The forest hides a hot secret. Forest Lagoon is a geothermal soak spot just minutes from Akureyri, with birch and pine and views over Eyjafjörður.

I love the way the pools feel designed for real downtime, especially the large, warm main pool with swim-up bars, and the smaller hotter pool for calmer stretching and recovery.

One thing to plan for: towels and swimwear are not included, so you will want to pack or rent ahead so your spa time stays friction-free.

Key highlights at Forest Lagoon

• Geothermal pools in two sizes, with a big 530m2 main pool around 37°C and a smaller 53m2 pool around 40°C
• Swim-up bars in the main pool, so you can socialize without leaving the water
• Dry Finnish sauna with fjord views, heated to about 80°C with low humidity
• Cold plunge pool next to the sauna, about 11°C, for a sharp contrast
• Included shower products, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer
• Forest Bistro on site, wood-clad setting with an indoor fireplace and Eyjafjörður views

Forest Lagoon near Akureyri, and why the setting matters

Akureyri is a gateway town in the north, and Forest Lagoon makes a smart day add-on because it stays close. You get a full spa circuit without losing half your trip to transfers.

What I like most is the forest mood. The baths sit among birch and pine trees in Vaðlaskógur, the kind of place where you can hear your own breathing and the soft rhythm of water instead of a constant crowd noise. Even when the lagoon is busy, it still feels like you are stepping into a sheltered world. And that is not just scenery. When you have trees around you, the warmth feels gentler and the whole experience turns calmer.

Then there is the view. Looking out toward Eyjafjörður adds a sense of space, which helps when you are doing the sauna and cold plunge cycle. You are not just baking in a room, or freezing in a corner. You get a clear sightline across the fjord and toward the mountains.

What to bring for a smooth first soak

Forest Lagoon supplies entrance access and shower products, but you bring the basics. The rules are simple, and the list is short.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel

Not included:

• Towels
• Swimwear
• Bath robes
• Drinks

If you forget one item, you will spend time sorting it out, which is the last thing you want after a long travel day. I recommend packing your swimwear in a place you can reach fast, plus a small waterproof bag for your phone or camera if you plan to take photos.

Practical rules to know:

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

Also, the sauna is a swimsuit zone. Plan to wear your swimwear in the dry sauna.

The pools: warm water, two temperatures, and an easy rhythm

Forest Lagoon has two geothermal pools, and they are not just different sizes. They encourage different moods.

The large pool is about 530m2 and kept around 37°C (98.6°F). It has an indoor entry, which is a big deal in Iceland weather. You step in without doing a full outdoor shuffle, and once you are in, you can settle right away. This is also the social center because it includes two swim-up bars. In other words, you can float, chat, and still feel like part of the space rather than just observing it.

The small pool is about 53m2 and kept around 40°C (104°F). That extra degree or two is noticeable. This is where I would go when I want slower recovery, softer stretching, or a few minutes of quiet time. If you get cold easily, the small pool often feels more forgiving, especially early in your visit or after stepping out of the sauna.

How to use both pools without overdoing it:

• Start in the large pool to get comfortable
• Move to the small pool if you want deeper warmth
• After sauna, go back to the large pool for a gentler reset, then consider the cold plunge

That order helps your body transition. Jumping from heat to extreme cold too fast can feel intense, and you do not need to prove anything to the lagoon.

Dry Finnish sauna around 80°C, with that fjord view

The sauna setup is a Finnish dry sauna, not a wet steam room. That difference changes how it feels on your skin and how you breathe.

• Temperature is about 80°C
• Humidity is kept around 20%
• You will enjoy dry heat, meaning there is no steam element

In plain terms, it heats you up differently than a steamy sauna. The air can feel hotter, but it also tends to feel less claustrophobic. If you have ever had steam rooms make you feel like you cannot breathe, you might find this dry version easier.

And yes, you get a view. The sauna overlooks Eyjafjörður and the surrounding mountains. That matters more than it sounds. When you can look out, your brain is not stuck on the heat only. You can relax your shoulders and focus on breathing and slow eye-level calm.

One key rule: you need to wear your swimsuit in the sauna. It is also a good reminder that this is a spa with practical flow, not an all-or-nothing experience where you rush or improvise.

Cold plunge pool at 11°C, how to do it without drama

Next to the dry sauna, you get the cold pool. It is around 11°C (51.8°F). For a lot of people, that is the part that feels the most extreme, because it is a sharp contrast to warm water.

I like cold plunge best when you treat it as a controlled reset, not a punishment. If you jump in and panic, you will hate it. If you step in, breathe out slowly, and keep your body steady, it becomes doable fast.

A sensible approach:

• Sauna first, then a warm pool break if you want
• Then cold plunge, staying in just long enough to feel the contrast
• Follow up with warm water so you leave the lagoon feeling good, not wiped out

When the cold plunge is placed right beside the sauna, you are not walking far or rushing outside. That helps you do it safely, especially when you are tired from travel.

Swim-up bars: the small luxury that keeps it fun

The swim-up bars are not a gimmick. They change how you experience the main pool.

Instead of getting out to grab a drink, you stay in your comfort zone. You can take short breaks from soaking, have a sip, then go back to floating or leaning against warm steps. It is a simple convenience, and it makes the lagoon feel more like a place to hang out than a strict wellness routine.

The only thing to remember is that drinks are not included. If you want to enjoy drinks, budget for it so your total cost matches your plan.

Shower products included, and why that matters at the end

A lot of spa days fall apart at the finish. You soak, you relax, then you realize you need to buy or bring all the shower basics.

Forest Lagoon includes shower products:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body wash
• Moisturizer

That is real value. When you leave a geothermal spa, your hair and skin often feel like they need proper rinsing and aftercare. Having the right products on site means you can shower and go straight back to your next stop without hunting down a store in Akureyri.

You still need your own towel, but the rest of the cleaning step is handled.

Forest Bistro: fuel in an unusual setting

Forest Bistro is part of the experience, and it is not just a cafeteria box.

The bistro is wood-cladded, with an indoor fireplace. You also get views over Eyjafjörður, so you can eat without losing the atmosphere. If you plan your lagoon visit around weather, this matters. Iceland days can shift fast, and having a warm dining space right on site helps you stay comfortable.

Drinks are listed as not included, but food can help reset you when you are doing heat and cold cycles. I would treat the bistro as an option when you start feeling sleepy or when your legs need a break from the warm water.

Price of $52: does it feel like good value?

At $52 per person, Forest Lagoon is priced like a premium Iceland spa experience. The real question is what you get for that money, and you actually get a lot in return.

You have:

• Entrance access to both geothermal pools
• Dry sauna access (not treated like an extra ticket segment)
• Cold plunge access near the sauna
• Included shower products for after

Also, the setting helps with the value equation. This lagoon is built around the forest mood and fjord view, not just a big tiled pool room. And the overall vibe often feels easier going, which makes the experience more relaxing. When you are in a place that does not feel overcrowded, your money goes further because you can actually enjoy the circuit.

The one cost caution is personal items. Since towels and swimwear are not included, your effective cost depends on what you arrive with. If you already have a towel and swimwear, the $52 is straightforward. If you have to rent or buy those items on the spot, the price starts to feel less friendly.

A practical visit plan: do the circuit in a sane order

You can treat Forest Lagoon like a choose-your-own-pace day, but it helps to have a loose plan so you do not waste time.

Here is a simple, comfortable flow:

1. Arrive, change, and start in the main warm pool (around 37°C)
2. Take a few minutes to settle before you go near the swim-up bar area
3. If you want more heat, switch to the smaller 40°C pool
4. Dry sauna next (around 80°C), with your swimsuit on
5. Cold plunge at 11°C, then back to warm water to recover
6. Shower with included products and finish up with food if you want

I like to think of it as three rounds:

• Warm comfort
• Heat session
• Cold reset

You can do fewer rounds if you are short on time or if the cold is not your thing. The lagoon works either way, because both pools and the sauna are there for a reason.

And since your ticket is valid for one day, you can align the visit with your day in Akureyri without feeling trapped. Just check available starting times when you book.

Who should book Forest Lagoon in Akureyri

Forest Lagoon is a strong fit if you want:

• A calmer spa vibe with forest surroundings
• A full thermal circuit: warm pools, dry sauna, cold plunge
• Views over Eyjafjörður, not just walls
• A spa where shower basics are included

It is also great for people who have done other Iceland lagoons and want a more relaxed setting. The layout makes it easy to move between areas without feeling rushed.

You might reconsider if:

• You did not pack a towel or swimwear and you hate adding last-minute costs
• You want a very kid-friendly scene with no restrictions, because children have specific rules and unaccompanied minors are not allowed
• You prefer steam-style heat over dry sauna heat

If you are unsure about the dry sauna, start with short time in the room. You can always cool down in the pools.

Should you book Forest Lagoon?

I think Forest Lagoon is worth it when you want a high-comfort thermal spa day near Akureyri. The combination of warm geothermal pools, a dry Finnish sauna at about 80°C, and a cold plunge around 11°C gives you a complete circuit in one place. Add the forest setting and Eyjafjörður views, plus included shower products, and the value starts to make sense.

Book it if you like your spa time practical and unhurried, and if you will bring your own towel and swimwear so the $52 stays the real cost.

Skip it, or at least rethink it, if you are hoping towels and swimwear are provided, or if the idea of dry heat and cold plunge sounds like too much.

FAQ

What is included in the Forest Lagoon entrance ticket?

The ticket includes the entrance and shower products, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer.

What should I bring to Forest Lagoon?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Are towels, swimwear, and bath robes included?

Towels, swimwear, and bath robes are not included.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. You should check availability to see starting times.

What are the pool sizes and temperatures?

There are two pools. The large pool is about 530m2 and kept around 37°C. The small pool is about 53m2 and kept around 40°C.

What is the dry sauna like, and what temperature is it?

The sauna is a dry Finnish sauna with low humidity, around 20%, and a temperature around 80°C. You must wear your swimsuit in the sauna.

Is there a cold plunge pool?

Yes. Next to the sauna there is a cold pool kept around 11°C.

Is Forest Lagoon wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Forest Lagoon is wheelchair accessible.

Are there age rules for children or minors?

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Children under age 12 must leave the lagoon before 20:00.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.