Forest thermal calm beats the famous Blue Lagoon. Forest Lagoon puts you in the trees with big views of Eyjafjörður, and I really like the way the dry Finnish sauna overlooks the fjord too. One thing to plan for: towels are not included, so you’ll want to bring your own.

This is a true one-day spa reset near Akureyri. You’re soaking in geothermal water in two pools, then switching to a hot dry sauna and a cold plunge, all set inside Vaðlaskógur’s birch and pine forest. It’s a simple plan, but it’s built around comfort and views—so even a short session feels like you got away.

Quick hits before you go

• Geothermal pools in the forest: Large pool near 37°C (98.6°F) and a smaller pool around 40°C (104°F), both with Eyjafjörður in sight.
• Dry Finnish sauna at about 80°C with low humidity (around 20%), plus a fjord view.
• Cold plunge at 11°C to kick-start circulation after the heat.
• Swim-up bars in the large pool for an easy, slow-lounge vibe.
• Included shower products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer), but you must bring your own towel and swimwear.

Entering Forest Lagoon: the forest setting and the fjord view

Forest Lagoon feels quieter than the famous geothermal giants, and the layout helps. You come in and immediately get that feeling of being tucked into Vaðlaskógur, the forest that wraps around the baths. Birch and pine are part of the experience here, not just background decoration.

Then you look up and you get Eyjafjörður—the long fjord running past Akureyri—plus mountains in the distance. This matters because it changes the whole mood. You’re not just sitting in hot water. You’re watching a real Iceland view while your body relaxes.

The facilities are also set up for an easy flow: soak, cool down, heat back up, repeat. If you like structured relaxation, you’ll enjoy that. If you like to meander, you can still do that too, since you’re not locked into a long multi-stop schedule.

The two pools: large 37°C swim-up zone and smaller 40°C quiet heat

At Forest Lagoon there are two geothermal pools, and they feel different on purpose.

The large pool (530 m²) at about 37°C

This is the main hangout. It’s kept around 37°C (98.6°F), big enough to spread out, and it includes two swim-up bars plus an indoor entry. That swim-up bar feature is more than a gimmick—it makes it easy to stay in the water longer without constantly getting out.

It also means you can pace your visit. If you want a slower, social vibe, you’ll likely gravitate here. If you want to talk at a normal voice while floating, the bar area helps create that kind of atmosphere.

The smaller pool (53 m²) at about 40°C

The smaller pool runs hotter, around 40°C (104°F). At this temperature, it’s the kind of place where you feel your muscles loosen faster. The size is much more intimate (53 m²), so it tends to feel cozier.

If you’re the type who wants one pool for warming up and one pool for settling in, this setup is great. You can start in the bigger one, then shift to the smaller one when you want deeper heat.

Dry Finnish sauna at ~80°C with a fjord view

Next up is the sauna, and this is one of the best reasons to pick Forest Lagoon.

The sauna is a dry Finnish sauna (not a wet steam room). Humidity is kept around 20%, and the temperature is about 80°C. That dry heat can feel more comfortable for some people than steam, since you’re not dealing with heavy moisture.

What makes it extra special is the view. You’re not closing your eyes and guessing what’s outside. You can see Eyjafjörður and the surrounding mountains while you sit in the heat. It turns a routine sauna stop into something more memorable.

One practical note: you’ll need to wear your swimsuit in the sauna area. Also, plan your timing—if you love contrast, you’ll want enough space after the sauna for the cold plunge.

Cold plunge at 11°C: the quick reset after heat

By the sauna there’s a cold plunge pool at 11°C (51.8°F). This is the part that makes the routine feel athletic, even if you’re not trying to be.

The cold plunge is straightforward: you cool down, then you warm back up in the geothermal water. That cycle is part of the experience here, and I like that the facility supports it naturally with nearby heat (sauna) and nearby cold (plunge).

If you’re new to plunges, start with shorter time. The idea is to feel the shock, not to prove toughness. Then let the geothermal pools bring you back to comfort.

Swim-up bars, signature shower products, and the comfort details that matter

Forest Lagoon is designed to keep you comfortable between the big temperature changes.

Swim-up bars

The large pool has two swim-up bars, which is a big deal when you’re planning a longer soak. You can stay in the water while grabbing drinks instead of constantly leaving the pool area. Drinks aren’t included in the ticket price, but there are bars on-site, and the general feel is that it’s an easy, vacation-style pace.

If you’re bringing a waterproof phone pouch, this is also a good place to use it. You’ll want a few photos that actually show the fjord view and the pool atmosphere, not just steam-cloud selfies.

Shower products included

After you soak, you get Forest Lagoon signature shower products: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer. This sounds like a minor detail, but it’s one less thing you have to pack. It also makes the post-swim routine nicer, especially if you’re heading out later and don’t want to scramble for toiletries.

What you should bring (don’t skip this)

You’ll want to bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel

Towels are not included, and that’s the kind of miss that turns a relaxing day into a last-minute shopping trip. If you know you’ll forget things (I do sometimes), put your towel with your swimwear as soon as you land.

Bath robes are also not listed as included, so wear what you’re comfortable with for getting to and from the changing area.

Forest Bistro: your meal with the fjord right there

A thermal spa is good without food, but it’s even better when you can eat without leaving the mood.

Forest Bistro sits right next to the lagoon area and has a wood-cladded bistro space with views over Eyjafjörður. There’s also an indoor fireplace, so it feels like a warm reset even if the air outside is cool.

This is the part of your visit that’s easy to underestimate. If you try to leave to find a meal, you break the rhythm. Eating on-site keeps you in the same setting—views, calm, and that slow shift from heat to normal life.

So if you plan to stay for a couple hours, build in time for one proper meal or snack. It’ll make the whole visit feel complete, not like a quick pit stop.

Timing, entry style, and how to plan your day near Akureyri

The ticket is valid for 1 day, but you’ll want to check available starting times before you commit. That matters because it affects how you fit this into a northern Iceland day.

A good strategy is to schedule Forest Lagoon when you want to slow down—late afternoon or early evening often works well. That way you can follow the heat/cold cycle when you have the energy to enjoy it, then finish with bistro time and head back.

Also, keep one family rule in mind: children under 12 must leave the lagoon before 20:00. So if you’re traveling with kids, build your timing around that early cutoff.

Rules that affect your visit (and keep the place comfortable)

Most of the rules are there for safety and comfort, and they’re easy to follow.

Not allowed:

• Smoking
• Vaping
• Unaccompanied minors
• Nudity

Wheelchair accessibility is listed, so the spa is set up to be usable for people with mobility needs.

If you’re thinking about cameras and phones, bring a waterproof bag if you’re cautious—water, splashes, and humidity are part of the setting. You can borrow items, but borrowing adds cost quickly, so I prefer bringing my own if you have one.

And because the experience includes changing and showering, plan for privacy and comfort. Your swimsuit stays your swimsuit throughout, and the sauna rules are consistent.

What this experience is really like: value, crowd feel, and best use

At $52 per person, Forest Lagoon isn’t the cheapest thermal option in Iceland. But it does a lot right for the money.

Here’s why the value can feel strong:

• You get access to the core experience: geothermal pools, dry sauna, and cold plunge.
• You get included shower products, which saves packing space and avoids buying basics on-site.
• The setting is intentionally calm: forest views, fjord views, and a layout that supports a relaxed pace.
• You don’t feel rushed. The visit is about lingering in warm water and repeating the heat/cold rhythm.

Crowd level is often a make-or-break factor with thermal spas. Forest Lagoon is designed to feel more relaxed than the big-name mega-resorts, and the pool setup helps. If you want warm water with breathing room—and not a crowded cattle-car situation—this is a great candidate.

Main drawback: towel logistics. If you show up without one, you’ll feel the sting fast. Pack smart, and the rest of the day tends to flow.

Who should book Forest Lagoon (and who might skip it)

This fits best if you want:

• A geothermal spa day with real scenery—trees and fjord views.
• A mix of warm soak + dry sauna + cold plunge in one place.
• A calmer alternative to the most famous Iceland lagoons.
• Included basics that reduce hassle, especially shampoo/conditioner/body wash/moisturizer.

You might skip it if:

• You’re trying to do a super-budget Iceland day and don’t want to pay spa pricing.
• You’re planning to bring no towel and no patience for last-minute shopping.
• You’re looking for a huge, all-day entertainment schedule. This is relaxation-first, not a theme park.

For couples, solo travelers, and anyone who wants a scenic break between drives, Forest Lagoon is a strong match. For families, it can work well, but remember the under-12 cutoff before 20:00 and the unaccompanied minors rule.

Should you book Forest Lagoon in Akureyri?

If your trip includes Akureyri, I think Forest Lagoon is worth booking. The combination of forest-side geothermal pools, the dry sauna with fjord views, and the cold plunge makes it feel complete, not just a soak-and-go.

Book it if you want a calm, scenic spa day and you’re willing to pack a towel. Skip it if you’re chasing the cheapest geothermal experience or you hate planning around rules.

If you want my simplest decision checklist: bring swimwear and a towel, choose a time when you can linger, then plan to eat at Forest Bistro so you don’t break the mood.

FAQ

What is the price for the Akureyri Forest Lagoon entrance ticket?

The price is listed as $52 per person.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. Starting times depend on availability, so you’ll want to check open time slots.

Do I need to bring a towel and swimwear?

Yes. You should bring swimwear and a towel. Towels are not included, and swimwear is not listed as included.

Are towels included in the ticket?

No. Towels are not included.

Is the dry Finnish sauna included with the entrance ticket?

The entrance ticket includes access to the spa experience, and the dry sauna is part of what’s offered at Forest Lagoon. A separate sauna ticket isn’t listed as required.

Is Forest Lagoon wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair accessibility is listed.

Can children stay as late as they want?

Children under 12 must leave the lagoon before 20:00 in the evening.

If you tell me your travel month and whether you’ll have a car in Akureyri, I can suggest the best time of day to schedule this spa stop.