Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included

Warm water in the forest, with a fjord view nearby. Forest Lagoon is a geothermal spa experience in Akureyri that mixes hot pools with a Finnish-style sauna and a bracing cold plunge. I like the practical setup, especially the included towel and one alcoholic drink, which turns your entry ticket into a ready-to-go soak.

One more thing I appreciate: the setting. You’re among birch and pine trees in Vaðlaskógur forest, looking out toward Eyjafjörður. The pools are simple, clean, and designed for repeat visits and lingering, not just quick dips. The only real downside to plan for is that shower and changing areas are not very private, and you might deal with a short wait for the more secluded spots.

Key things I’d plan for before you go

• Towel and locker are included, so you do not have to pay extra on arrival.
• Two geothermal pools run at about the same comfortable temperature, with one side feeling a bit quieter.
• Finnish-style dry sauna at around 80°C helps you warm up before you try the cold plunge.
• In-pool bar drink is included, making the ticket feel more like a full spa visit.
• Wristband entry keeps check-in fast and organized when it gets busy.
• Late time slots may close earlier than you expect, including the bar and pool areas.

Forest Lagoon in Akureyri: why it feels different than a quick soak

If you only have a couple hours in Akureyri, Forest Lagoon works well because it gives you the core thermal-bathing routine in a smooth loop. You do not need a long itinerary, just a towel, a little patience, and a sense of humor about the cold part.

This place sits in Vaðlaskógur forest and looks toward one of Iceland’s longest fjords, Eyjafjörður. That combo matters. The geothermal experience already relaxes your body, but the trees and the view help your brain keep slowing down after you leave the changing rooms.

Two things that make the ticket especially easy to justify are the included towel and the included one drink. On Iceland trips, it is common for little add-ons to stack up quickly. Here, the ticket hands you the stuff you usually end up buying anyway, so your money goes straight into the soak.

One practical point: this facility is for people who intend to bathe or use the sauna only. That means the vibe stays focused on the thermal routine, not hanging around as a spectator.

Getting your bearings: the address, timing, and ticket format

Forest Lagoon’s meeting point is at Vaðlaskógur 605, 605 Akureyri, Iceland. The activity ends back at the same spot, so you’re not stuck figuring out what to do next.

Plan on about 2 hours on site. That is enough time to check in, warm up in the pools, try the sauna, do the cold plunge once or twice, and still have a moment to sit and take in the fjord views.

You’ll use a mobile ticket, and you’ll get confirmation at booking time. It also helps that the group size is capped at 200 travelers, which keeps the experience from turning into chaos.

Also, this tends to book up ahead of time, with an average booking window of about 43 days. If you’re traveling in peak season or you want a specific time slot, booking early is smart.

Hot pools and swim-up bars: what 37°C feels like for real

Forest Lagoon has two geothermal pools, both held at about 37°C (98.6°F). That temperature is warm enough to feel restorative but not so hot that you feel forced to rush.

The larger pool is about 530 m² and includes three swim-up bars. The indoor entrance is handy too, because it reduces the amount of cold you feel while you’re transitioning in and out. If you want a classic lagoon feel, this is the main hub.

The smaller pool is about 330 m² and offers a quieter space to unwind. Even if both pools are the same temperature, that change in layout can make a real difference to your mood. If you like conversation, you can hang near the busier areas. If you want calm, you can move to the quieter pool and keep it simple.

This is not a place to treat like a theme park. It’s more like a controlled environment for relaxation, where your routine is the product. Once you find a spot and let the water do its work, time starts to stretch out.

The Finnish dry sauna and the contrast routine

After the warm pool, the sauna is the next step. The sauna is Finnish-style dry, with temperatures around 80°C and low humidity. That combination can feel intense, especially after you’ve been in warm water, but it also makes the next step easier.

From the sauna area, you get panoramic views toward Eyjafjörður and the surrounding mountains. You’re not just roasting in a box. You can look out and let the view do some of the calming.

Then comes the part most people remember: the cold pool. It’s cooled to about 11°C (51.8°F). It is bracing, no question. But contrast bathing is the whole point of these thermal routines, and here it’s built right into your ticket.

Practical advice: do the cold plunge when you feel ready, not when you feel pushed. Take it slow at the edge, breathe steadily, and remember that you only need to do one good plunge to enjoy the contrast effect.

Your included towel, locker, and one drink: small perks with real value

The ticket includes a towel, which is one of those details that sounds minor until you’re halfway through your trip. If you planned to rent one or bring your own, you can treat this as a time and hassle win.

There’s also a locker provided to store your belongings securely. That matters because you do not want to worry about where your phone or keys are while you’re in and out of the pools.

Then there is the drink. You can sip an included alcoholic drink at the in-pool bar. This is not just a nice extra, it can help you pace your soak. Have a drink early if you want a social break, or time it for later if you want the calm to stay quiet.

A couple of review-based notes are worth considering as well. One person liked the drink quality and described it as reasonable compared to other paid options they saw. Another mentioned extra drinks are roughly in the £4 to £10 range, so the included drink does not eliminate all bar spending, but it meaningfully offsets it.

Showering and changing: plan for limited privacy

This is the part people forget to think about. Before entering the lagoon area, you should expect a shower routine. There is a strong custom of showering naked before you go into the lagoon and again before you come out. For guests who prefer more privacy, there are shower cubicles, but the number can be limited.

One important consideration: the changing and dressing areas are not very private. If you’re sensitive about privacy, you might want to go early in your time slot, so waiting time is lower.

It also helps to pack smart. Since lockers are provided, keep your swimsuit dry items in one place. Bring something for colder minutes outside the pools, because you’ll likely feel the air shift as you move around.

Views over Eyjafjörður: when to go for a calmer experience

The best part about Forest Lagoon is that the nature is not background. It’s part of the rhythm. You sit in warm water looking toward Eyjafjörður, and you get the mountains in the sauna. Even at dusk, people find it relaxing because your eyes have something to focus on other than steam and tiled walls.

Timing matters. The pool and bar are open during your booked slot, and the experience can get busier later in the day. If you’re chasing quiet, consider choosing an earlier entry window.

One late-time warning is worth repeating: if you book the latest slot around 10:00 pm, there’s a note that the pool and bar close at 11:30 pm. That means you should plan your finishing time so you are not caught mid-routine when things shut down.

Walking, shuttles, and getting there without stress

Forest Lagoon is near public transportation, and it’s possible to reach it without a car. Some people found it manageable to walk from central areas, but they warned it can be icy, especially when the weather turns.

If you want a low-effort option, look out for the free shuttle bus that some visitors used from areas like HOF and from an old town or town information center location. For cruise ship days, at least one traveler reported it was a short walk from the ship and also used shuttle options.

Seasonal timing can matter. One review mentioned that in the offseason the bus runs only on the hour. If you’re working around cruise schedules or tight flight times, give yourself extra buffer.

Parking is also described as easy, followed by a small walk up to the lagoon, so if you drive you likely can handle it without drama.

Wrapping up: Forest Bistro after your soak

Once your bathing time is done, you can head to Forest Bistro. It’s a wood-clad dining space with fjord views and an indoor fireplace. Even if you do not sit long, it’s a nice place to warm back up and keep your day feeling complete.

This is also a smart moment for a practical reset. After cold and warm cycles, your body may feel a little strange. Food and warmth help you transition back to “I am going sightseeing” mode.

Who Forest Lagoon is best for (and who should think twice)

Forest Lagoon is a strong fit for you if:

• You want a true thermal loop in under half a day, with hot pools, sauna, and cold plunge in one ticket.
• You value practical included items, especially towel, locker, and one drink.
• You like spa experiences that feel more like calm downtime than a loud attraction.

It may not be the best fit if:

• You want highly private shower and changing spaces. Limited cubicles mean you might deal with waiting or awkward timing.
• You want a full late-night venue. If you book a late slot, plan around the pool and bar closing earlier than you might assume.

If you’re traveling with kids, note the child rule: children 11 years and younger can stay in the lagoon only until 8 PM. Children tickets are available on site.

Price and value at $86.27 per person

At $86.27 per person for roughly 2 hours, the value mostly comes down to what you get without extra purchases. Here you’re paying for:

• Access to hot pools, the Finnish-style dry sauna, and the cold plunge area
• A provided towel
• A locker
• One included alcoholic drink at the in-pool bar

If you’ve done other geothermal spots in Iceland, you know that towels and drinks can be the first surprise costs. This ticket bundles them in, so the price feels more predictable.

The included drink also changes the experience. It makes it easier to treat the visit like a real break rather than a checklist. You can warm up, sauna, plunge, then sip without hunting for what’s open.

Should you book Forest Lagoon admission in Akureyri?

Yes, if you want an Iceland geothermal experience that feels manageable, scenic, and practical. Forest Lagoon is a good value because the ticket includes items that people often end up paying for anyway, and the layout makes it easy to move through warm, sauna, and cold on your own pace.

I’d book it if you:

• Are short on time in Akureyri but still want the full thermal routine
• Like spa settings with real nature and fjord views
• Prefer a group cap that helps keep things calmer

I’d think twice if you are strongly privacy-focused in changing areas, or if you’re planning to stay super late. If you do go late, plan around the earlier closure and go in with the shower reality in mind.

FAQ

What’s included in the Forest Lagoon admission ticket?

The ticket includes admission to Forest Lagoon, use of the hot pools, sauna, and cold pool, plus a provided towel and one included alcoholic drink at the in-pool bar. A locker is also provided for your belongings.

How long should I plan to spend at Forest Lagoon?

Plan for about 2 hours (approx.) at Forest Lagoon.

Do I need to print anything, or can I use my phone?

You’ll use a mobile ticket.

Are lockers available for storing belongings?

Yes, a provided locker is available to keep your belongings secure.

Are children allowed?

Children 11 years and younger are allowed to stay in the lagoon only until 8 PM. Children tickets are available on site.

Can non-bathers enter the facility?

Only guests intending to bathe or use the sauna may use the facility.

Is cancellation free?

Yes, you can cancel for free. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time.