Akureyri: Forest Lagoon Entrance Ticket

Forest Lagoon gives you a warm soak with a distinctly northern Iceland setting: birch and pine forest behind you, Eyjafjörður spread out ahead. It is only a few minutes from Akureyri, yet the quiet woodland setting feels far removed from town.

I especially like the 37°C large pool with indoor entry and two swim-up bars, and the fact that the Finnish sauna and cold plunge are included rather than sold as costly extras. The main drawback is price: at $52 per person, plus extra charges for towels, swimwear, robes, drinks, or a taxi, the bill can rise quickly.

Key points to know before you go

• Two geothermal pools: The main 530-square-meter pool stays around 37°C, while the smaller 53-square-meter pool reaches about 40°C.
• Fjord-facing Finnish sauna: The dry sauna is kept at roughly 80°C with about 20 percent humidity.
• Cold plunge included: The plunge pool is 11°C, a sharp contrast after the sauna.
• Easy access from Akureyri: The lagoon is only a few minutes from town, though one taxi account cost about £30 for the short round trip.
• Bring your own basics: Towels, swimwear, and robes are not included, and borrowing them can increase the cost.
• Children have an evening limit: Anyone under 12 must leave the lagoon before 20:00.

A forest setting above Eyjafjörður

The setting is the main reason to choose Forest Lagoon over another geothermal bath. The pools sit among Vaðlaskógur, a forest of birch and pine, with views toward Eyjafjörður and the mountains around Iceland’s longest fjord.

That combination changes the mood. You are not looking across a broad field of volcanic rock or a busy resort complex. Instead, you get trees close to the water and a wide view beyond them. The forest also gives the lagoon a sheltered, quiet feel, especially when you are sitting still and letting the view do the work.

I would plan this as a slow stop, not a quick dip between other activities. The ticket is valid for one day, and the available information does not set a short pool session. One useful detail from the experience is that there is no set end time mentioned, so you can make the most of the facility rather than watching the clock after a brief entry window.

The weather still matters. Iceland can change quickly, and the value of the setting depends partly on visibility. On a clear day, the fjord and mountains should be the star of the visit. In poor weather, the warm water, trees, sauna, and indoor entry still give you plenty to enjoy.

Arriving from Akureyri

Forest Lagoon is just a few minutes from Akureyri, making it an easy addition to a day in Iceland’s northern capital. The short distance is convenient, but do not assume that the transfer will be cheap. One account put the taxi cost to and from town at about £30 for a six-minute total drive.

That makes the lagoon more attractive if you already have a car, are sharing a taxi, or can combine the visit with other plans. At $52 for entry, a solo taxi ride can make a relaxing bath feel less like a good-value stop.

Check the available starting times when you book. The ticket is described as valid for one day, but the exact entry arrangements can depend on availability. I would choose a time that leaves room to stay for the pools, sauna, cold plunge, and perhaps the bistro, rather than squeezing it into a narrow gap.

Forest Lagoon is wheelchair accessible, which is useful for anyone who needs step-free access. The activity information does not provide more detailed accessibility measurements, so you may want to confirm specific needs before arrival.

The 530-square-meter main pool

The large pool is the heart of Forest Lagoon. At 530 square meters and around 37°C, it is warm enough for a long, comfortable soak without feeling as intense as the smaller pool.

The pool has indoor entry, which is a practical Icelandic feature. You can move between the changing area and the water without making a cold outdoor walk. Once in the pool, you can settle into the temperature and look toward the fjord, the forest, or the swim-up bars.

The two bars add convenience, especially if you want a drink without leaving the water. Drinks are not part of the $52 entry price, but one account found the bar prices reasonable. That is worth noting because poolside drinks in Iceland can turn into a costly surprise at some spas.

This is also the pool where you are most likely to spend the bulk of your time. The temperature works well for lingering, chatting quietly, and taking in the view. If you prefer very hot water, the smaller pool is the better choice. If you want a longer, gentler soak, start here.

The warmer 53-square-meter pool

The smaller pool measures 53 square meters and stays around 40°C. That extra heat gives you a useful change of pace, though you may not want to remain there as long as in the main pool.

I like having two temperatures in the same facility. You can move from the larger pool into the hotter one, then cool down before returning to the main water. The warmer pool is also a good option if the 37°C pool feels mild to you.

Do pay attention to how your body feels. A 40°C pool can become tiring faster than a moderate-temperature soak, particularly if you combine it with the sauna. The best approach is to alternate rather than treat the hotter pool as your only stop.

The facility had a reputation for clean, warm water, with some minor variation during individual visits. One small section was closed during one visit, so you should allow for the possibility that a feature may be unavailable on the day.

The 80°C Finnish sauna and 11°C plunge

The sauna uses dry Finnish heat, not a steam-room system. The temperature is about 80°C and humidity around 20 percent, so the air feels hot but not damp.

The location is what makes this sauna special. It looks over Eyjafjörður and the surrounding mountains, giving you something to focus on besides the heat. Remember to keep your swimsuit on, since nudity is not allowed.

Next to the sauna is an 11°C cold pool. That is cold enough to feel startling, but it gives you a clear contrast after the dry heat. The facility recommends combining the sauna and cold plunge, and I can see why: the sequence creates more variety than simply sitting in warm water for two hours.

You do not pay extra for the sauna or plunge, which improves the value of the ticket. Many thermal facilities divide their features into basic and premium access. Here, the main water, sauna, and cold pool are part of the same entry.

If you are new to cold plunges, keep your first attempt brief and return to the warm pool afterward. You do not need to prove anything. The point is to enjoy the contrast, not to endure an unpleasant challenge.

Forest Bistro and the swim-up bars

Forest Bistro adds an indoor pause to the outdoor bathing experience. The bistro is wood-clad and includes an indoor fireplace, with views across Eyjafjörður.

Food is not included with admission, so think of it as an optional way to extend your visit. If you like having a proper meal or snack in a distinctive setting, it may be worth allowing time for the bistro. If you are watching your spending, bring your own plan for eating elsewhere and treat the bars as optional.

The two swim-up bars make the large pool more convenient. You can order a drink without changing, drying off, and leaving the water. Drinks cost extra, but the available feedback describes them as reasonably priced and nicely presented.

That is a small detail, but it matters. At a spa, the best moments often come when you do not have to interrupt the rhythm of soaking, cooling down, and sitting quietly. The bar lets you stay in that rhythm, provided you are comfortable adding drinks to the bill.

What the $52 ticket really buys

At $52 per person, Forest Lagoon is not a budget activity. The price feels more reasonable when you use the full facility: both pools, the sauna, the cold plunge, the view, and enough time to relax without rushing.

You also receive shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer in the showers. Those signature products mean you do not need to pack a full set of toiletries, though you still need your own towel and swimwear.

Towels, swimwear, robes, and drinks are not included. This is the biggest practical cost issue. Bring your own towel and swimsuit if you can. One account noted that borrowing these items can make the final price rise quickly.

I would compare the total cost, not just the entry fee. For two people, admission comes to $104 before transport, food, drinks, or rental items. If you are already in Akureyri and can get there without an expensive taxi, the value improves. If you need a taxi both ways and rent several items, it becomes a special-occasion splurge.

Still, the facility includes the sauna and cold plunge, and the atmosphere is a major part of the price. The strongest praise centers on the calm setting, warm water, clean facilities, helpful staff, and views. Those are the features you are paying for, not just access to a swimming pool.

How long to plan for your visit

The activity is listed as valid for one day, and there is no fixed short duration given. I would plan at least two hours if you want time for the large pool, hot pool, sauna, cold plunge, and shower.

You can make the visit shorter, but that weakens the value. A quick 30-minute soak does not give you much time to settle into the surroundings or use the dry sauna and cold plunge.

A two-hour visit gives you a natural pattern:

• Start in the 37°C main pool to get comfortable.
• Move to the warmer 40°C pool for a shorter soak.
• Use the sauna, then try the 11°C plunge.
• Return to the main pool and enjoy the fjord view.
• Finish with a shower, drink, or meal at the bistro.

You can adjust that order to suit your comfort. If the sauna is your priority, use it earlier. If you want a quiet final moment, end in the large pool rather than rushing straight to the changing area.

Practical rules and what to pack

Bring swimwear and a towel. You must wear swimwear in the sauna, and nudity is not allowed anywhere as part of the stated rules.

Smoking and vaping are not allowed. Unaccompanied minors are also not allowed, and children under 12 must leave the lagoon before 20:00 in the evening. That evening restriction matters if you are planning a late family visit.

The supplied shower products include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer. You can pack lightly for toiletries, but do not assume that this replaces a towel or swimsuit.

A waterproof bag is a smart extra for your phone or camera. The views are tempting to photograph, but you should protect electronics around the pools. The activity details do not promise storage arrangements, so bring only what you need.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the visit for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your northern Iceland plans depend on weather or road conditions.

Who will enjoy Forest Lagoon most

I would recommend Forest Lagoon to anyone who wants a thermal bath with scenery and a calm atmosphere rather than a long list of noisy attractions. The forest and fjord views give the visit its character, while the sauna and plunge add genuine variety.

It suits couples, solo bathers, and anyone with a free afternoon in Akureyri. It also works well for people who want to compare several Icelandic lagoons, since the warmer water, included sauna, and quieter setting may make it feel different from larger, busier facilities.

Families need to plan around the rules for children under 12. The activity does not allow unaccompanied minors, and children under 12 must leave before 20:00.

I would hesitate only if you are trying to keep your Iceland trip very cheap, need a long list of included extras, or dislike paying separately for towels, robes, and drinks. The ticket can be good value, but only when you arrive prepared and use more than one part of the facility.

Should you book Forest Lagoon?

Yes, if you are near Akureyri and want a polished geothermal stop with fjord views, forest, warm water, and a sauna included in the entry price. The setting, clean facilities, helpful staff, cold plunge, and swim-up bars make the $52 fee easier to justify.

Bring your own towel and swimwear, check transport costs, and allow at least two hours. If you do that, Forest Lagoon offers a well-rounded bath experience without the larger crowds and extra sauna charge that can affect other Icelandic spas.

FAQ

Where is Forest Lagoon located?

Forest Lagoon is in Iceland’s Northeastern Region, just a few minutes from Akureyri, among the birch and pine trees of Vaðlaskógur.

How much does entrance to Forest Lagoon cost?

The entrance ticket costs $52 per person.

How warm are the Forest Lagoon pools?

The large pool is kept around 37°C, or 98.6°F. The smaller pool is around 40°C, or 104°F.

Is the sauna included in the ticket?

Yes. The Finnish dry sauna is included with admission, along with the two geothermal pools and the cold plunge.

How cold is the plunge pool?

The cold pool is kept at about 11°C, or 51.8°F.

Are towels included?

No. You need to bring a towel and swimwear. Towels, swimwear, and bathrobes are not included in the entrance ticket.

Can children visit Forest Lagoon?

Children are allowed under the stated rules, but unaccompanied minors are not permitted. Children under 12 must leave the lagoon before 20:00.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.