Forest Lagoon is a geothermal spa set among trees on the eastern shore of Eyjafjordur Fjord, just 2.2 miles (3.6 kilometers) from central Akureyri. Its warm pools, dry sauna, cold pool, and fjord views make it one of North Iceland's main bathing experiences.
You can reserve a Forest Lagoon ticket or visit on selected Akureyri tours and hot spring tours. Advance booking secures a preferred arrival time, while entry without a reservation depends on availability.
Opened in 2022, the spa sits in Vadlaskogur Forest in North Iceland, near the Ring Road. Although it is about a 5-minute drive from Akureyri, the trees and waterfront setting give it a secluded atmosphere.
The combination of geothermal bathing, forest surroundings, and fjord views distinguishes Forest Lagoon from the other top geothermal spas in Iceland. Its location also makes it easy to add to a wider Akureyri or North Iceland itinerary.
To add firsthand guidance, we spoke to Íris Ósk Gísladóttir, Sales and Marketing Manager at Forest Lagoon. She explained how the setting shaped the spa, how to use its facilities, what families should know, and why the experience changes throughout the year.
Read on to plan how long to stay, choose a ticket, and prepare for your visit.
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Forest Lagoon at a Glance
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Location: Vadlaskogur Forest, 2.2 miles (3.6 kilometers) from central Akureyri
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Opening hours: Daily from 9 AM to midnight, with all guests out of the lagoon by 11:30 PM
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Recommended visit length: Around two hours
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Facilities: Two geothermal pools, three swim-up bars, a Finnish dry sauna, a cold pool, changing rooms, lockers, and Skogur Bistro
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Water temperature: Generally 98.6 to 104 F (37 to 40 C), with conditions varying by weather
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Family access: Children are welcome, but age and evening restrictions apply
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Transport: A free shuttle operates between Akureyri and the lagoon on seasonal schedules
What Makes Forest Lagoon Special
Forest Lagoon stands out for combining geothermal bathing with an established forest and open views across Eyjafjordur Fjord. Íris explained that the location and water source shaped the spa from the beginning, rather than being added around a predetermined design.
The idea for Forest Lagoon took shape after workers discovered geothermal water while building the Vadlaheidi Tunnel. Vadlaskogur Forest offered a natural home for the spa, bringing the warm water together with mature trees and sweeping views toward Akureyri.
The pools were positioned to make the most of the view while still giving guests the feeling of being sheltered among the trees.
Íris said the architecture, materials, and layout were designed around the surroundings. The result is a striking contrast between the lagoon's convenient location and the sense of separation you feel once you enter the water.
We are only a few minutes from the center of Akureyri, but once you are in the water, surrounded by trees and looking across the fjord, it feels much further away.
Forest Lagoon Tickets and Entry Fees
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Admission |
Price |
Included |
|---|---|---|
|
Warm |
7,490 ISK |
Lagoon facilities, locker, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel |
|
Calm |
10,150 ISK |
Warm admission, one eligible drink, and a towel |
|
Delight |
11,210 ISK |
Warm admission, two eligible drinks, and a towel |
|
Ages 6 to 15 |
3,790 ISK |
Lagoon admission |
|
Ages 5 and younger |
Free |
Lagoon admission |
Forest Lagoon's warm ticket covers the full bathing experience and the essentials needed before and after soaking. Íris said Calm and Delight make it easier to arrive, settle in, and enjoy a more leisurely visit. She summed up the choice simply:
There is no difference in the lagoon itself between the packages. It is simply about choosing how much you would like included.
Advance booking helps you secure a preferred arrival time during summer, weekends, cruise days, and evenings. Arrive on time because admission is tied to the selected time slot, and late entry depends on available capacity.
Forest Lagoon Facilities
Forest Lagoon has two geothermal pools, a Finnish dry sauna, a cold pool, and an on-site bistro. Admission also includes lockers and shower products, while drinks and light refreshments are available to purchase.
Each bathing area offers a different experience, while Skogur Bistro provides a place to eat before or after your soak. The sections below cover what to expect from each facility and how to use them during your visit.
Geothermal Pools at Forest Lagoon
The larger geothermal pool at Forest Lagoon covers 5,705 square feet (530 square meters) and has an indoor entrance. It also provides access to three swim-up bars, allowing guests to order without leaving the water.
The smaller pool covers 3,552 square feet (330 square meters) and offers a quieter, warmer setting. Water temperatures across the lagoon generally range from 98.6 to 104 F (37 to 40 C) and may vary with the weather.
Both pools are approximately 4.1 feet (1.25 meters) deep, allowing many adults to stand comfortably. Non-swimmers should remain where they feel secure, while children must stay under adult supervision.
Finnish Dry Sauna at Forest Lagoon
The Finnish dry sauna at Forest Lagoon is kept around 176 F (80 C) with approximately 20 percent humidity. Large windows overlook Eyjafjordur Fjord and the mountains, and swimsuits are required inside.
This is a dry sauna, not a steam room. Guests with a condition affected by heat should follow individual medical advice before using it.
Cold Pool at Forest Lagoon
The cold pool at Forest Lagoon is beside the sauna and stays around 51.8 F (11 C). It provides a sharp temperature contrast after time in the warm lagoon or dry sauna.
For first-time visitors, the sauna and cold pool are best approached at a comfortable pace rather than as a test of endurance:
Warm up comfortably in the lagoon or sauna first, then try the cold pool for a short period and return to the warm water when your body tells you it is time.
Pregnant visitors and anyone with cardiovascular conditions, blood-pressure concerns, or another condition affected by sudden temperature changes should seek appropriate medical advice before using the cold pool. Guests should leave the water as soon as they feel uncomfortable.
Skogur Bistro
Skogur Bistro serves soups, brunch dishes, salads, and evening meals in a wood-paneled dining room with a fireplace. It also has outdoor seating overlooking the forest, Akureyri, Eyjafjordur Fjord, and Hlidarfjall Ski Resort.
Skogur Bistro opens daily at 10 AM, closing at 9 PM Sunday through Thursday and 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Brunch is served from 11 AM to 3 PM, evening meals from 4 to 8 PM, and soups remain available throughout the day.
How Long To Spend at Forest Lagoon
Íris recommends allowing around two hours for a first visit at the Forest Lagoon, though you are welcome to stay longer. There is no general time limit after entry, but your visit must finish before the lagoon closes for the night.
Her suggested starting point is the main pool, where you can settle into the water and enjoy the view. From there, move to the warmer pool, use the sauna, and try the cold pool briefly if it feels comfortable before returning to the geothermal water.
There is no prescribed circuit. Some guests alternate between hot and cold facilities, while others remain in the lagoon with a drink for most of their visit.
Allow time for changing and showering in addition to bathing. If your itinerary is tight, also account for the shuttle or drive and any meal you plan to have at the bistro.
How To Get to Forest Lagoon
Forest Lagoon is at Vadlaskogur Forest, 605 Akureyri, about 2.2 miles (3.6 kilometers) from the city center. Driving takes around 5 minutes, and the entrance is close to Route 1 on the eastern side of Eyjafjordur Fjord.
Rental cars in Akureyri make it easy to visit the lagoon alongside other nearby attractions. You can also include it in a longer road trip with one of Iceland's self-drive tours.
If you are driving in winter, check current road conditions in Iceland before setting out. Conditions can change quickly even when the short route from town initially looks clear.
Guided tours from Akureyri provide another way to visit, with some including transportation and others pairing Forest Lagoon with Diamond Circle attractions. The available options range from short lagoon visits to longer sightseeing itineraries.
Travelers without a car or guided tour can use the complimentary Forest Lagoon shuttle. Seats are first come, first served, but guests with valid lagoon tickets receive priority.
High-Season Shuttle Schedule
The high-season Forest Lagoon shuttle runs from June 1 to September 6. Harbor services depart from Tangabryggja, a pier in Akureyri's cruise port, and are particularly convenient for passengers arriving by ship.
Departures from Tangabryggja run hourly from 10 AM to 5 PM, with an additional 9 AM service from June through August. The journey to Forest Lagoon takes less than 10 minutes.
Return services leave Forest Lagoon at 10:45 AM and hourly through 4:45 PM, followed by a final departure at 5:15 PM. Additional shuttles may operate on busy cruise days.
An evening service also picks up passengers in central Akureyri. It leaves Centrum Kitchen & Bar on Skipagata at 5:30 PM and Hotel Akureyri on Hafnarstraeti at 5:35 PM, returning from Forest Lagoon at 9 PM.
Low-Season Shuttle Schedule
The low-season Forest Lagoon shuttle runs from September 7 to May 31. It leaves Centrum Kitchen & Bar on Skipagata in central Akureyri at 6:45 PM and returns from Forest Lagoon at 10 PM.
This service operates daily except December 24, 25, and 31 and January 1. Check the current Forest Lagoon bus timetable before visiting, as departure times and unavailable dates may change.
Children younger than 6 must use a car seat on the shuttle. Forest Lagoon provides seats for ages 1 to 5, but families should give advance notice for ages 1 to 3 and bring an appropriate seat for a younger infant.
Best Time To Visit Forest Lagoon
Forest Lagoon is open year-round, and the best time depends on the atmosphere you prefer. Íris particularly enjoys later visits, when the changing light across Eyjafjordur Fjord brings a calmer mood. She does not single out one season:
There really is no single best season because Forest Lagoon feels completely different throughout the year.
Summer offers long evenings beneath the midnight sun, while winter brings early darkness and a chance of seeing the northern lights. Autumn and spring offer the seasonal transition between these conditions.
For a quieter visit, follow Íris's suggestion and choose a weekday or daytime entry outside peak travel periods. Cruise days and the busiest parts of summer generally attract more guests.
Forest Lagoon for Families and Accessible Visits
Íris emphasizes that families are welcome in the Forest Lagoon, but children must remain supervised. The last entry for children aged 12 and younger is 6:30 PM, while children younger than 12 cannot use the lagoon after 8 PM.
Guests up to age 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older. Children who cannot swim must wear inflatable armbands, and children aged 6 and older cannot enter the changing room for the opposite sex.
Íris encourages travelers with specific mobility requirements to contact Forest Lagoon before visiting. The lagoon has accessible changing facilities, and advance notice allows staff to explain the setup and help make your arrival smoother.
Íris also advises pregnant visitors and travelers with conditions affected by prolonged heat, sauna use, cold immersion, or rapid temperature changes to follow individual medical advice. Staff can explain the facilities, but cannot assess your personal medical suitability.
These features make Forest Lagoon a practical option for families and visitors with different accessibility needs. If you are still deciding which geothermal experience suits your trip, the most recommended hot springs in Iceland study compares Forest Lagoon with other popular bathing spots.
Recommended Forest Lagoon Tours
Forest Lagoon options include standalone admission, return transfers, sightseeing tours, and a multi-day winter package. Compare the operating season, total duration, minimum age, pickup arrangements, and time at the lagoon before booking.
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Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket in North Iceland: A year-round option for travelers arranging their own transportation.
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Forest Lagoon Bathing With Akureyri Transfers: Includes admission, a towel, and pickup and drop-off in Akureyri. It operates from August to April and has a minimum age of 13.
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Godafoss Waterfall and Forest Lagoon Tour From Akureyri: A year-round, four-hour option combining Godafoss Waterfall with Forest Lagoon admission, towel rental, and pickup from the cruise port or selected Akureyri accommodations.
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Godafoss, Laufas, and Forest Lagoon Tour From Akureyri Cruise Port: A summer shore excursion covering Godafoss Waterfall, the Laufas Turf Houses and Museum, and Forest Lagoon before returning to the port.
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2-Day Northern Lights and Forest Lagoon Tour in North Iceland: A winter package combining an aurora hunt, Godafoss Waterfall, Forest Lagoon, transportation, and airport transfers. Northern lights sightings are not guaranteed.
Attractions Near Forest Lagoon
Forest Lagoon is close enough to Akureyri to combine your soak with the town's gardens, museums, landmarks, and local food. Travelers with a car can also visit Godafoss Waterfall or the Christmas House as part of a wider day around the area.
Here are the best attractions to visit near Forest Lagoon:
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Akureyri Botanical Garden: Wander among thousands of Icelandic and international plants in one of the world's northernmost botanical gardens. Stop at LYST Cafe for coffee, brunch, cakes, or wine surrounded by the garden.
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Akureyri Museum: Discover the town's history and North Icelandic culture through photographs, maps, household objects, and changing exhibitions. The surrounding heritage area includes Nonni's House, the childhood home of Icelandic author Jón Sveinsson.
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Brynja Ice Cream: Try the distinctive soft serve that has made this family-run ice cream parlor an Akureyri institution. The original shop on Adalstraeti is close to Akureyri Museum, making it an easy treat before or after the lagoon.
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Motorcycle Museum of Iceland: See vintage and modern motorcycles while learning how Iceland's motorcycle community developed. The varied collection makes an unusual stop near Akureyri Airport.
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Akureyri Church: Climb the landmark staircase to one of the town's most recognizable buildings and enjoy views across Akureyri and Eyjafjordur Fjord. Inside, look for the large pipe organ, stained-glass window, and suspended model ship.
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Godafoss Waterfall: Follow the walking paths to viewpoints around this broad, horseshoe-shaped waterfall. It is about 19 miles (31 kilometers) east of Forest Lagoon and fits naturally into a longer Diamond Circle itinerary.
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Akureyri Christmas House: Browse festive decorations, Icelandic Yule Lad items, sweets, and gifts at this year-round attraction 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) south of Akureyri. Its colorful buildings and folklore-inspired details make it particularly enjoyable for families.
For a more active day, join a whale-watching tour from Akureyri or visit Hlidarfjall Ski Resort for winter skiing and snowboarding. Both are within easy reach of Akureyri but require more time than the town-center attractions.
For more ideas, explore the top things to do in Akureyri. You can also plan a meal or coffee stop using the guides to the best restaurants in Akureyri and best cafes in Akureyri.
Where To Stay When Visiting Forest Lagoon
For convenient access to Forest Lagoon, stay at one of the centrally located hotels and accommodations in Akureyri. This also keeps the town's restaurants, attractions, and lagoon shuttle stops within easy reach.
Here are six of the best options for different budgets and travel styles.
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Centrum Hotel: Stay beside the Centrum Kitchen & Bar shuttle stop in central Akureyri. The hotel offers rooms and suites, breakfast, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
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Hotel Akureyri: Stay beside one of the shuttle's pickup points on Hafnarstraeti. This four-star hotel offers an especially convenient base for an evening lagoon visit.
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Bryggjan Boutique Hotel: Choose a harborfront stay on Strandgata, within easy reach of Tangabryggja and central Akureyri. Its modern rooms include private bathrooms, and many offer sea or town views.
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Skald Hotel Akureyri: Choose a modern boutique hotel with rooms and serviced apartments for couples, families, and longer stays. Facilities include a restaurant, rooftop terraces, and a fitness center.
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Hotel Kea: Enjoy a four-star stay opposite Akureyri Church and within walking distance of the town's main sights. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant and bar.
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Akureyri Backpackers: Save on a central stay with dormitories and private rooms, shared kitchens, a cafe, a bar, and a sauna. Its Hafnarstraeti location is convenient if you are exploring without a car.
Tips for Visiting Forest Lagoon
A little preparation can make your visit more comfortable, especially during busy periods or in changing weather. Here are the most useful tips to know before arriving.
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Bring a swimsuit and pack a towel unless your admission includes one. Towel rental costs 1,400 ISK, and swimsuits are also available to rent if needed.
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Shower without a swimsuit before entering the pools. This is required for hygiene and is standard at geothermal pools in Iceland.
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Store jewelry and other valuables securely in your locker. Water, heat, and minerals may affect some metals or finishes, while small items can easily be misplaced.
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Leave outside food, drinks, and water bottles behind. Drinks can be purchased inside, with a maximum of four alcoholic drinks per wristband.
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Keep your phone stored away while using the changing rooms, where phone use is strictly prohibited.
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Arrive at the time shown on your ticket. Entry after your reserved arrival time may depend on the lagoon's remaining capacity.
Make the Most of Your Forest Lagoon Visit
Forest Lagoon combines warm geothermal water with the forested shore of Eyjafjordur Fjord, only a few minutes from Akureyri. Íris finds that around two hours gives most travelers time to enjoy the pools, sauna, cold pool, and changing views without rushing.
Sometimes the best Forest Lagoon experience is simply finding a comfortable place in the water, looking out over the fjord, and staying there for a while.
Book your Forest Lagoon admission ahead for a preferred time, check the current shuttle schedule if you are not driving, and choose the facilities that suit you. The experience is designed for slowing down, not completing a checklist.
