To u r i s m , C u lt u r e
and
Business
I s s u e 43 • 2019
Vök Baths offers guests the only floating geothermal pools in all of Iceland
V
ök Baths is an exciting new geothermal bathing facility where guests can enjoy two heated floating pools among the beautiful scenery of Lake Urriðavatn. Situated just 5 kilometres from Egilsstaðir, Vök Baths is an ideal place to relax while sightseeing in East Iceland. The brand new baths, completed in the summer of 2019, take their shape from the ice-free patches on the lake ice, created by the bubbling hot springs in the lake. Harnessing the power of geothermal energy There are many advantages to the Land of Fire and Ice, and one is the abundance of
natural, renewable geothermal energy. The baths are gloriously warm, soothing your skin and muscles while you’re enjoying the pristine nature of the region. The pools, whose water is so clean and pure it has been certified as drinkable, are especially welcome to the area, as East Iceland is home to few hot springs, compared to other parts of Iceland. Bathing facilities and changing rooms In addition to the floating pools there are two on-shore hot pools, and an outdoor pool bar. A steam bath and cold tunnel equipped with a cool mist shower inside is just about completed. The indoor shower facilities and changing rooms are
A Unique Bathing Experience in the Idyllic East
86
www.icelandictimes.com
comfortable with nature-inspired designs. There are private showers and lockers to store your belongings while bathing. You can rent swimsuits and towels at the baths if you did not bring your own. Enjoy an onsite café, restaurant and bar Housed inside the facility, the café-restaurant offers a delicious array of soups, salads, cakes and fresh-baked bread. All ingredients are sourced locally, and chefs work closely with neighbouring farms for local, seasonal produce. The Infusion bar also serves an impressive selection of complimentary teas made from local herbs, brewed with the natural hot spring water.
