We’re making our way through Iceland right now, to update our web site and book. We knew we would be in Egilsstaðir in East Iceland on July 27th.  Vök Baths was scheduled to open on July 1st … then it was pushed to July 15th … and then to July 27th. It’s just outside of Egilsstaðir.

Through nothing more than luck, we ended up here on their very first day. And we were very glad we did.

Vök is the Icelandic word coined to describe small portions of the lake that would never freeze, even during the coldest parts of winter. The folklore theorized that some kind of sea creature was preventing the water from freezing, but we now know these are areas of geothermal activity.

Now that geothermal activity is being put to good use. Vök has 3 (or 4?) geothermally heated pools. There is one large one closest to the main building, and then 2 floating pools out in the lake. There’s also a smaller warm area that the kids seemed to enjoy frolicking in.

Here’s (part of) the closest pool:

In the picture above, the close section is informally the children’s area. Streams of water shoot out of small holes in the rock, which was a nice touch.

To the right in the back is the drink bar. Pick a drink, scan your wristband, and it’s paid for. Well, you need to pay on your way out. Some drink prices:

Juices start at 350 ISK ($3)

Slushies are 700 ISK

Beer starts at 1000 ISK

Wine starts at 1200 ISK

All are served in plastic containers.

And here are the pools further out. These pools were constructed to have the same shape as the natural Vök that formed in the lake.

The pools get hotter the further out you go. The close pool is the “coolest”, at a comfortable 38° C or so. The outer pools pictured above then go to 40° and 42° or so. I’m not a fan of the hottest water, but I found all except for the outermost pool to be enjoyable.

If you’re ambitious, or subscribe to the Nordic idea that cold water followed by hot is healthy, there’s a ladder that leads to the unheated lake. I put my feet in the lake, and then promptly returned to warmer waters. Several other people took the plunge, though.

Are the Vök Baths worth it?

So how was it? I can usually judge a thermal pool by whether I drag the kids away or they drag me away. Today, I was definitely dragging my son away (we had other things to get to!), which means Vök gets my seal of approval. If you have several hours in your schedule, this can be money well spent.

The water temperature was perfect for us in the closest pool. You can explore the various nooks and crannies, or find a place to settle down and relax.

One thing I love is the optional indoor entrance to the main (closest) pool. Walk out of the locker room into a hallway, and within a few steps you’re descending into the warm water. A door then leads you outside. I’ve only seen this at the Blue Lagoon and the public pool in Akureyri.

Every admission also includes a make-your-own infused herb tea. Borrow a cup, add some herbs (mint, chamomile, and more), add hot water, and enjoy. It’s a nice touch.

How much do the Vök Baths cost?

The price isn’t cheap, but it’s also not Blue Lagoon level expensive. Admission to Vök for adults 17+ costs 5000 ISK ($41 US, or €37.) Kids 6-16 are 1800 ($15 US, or €13) and children 5 and under are free. More expensive packages include food and drinks.

The cutoff ages for kids aren’t as generous as the Blue Lagoon, which lets kids ages 2-13 in for free. (Babies under 2 can’t swim at the Blue Lagoon!)

But adults are cheaper at Vök, and probably substantially so. The Blue Lagoon claims an adult can gain admission for $56, and also get a free drink. In reality, you’re likely paying closer to $80 or $90 with the demand-based pricing. Unless you want to show up at 11 PM.

What kind of food is available at Vök Baths?

The main food option seems to be the soup of the day, which today was vegetable. This was a tomato based soup with a lot of red bell peppers in it. Unlimited soup, bread and toppings costs 2350 isk. Less expensive options include wraps (lamb or vegetable) for 1150 or 950 ISK, and several salad options. All seem to include unlimited bread and toppings, I think.

Do I need to shower naked?

Yes! This is just how it works in Iceland. Right now, the showers are communal by gender, as is typical in Iceland. (See our post about navigating the swimming pool locker rooms in Iceland.) Vök says they will be creating private shower stalls soon, but there aren’t any yet.

The lockers are very nice and futuristic; just scan your wristband to lock and unlock your chosen locker.

Vök Baths summary

This is a very nice place. It’s pricey; a family of 4 costs over $100, assuming your 2 kids are between 6 and 16.

Oh– there was a very slight small of sulfur. It was hardly noticeable, which is very good for geothermally heated water. The small of the brand new cedar was about as strong as the sulfur, so I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.

The free tea was a nice touch, and the food was good. I wish there was a less expensive price for a kids soup and bread, but maybe that will be added later on.

If you’re out in East Iceland and have the time and budget, give Vök a try!