver waterproof safety. We extremely suggest a dry bag on your cellphone for visiting Iceland!
Showers Are A Should
Showering (with cleaning soap!) is necessary earlier than you get into the swimming pools on the Vök Baths, or every 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 observe to ask guests to bathe earlier than they take a dip. This additionally makes positive that the water stays clear and uncontaminated for so long as potential.
Certainly one of 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 fully bare, Icelanders don’t respect foreigners who don’t take off their bathing swimsuit to bathe. Belief me, nobody automobiles – they’ve seen all of it and the loos are separated by intercourse!
You don’t must deliver 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 will get prepared after your soak, simply deliver all of your make-up, hair brush, and so forth.
Get A Towel That Stands Out
It pays to have a towel that you could spot from distant, in any other case, you’ll be spending a number of time wanting and may even stroll off with another person’s towel by mistake.
To keep away from an embarrassing and considerably unhygienic state of affairs, attempt to deliver a singular or distinctive towel. Consider vivid colours or distinctive patterns.
Pack A Few Swimsuits
A whole 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 perfect for drying swimwear and different heavy clothes and also you’ll be ready a few days on your swimsuit to dry out. We visited numerous thermal baths in Iceland and by no means as soon as was there a showering swimsuit dryer within the altering room. Having a second swimsuit available will make issues loads simpler.
Take A Minute To Respect 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 based mostly in Reykjavik, the constructing affords a contemporary setting in the midst of the historic panorama.
Picket partitions, massive glass home windows, and crops dominate in every single place, permitting the constructing to seamlessly mix into the encircling panorama. All the things is pristine and untouched, with the primary constructing being positioned downhill on the facet 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 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 means of a continuing stream of recent water.
Whereas the pure swimming pools stay pure, they do develop algae progress, 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, similar 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 possibly can nonetheless usually 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 suppose the place would have an aesthetic and stylish tea bar.
Referred to as the infusion bar, guests can deal with themselves to some refreshing tea, and it doesn’t value something. You simply have to serve your self after your enjoyable time within the baths.
Made utilizing water from the spring itself (extra on that later), you possibly can select between cold and hot tea and have a variety of native herbs to select from. Choices embrace birch, angelica, black currant, and nettle.
Locker Room Etiquette
Earlier than going into the locker room, be sure you take your footwear off. If you would like you possibly can put on a clear pair of flip-flops, however simply be sure you don’t herald mud with you. There’s an area to go away your footwear earlier than you enter.
You’ll be given a cool bracelet which may also be your locker key. Don’t lose your bracelet (the substitute is 5000 ISK!) and place all of your valuables inside your locker. This bracelet is waterproof and may be worn within the baths themselves. For those who purchase any drinks you possibly can put the cost proper on the “bracelet” and pay it as soon as you allow.
It’s Not Simply Swimming pools
There are a number of swimming pools on the Vök Baths (however that’s not all!). The primary is the primary pool positioned adjoining to the constructing, and accessible proper from the locker rooms. It seems to be like two massive swimming pools linked by a small passage, and there are additionally two floating swimming pools additional again of the constructing.
Guests also can deal with themselves to a steam bathtub, 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 vitality naturally heats the water which is perhaps unbelievable, however can be a bit harmful as there’s no strategy to regulate the temperature of the water.
Test the water temperature earlier than you leap 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 occasions.
Additionally, be sure you’re thoughtful to others and the setting. Don’t keep past the advisable time and be sure you 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 fully protected and hygienic.
The Vok Baths May Not Be The Greatest Place For Small Children
Whereas the Vök Baths should not have any age restrictions, that being stated it nonetheless won’t be an incredible thought to take younger children 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 children splash round won’t make for the very best expertise and another guests may get aggravated as effectively.
For those who do take your children, make sure you 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 possibly can go to the accompanying lake. Adults may even leap immediately into the lake from the swimming pools for a pleasant refreshing dip!
Kids underneath 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 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. For those who dare you possibly can even take a swim round, although most individuals simply dip in and discover themselves proper again within the scorching swimming pools proper after.
For those who do determine to leap into the lake, then be sure 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 can 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 common vacationer attraction, it’s nonetheless a pure setting. Security ought to all the time be stored in thoughts in such locations.
You Can Change In Personal
This won’t appear to be a giant deal, however you must know that nearly each different scorching pool in Iceland doesn’t have personal altering rooms or showers. Guests are anticipated to alter and bathe within the locker rooms, in everybody’s view.
Along with the standard massive locker room, the Vök Baths have some personal showers as effectively. Nevertheless, simply because they’re personal doesn’t imply you must take an prolonged bathe.
Clear up completely however clear up quick so you may make your strategy to the pool and never maintain 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 are not any exception. The bar makes positive you possibly can get pleasure from a drink with out having to go away the heat of the water, and it may possibly get fairly chilly in Iceland in order that’s an incredible factor!
You should buy beer, champagne, Collab vitality drinks, smoothies, and even purple and blue frozen slushies! Strive the slushy for positive and you’ll have the distinctive expertise of what it feels prefer to have a chilly deal with whereas enjoyable in scorching water.
In contrast to the Blue Lagoon, the Vok Baths should not a celebration place and the bar doesn’t get rowdy right here; it’s all about rest and pleasure.
You Can Even Choose For Day Excursions
You can even get pleasure from 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, among the finest locations on Iceland, on the east facet 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 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 sure to be hungry. Earlier than you go wherever else, you must 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 attention-grabbing rustic dishes like baked comfortable 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. For those who’ve bought children then there are some kiddy choices like pizza, french fries, and nuggets.
Drone Pictures Is Restricted
Drone fanatics 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’re taking off, you must know that droning is prohibited throughout opening hours.
This isn’t shocking contemplating there are folks in swimsuits attempting to loosen up and luxuriate 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 employees does request that anybody desirous to drone throughout off hours simply contact them earlier than doing so. So be well mannered and be sure you drop them a line earlier than you begin your flight. The drone pictures on this put up are all taken earlier than working hours with permission from the employees.
Keep The Evening At Egilsstaðir
A visit to the Vök Baths isn’t perfect 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 contemplate staying in a close-by metropolis. Egilsstaðir is the one possibility and it’s a lucky factor as this picturesque city has loads to supply. That is the place we stayed the night time 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 good hub not simply when you go to the Vök Baths, but in addition in case you’re desirous to discover alongside the Icelandic Ring Highway, a 1332-kilometer-long highway 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
For those who’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 possibility to be missed.
This facet of Iceland is house to some unbelievable pure wonders which should be seen, together with waterfalls and mountains. You could possibly additionally go to Seyðisfjörður close by, an cute small city and artsy commune perched on a fjord.
We have been in a position to discover this complete on a whim as we rented a campervan in Iceland with Completely happy Campers!
Are the Vok Baths Value It?
We visited over 10 thermal baths and scorching springs in Iceland and the Vok Baths have been up there as one in every 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 if you’re 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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