Comprehensive Guide to Forest Lagoon (Akureyri, Iceland)

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Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice due to the number of volcanoes and glaciers located on the island. One of the most enjoyable things is to go to a lagoon and take a dip in the geothermal heated water which is a truly must do experience the country (in the same way you should sauna when visiting Finland or eat pasta and gelato in Italy – I don’t make the rules folks but I gladly will follow these ones). In Akureyri, there is an especially wonderful lagoon you can visit (and probably my favorite in all of Iceland).

Why You Should Go

Why is Forest Lagoon my favorite? Location (this is multi-fold: ease to get to with proximity to Akureyri and amazing setting overlooking Eyjafjörður), design (aesthetics of the lagoon and amenities and also of where the lagoon was placed) and overall vibe.

From the official website: “At the Forest Lagoon we believe that to create unique experiences every detail matters. With views overlooking one of Iceland’s longest fjords, Eyjafjörður, the spa’s unique location surrounded by birch and pine trees truly sets it apart. During the visit to the Forest Lagoon guests will experience the view, the tranquility and the energy of Vaðlaskógur, the forest that surrounds the baths.”

Everything is well thought-out and purposeful with Forest Lagoon – the location is set amongst the trees but also against the mountainside – offering shelter from the winds. And the experience starts out getting to the spa as you walk through the forest and the wood-cladded buildings is slowly revealed.

How to Get to Forest Lagoon

Forest Lagoon Shuttle Bus

Forest Lagoon offers a seasonal/summer, free shuttle bus that runs hourly from the HOF Cultural Center. Runs from May 16th, on the hour – every hour from 10 – 18 with a 9 departure in June, July and August). From the Lagoon, pick ups start at 11:30 and run hourly until 17:30. Note that there is no way to secure a seat on the bus but if you have a reservation to the lagoon, you are given priority on the bus.

Drive/Taxi

• 3.6 kilometer / 6 minute drive from Akureyri Center
• 391 kilometer / ~4 hour drive from Reykjavik
• Taxi (from BSO taxi stand) was 2850 ISK ($20.70 USD) July 2024

Goðafoss Waterfall, Laufás Turf Houses and Museum & Forest Lagoon Tour

• TOUR INCLUSIONS:
  • Round-trip transportation including from the Akureyri port if you’re on a cruise (falf day (5-6 hours) tour so still time left to explore Akureyri)
  • Entry fee to Turfhouse Heritage Museum
  • Forest Lagoon entry ticket (some tours do not include admission to lagoons so look at inclusions/exclusions carefully)
    • Towel (towels are an additional cost with standard entry ticket)
    • Drink of choice at in water bar (2 drinks for premium package)
• Limited Time offer with this tour – Currently 20% off until June 26, 2025!

Walking

For those who don’t mind a longer walk – 3.6 kilometer / 45-50 minute walk from Akureyri Center / 4.2 kilometer / 58-70 minute walk from Akureyri Cruise Terminal /

Forest Lagoon Logistics

Admission

• Entrance fee: 6,900 ISK for adult / 3,450 ISK for children (aged 6-15) includes access to a locker to store valuables with room for a small backpack. Note that the ticket does not include a towel (or swimwear) but you are able to rent both
• The latest time a reservation can be made is at 22:30. Note: that all guests must leave the baths at 23:30. (no discount is given even if you arrive at this time)
• Pro tip: purchase your tickets in advance with GetYourGuide (buy here) slightly cheaper $52.20 vs $54.23 at today’s exchange rate to ensure admission as the lagoon can sell out!

Luggage Storage

Note that there is limited room for larger bags so they may not be able to store.

Locker Room

There was a hair dryer, a hair straightener, and a selection of complimentary products to use (shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion).

Every detail matters and I love how the location is again highlighted with the mountainside serving as a “wall” in the hallway to the locker room + out to the pools

Lagoon Etiquette

You need to shower naked – soap down without a swimsuit on prior to entering – is mandatory for all lagoon in Iceland. This is so important for hygienic reasons so do this (sorry for my soapbox moment but it weirds me out how many people are not doing this and this is such an important part of keeping lagoons sanitary!)

Cameras are allowed (with exception that there are no pictures/videos within locker rooms) but please be respectful of others (and their privacy). Hence why I don’t have a lot of photos here

What to Expect at Forest Lagoon

Heated Pools

The lagoon features two pools with the main pool’s water temperature at 37-39°C, (98-100°F). This larger pool is 530 square meters (5,702 square feet) and all pools are 125 cm (4.1 feet deep). Again with attention to detail – there are multiple places along the infinity edge to gather/converse (with stone slabs/table tops for drinks) but also naturally separated to give you the sense of privacy

The smaller pool is 53 square meters (570 square feet) and is also warmer with water temperature around 39-41°C, (102-104°F)

Cold Pool

The cold pool with water temperature around 12°C (53°F) – I love the contrast between hot and cold and alternate between the sauna, cold pool and hot pools for the ultimate relaxing experience

Finnish Sauna

Dry sauna with humidity around 20% and temperature at 80°C (176°F) – how is this not dry heat heaven with that view of the lagoon, Eyjafjörður and beyond?

Forest Bistro

From the official Forest Lagoon website: Forest Bistro offers light dishes in a pleasant environment which consists of a fire place, wonderful view over the fjord, and an outside dining area with a view of Eyjafjarðarsveit, Akureyri and Hlíðarfjall, surrounded by the forest.

The Bisto is open between 10am and 10pm. The kitchen is open every day between 11am and 3pm and between 4pm and 8pm – here’s where you can find the menu

My Experience / Final Thoughts

My first time to the lagoon was when my Holland America cruise itinerary was changed and we came to port for an overnight stay. And it continued to be as magical every time I came here as that initial visit. There is a reason why it’s my favorite lagoon in all of Iceland as the location and vibe cannot be beat!