Vok Baths

The floating baths stand out on Urriðavatn, so the view from the warm water is across the open lake. The plunge is the other half of the visit. A ladder from the floating bath goes straight down into unheated lake water, and the warm pool is there again as soon as you have had enough.

The bar is served from the water, with smoothies and a local herbal tea alongside the rest of the list. Nobody has to leave the pool to order. A windy, chilly day changes less than it looks: the air stops counting once you are in.

• Crowds: the baths are quietest at opening and start to fill from about 11:30.
• Getting in: the route from the changing rooms into the pools begins indoors, so there is no barefoot crossing outside.
• Changing rooms: private showers and cubicles, hair dryers, shower products, and a spinner for wringing out wet swimsuits.
• Paying: credit cards, debit cards and contactless are taken, so there is no need to carry cash.

Vök Baths stands on the shore of Lake Urriðavatn, and there is a car park on site, so most people arrive by car. The parking bays and the entrance are wheelchair accessible. Inside, the way from the changing rooms into the pools starts indoors, and the floating baths are entered from the shore of the lake.

Best: the first hour after opening.

Avoid: late morning onwards.

At half past ten the baths can be close to empty, and the crowd builds from about 11:30. Weather matters less here than the forecast suggests, since wind and cold air stop registering once you are in the water.