Akureyri: Admission to Forest Lagoon with Towel and Drink

Forest Lagoon gives you something unusual in Iceland: warm geothermal water among birch and pine trees, with Eyjafjörður spread out below. The setting feels calmer and more intimate than the country’s biggest bathing centers. I especially like the large pool’s indoor entrance and swim-up bars, plus the free drink included with admission. The main thing to consider is the price, $82 per person, which feels fair for several hours but high if you plan to stay only one hour.

I also like the easy rhythm here. You can soak, cool off, use the sauna, eat at the bistro, and return to the water without a fixed end time. Bring your own swimwear and, if you have room, your own towel and waterproof phone pouch. The supplied towel is useful, but extra rentals and transport can quickly push up the bill.

Key things to know before you go

• The larger pool stays at 37°C: It has three swim-up bars, an indoor entrance, and plenty of room to settle in.
• The forest setting is the main attraction: You look across Eyjafjörður toward the mountains while trees frame the spa.
• The sauna reaches about 80°C: Low humidity and wide views make it more than a basic changing-room sauna.
• The cold pool is genuinely cold: At 11°C, it gives you a sharp contrast after the warm water.
• Your first drink is included: It is charged to your bracelet, while bottled wine is excluded.
• Timing affects the mood: Cruise ship arrivals can bring a busy spell, while early or late visits may feel quiet.

A geothermal spa with a different view of Iceland

Forest Lagoon sits in Vaðlaskógur forest, across the water from Akureyri and above Eyjafjörður. That location changes the feel of the experience. Instead of broad lava fields or a stark volcanic setting, you get trunks, branches, dark evergreens, and a fjord framed by mountains.

The forest is especially appealing when the weather is cool. Steam rises from the pools, and the trees give the place a sheltered feeling. On a clear day, the views stretch toward the fjord and Akureyri. At night, the mood shifts again, with the water and surrounding darkness putting the focus on the sky and distant lights.

I would choose Forest Lagoon for the setting as much as for the bathing. The pools are modern and comfortable, but the combination of forest and fjord is what makes this a memorable stop near Akureyri.

The spa is intended for people who plan to bathe or use the sauna. It is not a sightseeing stop where you can simply walk around without using the facilities. Smoking, vaping, nudity, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Getting there from Akureyri

Forest Lagoon is close enough to Akureyri to work as a half-day outing, even though your admission is valid for one day. The facility’s website provides shuttle information, and an hourly shuttle has been available near the port at the Hof building. That is useful if you arrive by cruise ship or do not have a car.

You may also find a free minibus from the town center, though transport arrangements can change, so check current details before setting out. A taxi is quick, but one account put the return cost at about £30 for a short trip. That makes the shuttle worth investigating before you book.

Walking is possible for fit visitors with enough time. One early-February visit took about 45 minutes from central Akureyri via the causeway, with views of the fjord and airport along the way. I would not treat that walk as an automatic plan in poor weather, but it can be a pleasant option on a calm day.

If you are arriving from a cruise ship, allow extra care with timing. A ship can send a large group toward the lagoon at once. The facility may feel crowded during that first rush, then noticeably quieter after about an hour.

Check-in, lockers, and the practical setup

The check-in process is designed to keep things simple. You receive access to a locker and a bracelet used for purchases at the swim-up bar. Your included drink is the first beverage charged to that bracelet, so you do not need to pay separately at the bar for that one item.

The locker handles valuables, and shower products are supplied. You get shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer, which means you can pack a lighter wash bag. Towel inclusion depends on the booking package described here, and this one includes a towel.

Still, I would bring your own towel if you are driving or have space in your luggage. One visitor found towel hire easy, but another noted that borrowing towels, swimwear, and other items can make the final cost rise quickly. The booking information also advises you to bring a towel, so check exactly what your selected rate includes.

You must bring swimwear. Swimwear rental is not included, and bathrobes are also excluded. You cannot take a towel, shoes, a cover-up, or a water bottle into the bathing area. Free tap water is available at the swim-up bar, and a waterproof phone pouch is a sensible extra if you want to take your phone outside.

The 37°C pools: one lively, one quieter

The larger pool covers about 530 square meters and stays at a comfortable 37°C. That is warm enough to sit and talk without shivering, but not so hot that you need to leave after a few minutes.

Its indoor entrance matters in Iceland. You can move between the changing area and the water without stepping straight into cold air. Three swim-up bars add a social touch, although not every bar is necessarily open during every visit. One person found a second bar closed, so do not count on every service point being operating.

The pool has sitting shelves around the edge and stone cocktail tables in the water. Those details make it easy to settle in with a drink. The tradeoff is that there are few comfortable places to sit poolside once you leave the water. You may find wooden benches attached to the buildings, but this is not a spa built around lounge chairs.

The smaller pool covers about 330 square meters and is held at the same 37°C. It offers a quieter place to soak, though the overall level of peace depends on arrival time. If the main pool feels busy, move here and see if the atmosphere suits you better.

There is no fixed time limit listed for the bathing experience. That is one of the strongest value points. You can stay for two hours, four hours, or longer, provided the spa is open and you follow its rules. For a full afternoon, the $82 price becomes easier to justify. For a short soak, it may feel expensive.

The 80°C sauna and the 11°C cold pool

The Finnish-style dry sauna reaches about 80°C with low humidity. That is a proper hot sauna, not a mildly warm room. You get panoramic views toward Eyjafjörður and the mountains, making the sauna feel connected to its setting rather than sealed away indoors.

I would use the sauna in short rounds, especially if you are not used to high heat. Follow it with water, a rest, or the cold pool rather than trying to stay inside too long. The sauna is included in admission, with no separate charge, which compares well with facilities that treat it as an add-on.

The cold pool is maintained at about 11°C. It provides a clear contrast to the warm pools and sauna. You can step in briefly, get out, and return to the 37°C water, or simply use it as a quick refresh without making the full hot-and-cold routine.

The temperature contrast is one reason Forest Lagoon feels like more than a warm pool with a view. You have several ways to shape the visit: slow soaking, sauna heat, a cold plunge, or a mix of all three. If you prefer a quiet soak and dislike cold water, you can easily skip the plunge.

The swim-up bar and included drink

One drink is included with this admission. The first beverage charged to your bracelet is covered, but bottled wine is not. Additional drinks are charged separately, and prices were described as reasonable by one recent visitor.

The bar is useful because you do not need to leave the water to order. You can choose a drink, rest it on a stone table, and continue looking across the fjord. Tap water is free at the swim-up bar, which is important after time in the sauna and warm pools.

I would treat the included drink as a pleasant extra, not the reason to book. The real value comes from the setting, the open-ended visit, and access to the sauna and cold pool. If you order several cocktails, the total cost can climb quickly, as it can at any Icelandic spa.

Also keep in mind that bottled wine is not part of the free drink offer. If that matters to you, ask at the bar before ordering.

Forest Bistro for a meal after the water

Forest Bistro is a wood-clad dining room with fjord views and an indoor fireplace. It gives you somewhere warm and comfortable to continue the visit after bathing. One afternoon visit paired several hours in the lagoon with lunch at the bistro, which makes sense if you want to avoid rushing back into town.

The bistro is not included in the $82 admission. Food and additional drinks cost extra, but having a restaurant on-site can be worth it when you want to turn the spa into a longer outing. You do not need to dry off, dress fully, and find another place to eat right away.

The setting is part of the appeal. A fireplace, wood interior, and views toward the fjord give the meal a cozy finish. I would plan food as an optional second stage rather than assuming it is part of the ticket.

When Forest Lagoon is quietest

Timing makes a real difference. An 11:30 a.m. entry was described as very quiet, and a late-morning Friday visit in January offered easy access to all the facilities. Winter evenings can also be beautiful, with the forest and water taking on a darker, more atmospheric mood.

Cruise ship days are less predictable. A ship can fill the pools for a period, especially when a group arrives together. The crowd may thin after about an hour, but you should expect more activity if your visit lines up with a ship call.

Summer does not guarantee silence. The long daylight hours make it easy to linger, and the lagoon’s popularity can bring more people. If you want the best chance of a calm visit, check cruise schedules and choose an early or later entry when available.

Children under 12 must leave the lagoon by 20:00. Child tickets are available on-site, but unaccompanied minors are not permitted. This makes the evening cutoff important for families planning a late soak.

Cleanliness, service, and comfort

Cleanliness is one of the strongest points here. The changing rooms and shower facilities are described as clean and well maintained, and check-in is generally straightforward. Supplied shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer are helpful touches.

Staff are also a bright spot. You can expect friendly and helpful service, particularly at arrival and around the bar. The bracelet payment system keeps transactions simple, though you should watch your spending when ordering extra drinks.

The main comfort weakness is the lack of proper poolside seating. You get shelves in the water and some attached wooden benches, but not a full set of loungers where you can dry off and rest. If you like alternating between water and a comfortable chair, this may bother you.

Some building work has taken place as the site expands. It was not described as a major disruption, but conditions can change. Check current information if construction would affect your decision.

Is $82 good value?

At $82 per person, Forest Lagoon is not a cheap casual swim. Icelandic spa prices add up quickly, so you should think about how long you plan to stay.

The admission includes:

• Entry to Forest Lagoon
• A locker
• A towel
• Shower products
• Access to both warm pools
• Access to the dry sauna
• Access to the cold pool
• One drink at the swim-up bar

There is no stated time limit during the valid day, which improves the value. Stay for several hours, use every bathing area, and eat at the bistro if you want a relaxed half-day. The price also compares favorably with a more famous geothermal spa near Reykjavik, especially if you prefer a smaller setting and a less crowded experience.

The value is weaker if you only have time for a quick one-hour dip. Transport, swimwear rental, bathrobe hire, extra towels, food, and more drinks can all add to the cost. Bring your own swimwear, and bring your own towel if the selected package does not already provide one.

A senior discount may be available at the facility, but an online booking did not provide the expected 25 percent age discount for one pair of 73-year-olds. If you qualify for a discount, confirm the terms before paying.

Who should book Forest Lagoon?

I would recommend it most strongly to you if you want a quiet Icelandic spa day with scenery, rather than a packed list of activities. Couples, solo visitors, cruise passengers, and anyone recovering from hiking or sightseeing should find the pace appealing.

It also suits people who like thermal bathing as a routine: warm pool, sauna, cold plunge, rest, and repeat. The lack of a fixed end time lets you set your own pace.

You may want to choose another activity if you need constant entertainment. Beyond the pools, sauna, cold plunge, bar, and bistro, there is not much to do. Bring a book for the indoor areas, but remember that phones are the only personal item allowed in the bathing area. No book, towel, shoes, cover-up, or water bottle can come with you into the pools.

The spa is also less suitable if you want a large resort atmosphere, extensive seating, or a highly structured program. Its appeal is simple: warm water, cold water, sauna, food, and a fine view.

Final verdict: a strong Akureyri wellness stop

Book Forest Lagoon if you can give it at least two or three hours and want to slow down near Akureyri. The forest, fjord views, warm pools, sauna, cold plunge, and included drink create a complete experience without forcing you into a schedule.

I would be more cautious if your budget is tight, your visit is limited to a short soak, or you expect lots of activities and comfortable loungers. Check shuttle times, cruise ship schedules, towel details, and any age discount before booking.

For most people with a free half-day, Forest Lagoon is one of the better ways to rest in northeastern Iceland. It feels polished without being enormous, and the view across Eyjafjörður gives the warm water a sense of place.

FAQ

Where is Forest Lagoon located?

Forest Lagoon is in Vaðlaskógur forest in northeastern Iceland, overlooking Eyjafjörður near Akureyri.

How much does admission cost?

The listed price is $82 per person.

How long can I stay at Forest Lagoon?

The admission is valid for one day, and no fixed end time is listed for the bathing visit. Check the available starting times when booking.

Is a towel included?

This admission includes a towel. You are also advised to bring a towel, and bringing your own may help avoid extra rental costs depending on your booking package.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear. A waterproof phone pouch can also be useful, but personal items allowed in the bathing area are limited.

Is the drink included?

Yes. One drink at the swim-up bar is included. It is the first beverage charged to your bracelet. Bottled wine is not included.

What temperature are the pools?

Both geothermal pools are maintained at about 37°C, or 98.6°F. The cold pool is about 11°C, or 51.8°F.

Are the sauna and cold pool included?

Yes. Admission includes access to the Finnish-style dry sauna and the cold pool.

Can children visit Forest Lagoon?

Child tickets are available on-site, but unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Children under 12 must leave the lagoon by 20:00.

Is Forest Lagoon wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I eat at Forest Bistro?

Yes. Forest Bistro offers food in a wood-clad setting with fjord views and an indoor fireplace. Food is not included in the admission price.