Akureyri: Forest Lagoon Entrance Ticket

Forest Lagoon pairs warm geothermal water with a setting you will not get at every Icelandic spa: birch and pine forest on the shore of Eyjafjörður. The large pool sits at about 37°C, with mountain and fjord views, indoor access, and two swim-up bars. I like that the sauna and cold plunge are included, not treated as costly extras.

I also like the calm feel and the freedom to stay throughout the day rather than rushing through a fixed visit. The main drawback is the extra cost of towels, robes, drinks, and transport if you do not plan ahead. At $52 per person, this is good value for a long, well-equipped spa visit, but it is not a cheap quick soak.

Key details before you book

• The main pool stays around 37°C: It is warm enough for a long soak and large enough to move around without feeling confined.
• The smaller pool reaches 40°C: Use it for a hotter pause, then cool down before returning to the main pool.
• The Finnish sauna has fjord views: Expect dry heat at about 80°C and roughly 20 percent humidity. Wear your swimsuit.
• The cold plunge is 11°C: It is a sharp but refreshing contrast after the sauna.
• Towels are not included: Bring your own towel and swimwear, or the final cost can rise quickly.
• Children under 12 must leave by 8 p.m.: Keep this evening rule in mind when planning a family visit.

Why Forest Lagoon feels different near Akureyri

Forest Lagoon is only a few minutes from Akureyri, but the setting feels removed from town. The baths sit among the trees of Vaðlaskógur, with Eyjafjörður opening out beyond them. You get forest close to the water and a long fjord view in the distance, which gives the soak a quieter, more natural character.

The location matters because many Icelandic thermal spas are defined mainly by their water. Here, the setting does much of the work. You can sit in warm water, look past the trees toward the fjord, and let the view change with the light.

I would plan this as a proper pause in your day, not a quick stop between sights. The ticket is valid for one day, and there is no stated fixed end time once you are inside. That makes it easier to settle in, move between the pools, use the sauna, and have a drink or meal without watching the clock.

The 530-square-meter main pool

Your visit centers on the large pool, which covers about 530 square meters and is kept at roughly 37°C, or 98.6°F. That temperature is warm and comfortable for a long stay, without the intense heat of the smaller pool.

The pool has an indoor entry, an important detail in Iceland. You do not need to make a cold dash across an exposed outdoor area to reach the water. Once inside, you can remain in the warmth while looking toward Eyjafjörður and the mountains.

Two swim-up bars add a social touch. You can order drinks without leaving the pool, which is convenient if you want to make the visit feel like a leisurely spa afternoon. Drinks are not included, and the exact prices can change, so bring this into your budget rather than treating the bar as part of the ticket.

I like the main pool best for unhurried soaking. You can use it as your base, then visit the hotter pool, sauna, or cold plunge in short sessions. The water has also been praised for feeling warm and pleasant, with several visits described as clean and not overly crowded. That said, crowd levels can change by time and season, so do not count on having the pool to yourself.

The 40°C pool for a hotter soak

The smaller pool measures about 53 square meters and is kept around 40°C, or 104°F. It offers a stronger hit of heat than the main pool and works well as a short stop rather than a place to sit for hours.

I would use it with some restraint. Spend a few minutes there, return to the cooler main pool, and pay attention to how you feel. The contrast between the two temperatures gives the visit more variety, but the hotter water may not suit everyone for long periods.

This smaller pool is also useful when you want a quieter pause from the larger bathing area. Since it is much more compact, it has a different feel from the main pool. The tradeoff is simple: there is less room, so it may feel busier when several people are using it.

Sauna heat, then an 11°C cold plunge

The Finnish sauna uses dry heat rather than steam. It reaches about 80°C with humidity around 20 percent, so the air feels hot and dry instead of damp. You must wear your swimsuit inside.

The sauna has a view over Eyjafjörður and the surrounding mountains, which gives you something to look at besides wooden walls. I especially like that sauna access is included in the entrance ticket. At some thermal spas, the quieter or more specialized facilities cost extra. Here, the sauna is part of the basic visit.

Next to it is an 11°C cold pool. That is about 51.8°F, and it feels very cold after the sauna. You can choose how far to take the contrast, from a brief dip to a longer stay, but there is no need to force it. The point is the sharp change in temperature, not endurance.

A sensible pattern is warm pool, sauna, brief cold plunge, then a return to the warm water. Take breaks and drink water as needed. The cold plunge is one of the features that makes this more than a single warm bath, but it is also easy to overdo if you treat it like a challenge.

Forest Bistro and the swim-up bars

Forest Bistro gives you a place to eat in a wood-clad setting with views over the fjord. An indoor fireplace adds warmth and atmosphere, especially when the weather outside is doing its usual Icelandic thing.

The bistro is worth considering if you want the spa to fill a larger part of your day. A meal means you do not have to leave the site as soon as you finish bathing. It also gives you a break from the water, which is useful after several rounds of heat and cold.

The swim-up bars are convenient, and drinks have been described as attractive and reasonably priced compared with some other Icelandic costs. Still, they are an extra. If you want the best value, bring your own towel and plan for the entrance fee first, then decide how much you want to spend on food and drinks.

Do not expect the $52 ticket to cover a full meal, a robe, towel hire, or beverages. It covers entry and the shower products only. That clear division is easy to manage if you know it before arrival.

What to bring, and what not to pay for

Pack swimwear and a towel. Towels, swimwear, bathrobes, and drinks are not included, and hiring or buying several items on site can push the cost up quickly.

The changing and shower areas provide Forest Lagoon signature shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer. You can freshen up without packing a full toiletry kit, which is a useful small benefit after the soak.

I would also bring a waterproof bag for your phone or camera if you want to take photos near the water. Keep electronics protected and follow the facility rules. Smoking and vaping are not allowed, nudity is not allowed, and unaccompanied minors cannot enter.

The age rule needs special attention for families. Children under 12 must leave the lagoon before 8 p.m. That does not prevent a family visit, but it does mean an evening booking may not work for everyone.

The facility is wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is important for your plans, confirm any personal requirements when booking, but the listed experience is designed to accommodate wheelchair users.

How much time should you allow?

The ticket is valid for one day, and the experience does not have a listed fixed end time. That gives you room to make the visit short or leisurely.

For a quick stop, allow enough time to use the main pool and shower. You could also add the sauna and cold plunge without staying for hours. But the best value comes when you treat the ticket as a half-day activity rather than a brief dip.

A two-hour visit is enough for many people to try the pools, sauna, and cold plunge. If you add food at Forest Bistro and spend time at the swim-up bar, you can comfortably make it a longer part of your day.

Morning and afternoon timing may suit visitors who want a quieter spa break between Akureyri activities. Evening visits can be appealing for the atmosphere, but families with children under 12 need to leave by 8 p.m. Check the available start times when you book, since availability changes.

Getting there from Akureyri

Forest Lagoon is only a few minutes from Akureyri, so it is easy to add to an Akureyri-based itinerary. The short distance does not mean transport is free, however. A taxi journey from town can become an expensive part of the visit, with one reported round-trip total of about £30.

If you have a rental car, the short drive makes the spa simpler to reach. The provided information does not specify parking details, so check those before setting out. If you rely on a taxi, work out the return ride in advance rather than assuming one will be waiting nearby.

This is one place where planning has a direct effect on value. The $52 entrance fee can feel fair for a long visit with several facilities included. Add a costly taxi, towel hire, robe rental, drinks, and food, and the final bill looks quite different.

Is $52 a fair price?

For Iceland, $52 is not unusual for a well-equipped geothermal spa, but it is still a meaningful expense. The value is strongest if you use the main pool, smaller hot pool, sauna, cold plunge, and shower facilities during a relaxed visit.

The included sauna is important. You do not need to pay a second fee to use it, and the same is true of the cold plunge. That gives you more than a simple warm-water ticket.

The price feels less attractive if you plan to stay only a short time or if you need to rent several items. Bring a towel and swimsuit from your accommodation when possible. You can then decide for yourself if the bar or bistro is worth adding.

The experience has received a 4.8 rating from 176 reviews, and the most consistent praise centers on the clean facilities, warm water, calm setting, views, and lower crowd levels compared with some better-known Icelandic lagoons. One reservation comes through clearly: some visitors find the price a little high, especially when extras are added.

Who will enjoy it most?

I would recommend Forest Lagoon to you if you want a thermal spa with more than one temperature and a view. It suits couples, solo visitors, and families who can plan around the evening age rule.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in Akureyri and want a low-effort activity close to town. You get the calm of a forest setting without committing to a full-day excursion.

The experience may not suit you if you want an inexpensive public pool, a totally silent retreat, or a place where every item is included. The swim-up bars and bistro add comfort, but they also create more chances to spend beyond the entry fee.

Should you book Forest Lagoon?

Yes, if you value the setting and plan to stay long enough to use the full facility. The mix of a 37°C main pool, 40°C smaller pool, Finnish sauna, 11°C cold plunge, fjord views, forest, and swim-up bars gives you a substantial spa visit near Akureyri.

Book with your own towel and swimwear, allow at least two hours, and budget separately for transport, food, and drinks. If you only want a fast soak, the $52 price may feel steep. For a relaxed half-day with warm water, clear views, and useful temperature contrasts, Forest Lagoon is one of the stronger choices in northeastern Iceland.

FAQ

How much does Forest Lagoon cost?

The entrance ticket costs $52 per person.

How long is the Forest Lagoon ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day. Available starting times depend on the date you select.

What temperature is the main pool?

The large main pool is kept at about 37°C, or 98.6°F.

Is there a hotter pool?

Yes. The smaller pool is kept at about 40°C, or 104°F.

Is the sauna included in the ticket?

Yes. The dry Finnish sauna is included. It is kept at about 80°C with humidity around 20 percent, and you must wear swimwear inside.

Are towels and swimwear included?

No. Bring your own towel and swimwear. Bathrobes and drinks are also not included.

Can children visit Forest Lagoon in the evening?

Children under 12 must leave the lagoon before 8 p.m. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.