Floating infinity pools on Lake Urriðavatn.
Story & Legend
Opened in 2019 in East Iceland, Vök Baths turned a natural phenomenon into architecture. The name means "a warm spot in a frozen lake" — for centuries, locals found geothermal springs by the spots where ice never formed. The architects built infinity pools that literally float on the lake surface.
Geology & Science
Lake Urriðavatn sits on a geothermal anomaly where hot water seeps through the lake bed. In winter, the contrast between steaming pools and the frozen lake surface is extraordinary.
Safety
The cold lake plunge is genuinely frigid (2-4°C). The facility is remote — check winter road conditions on road.is. Book ahead as capacity is limited.
Photo Tip
The only floating pools in Iceland. Remove silver jewelry before entering; the sulfur will tarnish it.
Insider tip
Make sure to try the complimentary herbal tea at the infusion bar inside. It is brewed using the certified-pure geothermal water from the lake itself and local Icelandic herbs.
Best Time to Visit
Evening. Watching the sun set over Lake Urriðavatn from the floating infinity pools is the absolute highlight of the Ring Road's eastern stretch.
What to Bring
Swimwear. You can alternate between the hot geothermal floating pools and taking a freezing plunge directly into the cold lake water.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Vök Baths actually floating?
Yes! Vök Baths features Iceland's only floating geothermal pools, which are architecturally integrated directly into the surface of the cold freshwater Lake Urriðavatn.
Can you drink the geothermal water at Vok Baths?
Yes, the water feeding Vök Baths is so pure and clean that it is the only geothermal water in Iceland certified as drinkable.
