Akureyri: Forest Lagoon Entrance Ticket

Forest Lagoon gives you something rare in Iceland: warm geothermal water among actual trees, with Eyjafjörður and the mountains opening out beyond the pool. The setting feels calm and carefully planned rather than flashy.

I especially like the 37°C main pool with indoor entry and two swim-up bars, plus the Finnish sauna, cold plunge, and strong fjord views. The main drawback is value: at $52 per person, towels and drinks are extra, and a short taxi ride from Akureyri can add a surprising amount.

Key points at a glance

• Two different pools: A large 530-square-meter pool stays around 37°C, while the smaller 53-square-meter pool reaches about 40°C.
• A real forest setting: Birch and pine trees surround the baths in Vaðlaskógur, with views across Eyjafjörður.
• Sauna and cold plunge included: The dry Finnish sauna is about 80°C, followed by an 11°C cold pool.
• Swim-up drinks: Two bars are built into the main pool, so you can order without leaving the water.
• Bring your own towel: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer are included, but towels, robes, swimwear, and drinks are not.
• Flexible time in the water: Your ticket is valid for one day, and the visit does not have a fixed end time once you are inside.

Forest Lagoon’s setting beside Eyjafjörður

Forest Lagoon sits a few minutes from Akureyri, in the wooded area of Vaðlaskógur. That location shapes the whole visit. You are not looking across a broad field of lava or standing in a built-up resort. You are soaking among birch and pine trees, with Eyjafjörður and the mountains visible beyond them.

The view changes the mood. The forest gives the pools shelter and a sense of quiet, while the fjord keeps the scene open and spacious. I like that balance. You get the drama Iceland is known for, but the trees make the place feel softer and less exposed.

The spa’s design also makes good use of the setting. The wood-clad Forest Bistro, indoor fireplace, and outdoor pools fit the northern Iceland surroundings without trying to overpower them. If you want a thermal stop that feels connected to Akureyri and its natural setting, this is a strong choice.

Getting value from the two pools

The large pool is the center of the visit. At 530 square meters and around 37°C, it is warm enough for a long soak without feeling too hot at once. It also has an indoor entry, which matters in Iceland’s cool weather. You can get into the water without making the exposed walk from the changing area a major part of the experience.

The two swim-up bars are built into this pool. That is a practical luxury rather than a gimmick. You can order a drink, stay warm, and return to your seat in the water instead of drying off and changing your plans. Drinks are not included, so add them to your budget if this is part of the appeal.

The smaller pool covers 53 square meters and is kept at about 40°C. It is the better place for a hotter soak, especially after spending time in the main pool. Because the pools have different temperatures, you can adjust the visit to suit your comfort instead of being stuck with one water temperature.

You should not expect a huge water park or a long list of features. Forest Lagoon is about sitting, looking, talking quietly, and letting the warmth do its work. One visitor found that a small section was closed during a visit, so it is worth keeping expectations sensible: the facilities are polished, but this is a focused spa rather than an enormous complex.

The sauna and 11°C cold pool

The Finnish sauna is one of Forest Lagoon’s strongest features. It uses dry heat, with humidity around 20% and a temperature near 80°C. This is different from a steam room, where moisture fills the air. Here, you get a hot, dry room and a wide view over Eyjafjörður and the surrounding mountains.

You wear your swimsuit in the sauna. That detail is easy to overlook, especially if you are used to different sauna customs elsewhere. The sauna is included in the entrance price, so you do not need to pay an added fee for one of the spa’s best facilities.

Next to it is an 11°C cold pool. That water is genuinely cold, not simply cooler than the lagoon. The intended pattern is simple: spend a short time in the sauna, then use the cold pool, and return to the warm water afterward.

I like this part because it gives the visit some shape. Without it, a thermal spa can become two hours of sitting in one pool. The hot-and-cold sequence adds a small challenge and a clear change of pace. You do not have to use the cold pool, but it is there for anyone who wants the full sauna routine.

What you need to bring

The easiest way to keep the price under control is to pack your own basics. Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel

Towels, swimwear, and bath robes are not included. You can borrow or rent what you need, but one useful warning is that adding several rental items can push the total cost up quickly. A waterproof bag is also sensible for phones and cameras, especially if you plan to take pictures near the water.

The shower area includes Forest Lagoon signature products: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer. That is a nice touch and means you do not need to carry a full set of toiletries.

Smoking, vaping, and nudity are not allowed. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted. Children under 12 must leave the lagoon before 8 p.m., so families with younger children need to plan an earlier visit.

Dining at Forest Bistro

Forest Bistro is part of the appeal, not just a place to grab something after the pool. The wood-clad dining area has views over Eyjafjörður and an indoor fireplace, giving you a comfortable place to warm up and slow down after the water.

You pay separately for food and drinks. The swim-up bars offer convenience, while the bistro gives you a more settled meal or break. I would treat dining as optional if you are watching costs, but it can make the visit feel like a complete outing rather than a quick soak.

The setting is especially useful if someone in your party wants a break from the water. You can dry off, sit indoors, and still keep the fjord view as part of the experience. Since the ticket does not force you into a short timed session, you have room to build in this pause.

How long to plan for the visit

The ticket is valid for one day, and there is no fixed end time once you are inside. That makes the visit easier to fit around a day in Akureyri. You can arrive for a longer rest or use it as a shorter thermal stop, depending on your schedule.

Two hours is enough to enjoy the main pool, hotter pool, sauna, and cold plunge without rushing. If you want food at the bistro, time at the swim-up bar, and a slower pace, plan longer. The lack of a set end time is one of the better parts of the ticket because you are not watching the clock while trying to relax.

Check available starting times when you book. The ticket is described as valid for one day, but you still need to select from the available entry options. A little planning helps, especially if you are visiting Akureyri as part of a busy northern Iceland schedule.

Transport from Akureyri and the real cost

Forest Lagoon is only a few minutes from Akureyri, but short distances in Iceland do not always mean cheap transport. A taxi trip to and from town was reported at about £30 in total, so check the transport cost before assuming the spa will be an inexpensive add-on.

At $52 per person, the entrance fee is not a budget activity. Still, the price includes both geothermal pools, the Finnish sauna, the cold pool, changing and shower facilities, and the supplied shower products. You are not paying extra for the sauna, which improves the value compared with a spa where key features sit behind an added charge.

The price works best if you bring your own towel and swimwear, stay long enough to enjoy the pools, and make use of the sauna and cold plunge. It works less well if you only want a brief soak and then add towel rental, robe rental, several drinks, food, and a taxi.

The overall rating of 4.8 from 176 reviews reflects the main strengths: clean facilities, warm water, striking views, helpful staff, and a calmer feel than some of Iceland’s better-known lagoon stops. The high marks do not erase the cost, but they do suggest that the quality of the setting and facilities generally matches the admission price.

How Forest Lagoon compares with a famous lagoon stop

You may be considering Forest Lagoon as an alternative to the Blue Lagoon. The two are not identical, so the right choice depends on what you want.

Forest Lagoon is the more obvious pick if you are already in northern Iceland and want a spa near Akureyri. Its forest setting gives it a different character, and the smaller scale can feel less crowded. The water is also kept warm, with the main pool around body temperature and the smaller pool hotter.

The appeal here is not a long list of treatments or a giant resort complex. It is the combination of forest, fjord, sauna, cold pool, and swim-up drinks in one compact place. If you value atmosphere and easy access from Akureyri, that mix is persuasive.

Do not book it expecting complete solitude. Popular times can still bring other people, and one part of the facility may occasionally be closed. The best approach is to see Forest Lagoon as a well-equipped thermal spa with a peaceful setting, not as a private woodland bath.

Who will enjoy this experience most

I would recommend Forest Lagoon to couples, friends, and solo visitors who want a calm half-day or evening near Akureyri. It is also a good fit if you enjoy sauna routines, warm water, and views more than slides, activities, or formal guided tours.

It suits you particularly well if:

• You are staying in Akureyri and want a nearby thermal experience.
• You want a sauna and cold plunge included in the admission price.
• You prefer a forest and fjord setting to a more built-up spa.
• You can bring your own towel and swimwear.
• You like the idea of ordering drinks without leaving the pool.
• You have enough time to stay for at least two hours.

Families should check the age rules carefully. Children under 12 must leave before 8 p.m., and unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Adults looking for a late, quiet soak should also keep that early departure rule in mind.

The facility is wheelchair accessible, which makes it a practical option for visitors who need accessible facilities. If accessibility is important to your particular needs, confirm the details at booking rather than relying on the general designation alone.

Booking flexibility and cancellation

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if your northern Iceland plans depend on weather or changing transport.

That flexibility matters in this part of the country. A clear day may make the fjord view especially attractive, while a storm can affect your wider plans. Booking ahead secures a place, but the cancellation window gives you some room to adjust.

Should you book Forest Lagoon?

Book it if you want warm water, forest scenery, a good sauna, and a convenient stop near Akureyri. The 37°C main pool, 40°C hotter pool, 80°C Finnish sauna, and 11°C cold plunge give you more to do than simply sit in one bath. The fjord view and trees provide the setting, while the swim-up bars add an easy bit of comfort.

Think twice if $52 is already stretching your budget, or if you must rent every item and pay for a taxi, drinks, and food on top. Bring your own towel and swimwear, allow enough time to use the facilities, and check transport costs before you go. For many visitors, that preparation turns Forest Lagoon into one of the better-value spa stops in northern Iceland, even though it is not a cheap one.

FAQ

How much does Forest Lagoon cost?

The entrance ticket costs $52 per person.

How long is the Forest Lagoon ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day. Check availability for the available starting times.

What is included with admission?

Admission includes access to Forest Lagoon and shower products, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer.

Are towels and swimwear included?

No. You need to bring your own swimwear and towel. Bath robes, towels, swimwear, and drinks are not included.

What are the pool temperatures?

The large pool is kept around 37°C, or 98.6°F. The smaller pool is around 40°C, or 104°F. The cold pool beside the sauna is 11°C, or 51.8°F.

Is the sauna included in the ticket?

Yes. The dry Finnish sauna is included with admission. It is kept around 80°C with humidity near 20%, and you must wear your swimsuit inside.

Can children visit Forest Lagoon in the evening?

Children under 12 must leave the lagoon before 8 p.m. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.