Akureyri: Admission to Forest Lagoon with Towel and Drink

Sitting in warm water with fjord views is a pretty smart idea. Forest Lagoon pairs a modern geothermal setup with a calm birch and pine forest above Eyjafjörður, so the whole visit feels like wellness with fresh air. I especially like the two main geothermal pools, both kept at a steady 37°C, plus the way the larger pool flows indoors, so you do not feel exposed when the weather turns.

The second big win is the hot and cold contrast, including a Finnish dry sauna and an 11°C cold plunge for resetting your body and mood. The one drawback to plan around is crowd timing, since peak periods (especially when cruise ships are in) can make it less quiet than you hoped.

Key highlights and practical reasons to care

• Two warm pools at 37°C with indoor access to the larger lagoon, great for easing in
• Finnish dry sauna around 80°C with panoramic Eyjafjörður and mountain views
• Cold plunge at about 11°C nearby for a real hot-cold cycle
• Three swim-up bars in the main pool, plus a drink included with your ticket
• Forest Bistro inside a wood-clad space with fjord views and a cozy fireplace
• Spotlessly clean, well-run facility that feels more relaxed than Iceland’s mega-famous lagoons

Forest Lagoon in Akureyri: Why This Spa Works So Well

Forest Lagoon sits in Vaðlaskógur forest, overlooking Eyjafjörður. That setting matters because it changes the vibe. You are not just soaking, you are also watching fjord water and distant mountains through trees that make the whole place feel tucked away.

You can also feel the planning. The lockers are part of the flow, shower products are provided, and towels are included with this admission. The result is less fiddling and more time actually relaxing, which is what you came for in the first place.

And because this is Akureyri, the timing can fit nicely into a day of Northern Iceland. A soak here can be your recovery session after hiking, driving, or walking around town. When your legs feel heavy, the hot water does the easy part.

The Pools: Two Warm Options at 37°C Plus Indoor Comfort

Think of Forest Lagoon as a simple circuit. You start in warm geothermal water, you mix in sauna and cold, then you return to warm again if you feel like it.

The main pool is about 530 m² and is kept at 37°C. It has three swim-up bars, so you can float and sip without having to fully break your rhythm. There is also an indoor entrance, which is a quiet win in Iceland’s weather. If it is windy or chilly, you still get a comfortable transition from changing rooms to the water.

There is a second geothermal pool, smaller at about 330 m², also kept around 37°C. This one tends to feel calmer because it is less about the full “pool party” energy. If you want a slower pace, this pool is the place to linger.

In both pools, the forest framing is the point. Birch and pine surround the water, and the fjord view pulls your attention outward instead of inward. It is the kind of scene that makes your phone feel unnecessary for a while.

Practical note: Forest Lagoon is set up so you can spend real time in the circuit, but you still want to keep an eye on how busy things are when cruise ships show up. More people usually means more noise around the bars and more traffic in the main pool.

Sauna and Cold Plunge: The Hot-Cool Cycle That Actually Changes How You Feel

The sauna at Forest Lagoon is Finnish-style dry heat, around 80°C with low humidity. That matters because you get hot without the clammy steam feeling that some saunas create. Add in the panoramic views and it becomes a more “I can breathe” heat session rather than just heat for heat’s sake.

Then comes the cold plunge, cooled to about 11°C. This is not a casual dip. It is the kind of temperature that makes you feel awake immediately, and it is why people do the cycle more than once.

Here is the practical way to enjoy it: do not rush the transitions. Get settled in the warm pool first, then sauna, then cold. After that, return to warm water for a longer reset. Most people get the best benefits when they treat it like a rhythm, not a challenge.

If you are sensitive to heat or cold, start with shorter sauna time and a gentler plunge. Your goal is comfort and recovery, not toughness. The circuit is intense enough that you do not need to overdo it.

Also, note the facility rule that only guests intending to bathe or use the sauna may use the lagoon. So plan for your time as a bathing session, not a casual walk-through.

Swim-Up Bars and the Included Drink: Small Perk, Big Vibe

Your ticket includes one drink at the swim-up bar. For many people, that is the sweet spot between “this is a spa” and “I want a treat.” You get the drink without needing to decide what to order on arrival.

There is also a bracelet-based charging system. The included drink is applied as the first beverage charged to your bracelet. One small detail that can save you a moment of confusion: bottled wine is not included.

The swim-up bar setup is more than a novelty. Having three swim-up bars in the main pool means it is easier to stay in the water and keep your comfort level. It also adds a social feeling when the lagoon is busy, which can be fun if you are not looking for total silence.

Just remember the poolside rules. You cannot bring everything with you while you swim. In practice, plan on bringing your essentials and keeping valuables secured in your locker. A waterproof phone option helps if you want photos without stressing about your gear.

Forest Bistro: Lunch With Fjord Views (Without Leaving the Mood)

One of Forest Lagoon’s best value add-ons is the Forest Bistro. You do not have to plan a separate lunch location around the spa. That matters because leaving the site can break the whole slow-down feeling.

The bistro is wood-clad and designed to feel cozy, with fjord views and an indoor fireplace. If you go in cooler months, the fireplace energy is real, and it gives you a warm place to sit after the sauna and cold plunge.

Food quality is a big part of why people rate this experience highly. It is not just a snack stop. It is a proper place to eat so you can return to the water feeling satisfied instead of rushed.

If you care about timing, this is the moment to eat when the lagoon is busiest. Grab lunch, cool off a bit, then head back in when you want to settle again.

Timing and Crowd Control: When Akureyri Feels Calm

Crowds are the main swing factor for your comfort here. The facility is popular, and it can get busier when cruise ships are in the area.

If you want the most peaceful experience, aim for quieter starting times and avoid the “everyone arrives together” moments. One of the happiest travel patterns is going early or later in the day when groups thin out.

Weather also changes the vibe. On clear nights, the lagoon feels extra magical. If the sky is dark and the trees frame the water, you get a calm, starry atmosphere that is hard to recreate anywhere else.

Even when it is not crowded, the space still has a modern feel. It is clean, well maintained, and set up in a way that makes you feel like you can move through the space without constant interruptions.

Price and Value at $82: What You Really Get

At $82 per person, Forest Lagoon is not the cheapest geothermal outing in Iceland. But the real question is what you get for that money, and here the ticket is structured like a complete spa session.

Included in your admission:

• Entry to Forest Lagoon
• Shower products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer)
• Use of a locker for valuables
• Towel
• One drink at the swim-up bar

That bundle matters. Shower products remove one packing hassle. A locker means you do not have to carry your bag around. A towel can save time and weight. And the included drink helps justify the outing as an experience, not just access to a pool.

Compared with Iceland’s most famous lagoons, Forest Lagoon often feels like better value because it can be less crowded and more intimate. You still get the hot pools, sauna, and cold plunge without the same “big attraction, long lines” feeling.

One caution: a few people felt the price was a bit high, especially if they stayed for a shorter time or if a section of the facility was not open. So if you want to feel like you got your money’s worth, plan to actually use the full circuit, not just dip in for a quick photo.

Also factor in what a rental or taxi might cost depending on where you start your day in Akureyri. If you are staying close, it is easier to make the spa feel like a bargain.

What to Pack, What Is Provided, and Rules That Catch People

Forest Lagoon is pretty straightforward, but the rules can surprise first-timers.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel (your ticket includes a towel, but having your own can also feel more comfortable)

Swimwear rental is not included, and bathrobes are not included either. If you like being fully wrapped up before and after the pool time, you might want to bring your own robe or plan to use the provided showers and towels.

What you do get:

• Locker access for your valuables
• Shower products, including moisturizer
• Towel included with your admission

Rules to know:

• Smoking and vaping are not allowed
• Nudity is not allowed
• Unaccompanied minors are not allowed
• Children under 12 must leave the lagoon by 20:00

Also, only guests intending to bathe or use the sauna may use the facility. That keeps the place focused on soaking, sauna time, and the hot-cold ritual.

Poolside practical tips from real-world experience:

• Keep your phone simple and secure. Some people say you are limited to what you can take poolside besides your phone.
• Plan for a little walking. The experience is set up as a circuit through water, sauna, and cold areas.
• Pool seating can be limited. There are benches around buildings, but you may find the real lounging experience happens in the water itself, not on a comfy chair.

If you like to relax on deck or just sit for long stretches, arrive with that expectation. You will still enjoy the view, just know the water is where most of the downtime happens.

Getting There From Akureyri: Shuttle and Local Options

Getting to Forest Lagoon from Akureyri is usually easy. There is shuttle information on the operator’s website, and many visitors use an hourly shuttle near the port area, with pickup points around the Hof building and city center.

If you prefer to walk when the weather is nice, a causeway walk from Akureyri town is sometimes mentioned as about 45 minutes, and it comes with views as you go. That is an option if you are already in walking mode.

For most people, the cleanest choice is to use the shuttle and treat this day like a one-thing stop: soak, sauna, cold plunge, lunch, repeat.

Should You Book Forest Lagoon in Akureyri?

Yes, if you want a geothermal spa that feels calm, modern, and naturally scenic. Forest Lagoon delivers real comfort: warm pools at 37°C, a proper dry sauna around 80°C, and an 11°C cold plunge that makes the whole hot-cool idea feel legitimate. Add in the included towel and swim-up drink, and it becomes a complete half-day or full spa-session kind of outing.

I would skip or rethink it if:

• You are traveling during peak cruise times and only want solitude
• You plan to spend less than an hour and treat it like a quick stop
• You expect lots of poolside seating like a resort lounge

If you time it well, though, this is one of the easiest ways to slow down in Northern Iceland. You get forest air, fjord views, and a simple wellness routine that actually changes how you feel before you head back to your next adventure.

FAQ

What does the Forest Lagoon ticket include?

Your admission includes entry to Forest Lagoon, access to shower products, a locker for valuables, a towel, and one drink at the swim-up bar.

Is swimwear rental included?

No. Swimwear rental is not included, so you should bring your own swimwear.

Are bathrobes included?

No. Bathrobes are not included.

What should I bring with me?

You should bring swimwear and a towel.

What are the temperature highlights of the pools and sauna?

The two warm geothermal pools are kept at about 37°C. The cold pool is about 11°C, and the Finnish dry sauna is around 80°C.

Is the included drink limited in any way?

The included drink is the first beverage charged to your bracelet. Bottled wine is not included.

Are there any rules about kids?

Yes. Children under 12 must leave the lagoon by 20:00, and child tickets are available on-site.

Can I cancel my booking for a full refund?

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