Egilsstaðir
Vök Baths
Photo: Vök Baths
Iceland’s only floating geothermal pools, out on a lake
On Lake Urriðavatn, just outside Egilsstaðir, two pools float on the lake itself. The geothermal water is so pure it’s used untreated to brew the herbal tea at the tea bar.
- Water
- 37–41°C
- From Reykjavík
- 8 h · 640 km
- Opened
- 2019
- Entry from
- 7,690 ISK
- Best for
- Peace and quietDesignRing Road stops
For generations, locals around Urriðavatn noticed patches of open water in the lake that never froze, even in the depths of winter. These holes in the ice, called vakir in Icelandic, were caused by hot springs on the lake bed. Vök Baths takes its name from them.
The two hexagonal floating pools sit out on the lake, reached by timber walkways, so you float with the water of Urriðavatn lapping at the edge. On shore there is a main pool, a steam bath and a cold mist tunnel, and ladders from the floating decks lead down into the lake itself for the brave.
“Patches of open water in the lake that never froze, even in the depths of winter.”
The hot water comes from boreholes close by and is pure enough to use untreated: the tea bar brews local herbal infusions with it, and it even goes into Vök’s own beer. It’s a quiet, design-led place, far from the bus routes, and a perfect reward after a long drive on the Ring Road.
Photography: Vök Baths.
What to look forward to
- 01
Floating pools
The only floating geothermal pools in Iceland, right on Lake Urriðavatn.
- 02
Lake plunge
Climb down into the cold lake, if you dare.
- 03
Tea bar
Herbal infusions brewed with the untreated geothermal water.
- 04
Vök Bistro
Local, seasonal food with views over the lake.
Insider tips
- Egilsstaðir has a domestic airport with flights from Reykjavík, so you don’t have to drive.
- It’s a natural overnight stop on the Ring Road between the north and the east fjords.
- Try a dip in the lake: it’s bracing, then glorious.
Quick answers
Prices and details last checked October 2026.
Where is Vök Baths?
Vök Baths is in Egilsstaðir, in East Iceland. It’s about 8 h (640 km) by car from Reykjavík.
How hot is the water at Vök Baths?
Usually 37–41°C. Boreholes beside the lake, cooled with lake water. Pure enough to be used untreated in the tea bar and in Vök’s own beer.
How much does Vök Baths cost?
Adult entry starts from 7,690 ISK. Prices change with the day, time slot and package, so check the latest when you book.
Can you book Vök Baths in advance?
Yes. You can check live availability and book Vök Baths through Lagoon Land. Popular times, like summer sunsets and winter evenings, sell out first, so it’s worth booking ahead.
What is Vök Baths best for?
It’s a good pick for peace and quiet, design and Ring Road stops. Highlights: floating pools, lake plunge, tea bar and Vök Bistro.
When did Vök Baths open?
It opened in 2019.
Which lagoons are near Vök Baths?
The closest are Hoffell Baths (109 km), Earth Lagoon Mývatn (117 km) and GeoSea (157 km), as the raven flies.
Also nearby
See the map →
Reopened 2026Mývatn
Earth Lagoon Mývatn
The north’s great lagoon, reborn with a steam cave in the lava
117 km away as the raven flies
Húsavík
GeoSea
Geothermal seawater on a clifftop above whale country
157 km away as the raven flies
Akureyri
Forest Lagoon
Infinity pools in a birch forest, with Akureyri across the fjord
171 km away as the raven flies
Vök Baths
From 7,690 ISK