Forest Lagoon feels like a reset button in the trees.

This geothermal spa sits just minutes from Akureyri, surrounded by Vaðlaskógur (birch and pine forest) and looking over the long fjord Eyjafjörður. I especially like the combination of warm soaking and that calm, forest-side atmosphere that makes you slow down.

Two things make it a standout: a dry Finnish sauna with big views and a real cold plunge beside it. The main potential drawback is practical: towels and swimwear aren’t included, so pack smart or be ready to pay extra if you borrow items.

Key Highlights at Forest Lagoon (Akureyri)

• Two heated pools: a large 530 m² pool at about 37°C and a smaller 53 m² pool around 40°C
• Swim-up bars in the main pool, so you don’t have to keep leaving the water
• Dry Finnish sauna around 80°C with low humidity (~20%), plus a view over Eyjafjörður
• Cold plunge pool at about 11°C for the classic hot-and-cold contrast
• Shower products included (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer) to help you travel lighter
• Forest Bistro on-site for a wood-cladded setting with fjord views and an indoor fireplace

A Quick Orientation to Forest Lagoon Near Akureyri

Forest Lagoon is one of those places that makes the drive feel worth it. You’re in northeastern Iceland, close to Akureyri, but the spa is set in the woods in a way that cuts the outside world down to a whisper.

The setting matters. The whole experience is designed around being surrounded by birch and pine, with the fjord and mountain views framing the time you spend in the water and the sauna. Even if you’ve done other geothermal spots in Iceland, the forest angle gives this one a different mood: quieter, more tucked-in, and easier to relax for longer.

The layout is also simple, which is a big deal when you’re tired from travel. You’ll move through a loop of warm pools, sauna, cold pool, then shower and food. No complicated route marks, no constant searching for the next “feature.” You just settle in, then follow your own rhythm.

Geothermal Pools in Vaðlaskógur: Warm Soak, Swim-Up Bars

Forest Lagoon has two main pools, and the temperature difference is more useful than it sounds. The larger pool (530 m²) sits around 37°C / 98.6°F, which is the kind of warmth that feels comfortable for a longer soak. It also has indoor entry, so it’s easier to get in and out without the cold air messing with your plan.

The smaller pool (53 m²) is warmer, around 40°C / 104°F. That few degrees is not just trivia. It’s helpful when you want a “stronger” warm-up after time outside the water, or when you’re cooling down too fast in the big pool.

Then there are the swim-up bars. Having a place to grab a drink while you’re still in the pool changes the whole pace. Instead of making frequent trips to dry land, you can keep the vibe going right where you’re comfortable. Prices vary by what you order, but the key point is that the bars make the pools feel more like a real hangout than a quick soak stop.

One more practical note: the pools are set up for easy back-and-forth between warm and cool. That matters because Iceland weather can be unpredictable, and you’ll want the flexibility to adjust your body temperature without feeling like you’re constantly starting over.

Dry Finnish Sauna With Eyjafjörður Views

The dry Finnish sauna is the star for a lot of people, and I get why. Unlike wet steam rooms, a Finnish dry sauna keeps moisture and steam out of the equation. The humidity is held around 20%, and the temperature sits around 80°C.

If you’re used to other spa heat types, this matters for comfort. Lower humidity can feel more breathable, especially if you find steam rooms too intense. You’ll still feel the heat, but it’s not the same kind of heavy cloud.

The best part is what you see while you’re in there. You get a view over Eyjafjörður and the surrounding mountains, which turns the sauna from a feature into an experience. Hot heat is one thing, but adding that wide landscape view makes it feel like you’re doing something Iceland-specific instead of just using a standard facility.

Do wear your swimsuits in the sauna. That rule is explicitly part of how the sauna is meant to be used, and it keeps things straightforward.

Cold Plunge Pairing: 11°C Shock Done Safely

Next to the sauna, you’ll find the cold pool at about 11°C / 51.8°F. This is the counterweight to the sauna and the warm pools. It’s not about suffering for sport. It’s about contrast: heat relaxes your muscles, then the cold helps you feel alert and refreshed.

The value of this pairing is that it’s built into the place. You don’t have to hunt for a cold shower option or figure out where the nearest ice-cold water is. You can do the full routine on-site, moving between zones in a way that fits your own pace.

If you’re new to hot-and-cold, I’d treat your first round like a trial. Go in slowly. Give yourself time to adjust rather than forcing the full “sauna then straight to the cold” cycle at maximum intensity. The cold pool is cold, but it’s also controlled, which makes it more manageable than improvising elsewhere.

Also, because the cold plunge is part of the designed flow, it’s easier to keep your experience balanced. You’re not just warming up for a bit and leaving. You’re following a pattern that makes the whole visit feel more intentional.

What’s Included, What You Need to Bring, and the Value Math

Let’s talk money and logistics, the practical stuff that decides whether a spa is good value or just a pricey indulgence.

Your ticket includes:

• Entrance
• Shower products: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer

Towels, swimwear, and bath robes are not included. That’s a big deal. Pack a towel and swimwear, and you avoid most of the hidden costs that can pop up at thermal spas.

One thing I like here is the “travel-light” angle. Those included shower products mean you might not need to bring as much toiletries-wise. If you’re already packing for Iceland’s weather and layers, every small reduction helps.

Price: it’s listed at $52 per person, and the ticket is valid for 1 day. The value comes down to how long you stay and what you use. If you treat this as a full thermal circuit—two pools, sauna, cold plunge, plus shower and a meal—your per-hour cost starts to feel more reasonable. If you only pop in briefly and do one pool, the same price can feel steeper.

Reviews also point out that the sauna access isn’t treated like a separate add-on, which boosts the value. You’re paying for the full loop, not just the water.

If you forget items like towels or swimwear, you may be able to borrow them on-site, but that typically increases costs. So the simple move: bring what you need and keep your wallet calm.

Forest Bistro Breaks Up Your Thermal Routine

Your thermal loop doesn’t have to end with you back in the woods. Forest Lagoon has Forest Bistro, and the idea is to give you a place to eat without losing the spa atmosphere.

The bistro is wood-cladded, and it’s paired with fjord views over Eyjafjörður and an indoor fireplace. That matters on a cool Iceland day. When you’re done with hot water and heat zones, you’ll likely want something warm and cozy that doesn’t require you to immediately leave.

Also, a dining space on-site helps you avoid the most common spa fatigue mistake: rushing back out to town because you’re hungry. Eating while you’re already in the right mood is one of those small choices that makes the whole day feel easier.

If you’re the type who likes to keep your itinerary flexible, the bistro is also a good “pause button.” You can eat, reset, then go back into the pools or finish with a sauna/cold cycle.

Timing Tips for Getting the Best Pace (and the Kids’ Cutoff)

Forest Lagoon is set up so you can enjoy your time without feeling like you’re on a conveyor belt. Your ticket is valid for one day, and you’ll want to check availability for starting times.

How long to plan? Many people treat it like a couple-hours-to-reset stop. That’s often enough time to do the full routine at least once and still have space to linger.

Two timing rules you should know:

• Children under 12 must leave the lagoon before 20:00
• Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed

So if you’re traveling with kids, make your plan around the evening cut-off. And if you’re going at a time when families are more likely to be around, you may want to adjust expectations for crowding.

The most effective strategy is simple: go earlier in the day if you want a calmer feel, and plan your sauna and cold plunge for when you’re ready to commit your energy for a full cycle. If you do the sauna too early, you may feel tempted to chase your warmth back up instead of settling in.

Who This Spa Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

Forest Lagoon suits people who want a thermal experience that’s both relaxing and well-paced. It’s a strong choice if you:

• Like the idea of forest surroundings with fjord views
• Want a real dry sauna experience rather than only wet steam
• Enjoy the contrast of warm pools and a cold plunge
• Prefer a spa with on-site food so your day stays smooth

It may not be the best match if you:

• Show up without a towel and swimwear and don’t want to pay extra for borrowing
• Only want a quick dip and don’t plan to use the sauna or cold pool
• Are looking for something that feels more like a crowded “attraction.” This one tends to feel calmer by design.

Also, wheelchair access is listed. If mobility support is part of your planning, this is a good sign that the facility is meant to accommodate more visitors.

Should You Book Forest Lagoon?

Here’s my practical verdict: book Forest Lagoon if you want the most Iceland-like combo of geothermal water + dry heat + fjord views in one easy, self-guided visit. The two pool temperatures, the dedicated cold plunge, and the sauna with Eyjafjörður views make this more than a single soak.

If you’re trying to choose between spas, this one is especially worth it for the setting and the sauna/cold circuit. The value improves when you treat it like a full experience rather than a quick stop.

I’d skip or rethink it only if you’re truly tight on packing and don’t want towel/swimwear costs, or if your main goal is something that’s mostly about soaking with minimal heat-zone time.

If your Akureyri itinerary has room for a thermal reset, Forest Lagoon is a clean, comfortable way to spend it.

FAQ

How long is the Forest Lagoon ticket valid?

The entrance ticket is valid for 1 day. You’ll want to check availability for starting times.

What is included with the entrance ticket?

Your ticket includes the entrance and Forest Lagoon signature shower products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer).

Do they provide towels or swimwear?

Towels and swimwear are not included. Bath robes are also not included.

What temperatures can I expect in the pools and sauna?

The large pool is around 37°C, the small pool is around 40°C, and the cold plunge pool is around 11°C. The dry Finnish sauna is around 80°C with humidity around 20%.

Is the facility wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Are there rules for minors or behavior?

Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed. Children under 12 must leave the lagoon before 20:00. Smoking and vaping are not allowed, and nudity is not allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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