Akureyri: Admission to Forest Lagoon with Towel and Drink

Forest Lagoon is one of the more satisfying ways to spend an afternoon in Akureyri, because you get real geothermal bathing plus fjord views, all inside a forest setting. I love the way the pools are set up for easy hot and cold contrast, especially the cold plunge beside the warm swim-up bar areas. I also like the Finnish dry sauna with wide views over Eyjafjörður, it feels like the spa was built to make you slow down.

One thing to consider: it can feel crowded when ships or tour groups line up, so picking a slightly off-peak time helps you keep that quiet, reset-the-brain vibe.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Two warm pools at 37°C with swim-up bars, plus an indoor entrance for less hassle
• A true hot-and-cold routine with a cold plunge pool around 11°C
• Finnish-style dry sauna at about 80°C with panoramic fjord and mountain views
• Strict carry rules poolside, so plan to keep valuables handled and minimal items with you
• Forest Bistro after soaking, wood-clad comfort with fjord views and a fireplace feel
• Value structure: your ticket includes towel, shower products, a locker, and one drink

Why this Forest Lagoon setup feels different from a big-name spa

Forest Lagoon sits in Vaðlaskógur forest, looking out toward Eyjafjörður fjord, and the setting matters more than you might expect. Instead of being locked into a concrete box, you’re soaking with birch and pine around you, plus open views of water and mountains when you step into the sauna area.

The spa also feels designed for repetition. You can bounce between warm water, cold water, and sauna without having to rethink the flow each time. That sounds small, but after an hour, your body wants a rhythm, not a scavenger hunt.

And yes, it’s modern and clean. This is one of those places where you can relax without constantly thinking about hygiene or logistics.

Ticket value: what your admission really buys

The ticket price listed here is $82 per person for a 1-day entry. The big value play is that it’s not just access to water. Your admission includes:

• Entry to Forest Lagoon
• Shower products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer)
• Use of a locker
• A towel
• One drink at the swim-up bar

That towel inclusion is a practical win because some spas make you rent, then forget the rental cost keeps stacking. You also get shower basics covered, so you can travel lighter and not lug full-size bottles.

What can cost extra is mostly about extras, not fundamentals. Swimwear rental and bathrobes are not included, so bring your own swimwear. If you want additional drinks beyond the one included, you’ll pay for those at the bar. One drink is included, and bottled wine is not.

Entering the lagoon: how to make your first 30 minutes easy

Check-in is straightforward. You’ll use the locker for valuables, and then you’ll shift into “spa mode.” One detail that catches people off guard is that the facility has strict poolside rules about what you can take out. You can keep your phone with you, but plan on leaving everything else in the locker and following signage around no cover-ups, no shoes, no towel carried around, and no water bottle out by the pools.

This sounds fussy, but it keeps the pool decks cleaner and helps the place feel orderly. If you like to take photos, put your phone in a safe waterproof spot or pouch and treat it like your only allowed accessory.

Also, there’s a shower area with products included, so after you’re done, you can rinse off without turning your locker visit into an extra shopping stop.

The pools: two 37°C warm baths plus a cold plunge at 11°C

Forest Lagoon has a clear temperature ladder. Two geothermal pools sit at about 37°C, so they feel pleasantly warm rather than scalding. The larger pool is listed as 530 m² and includes swim-up bars. The smaller pool is 330 m² and gives you a quieter option to unwind.

Here’s how that helps you:

• If you’re new to geothermal bathing, the warm pools are a comfortable entry point.
• If you want calmer water without the bustle, the smaller pool gives you a breather.
• If you like a social, relaxed feel, swim-up bars let you sip and float without leaving the water.

Then you step into the cold pool, cooled to 11°C. That hot-and-cold contrast is the whole point for many people, and it can be surprisingly invigorating when you do it in short, manageable cycles. You do not need to force long plunges. Even a couple of minutes can give you the effect, especially if you use the warm pool first.

One small tip for comfort: keep your transitions simple. Do warm soak, then cold, then warm again, and try not to build a complicated routine on day one. Your body will tell you what feels good.

Sauna with fjord views: how the dry heat changes the whole experience

The Finnish dry sauna is where the views and heat combine into something special. Temperature is around 80°C with low humidity, so it feels intense, but not like a wet steam room.

The best part is where your eyes go. From the sauna area, you can see panoramic Eyjafjörður and mountain surroundings. That matters because heat alone can become a grind. With those views, you tend to slow down, hold still, and let the body work instead of bracing for discomfort.

Access to the sauna is part of the experience once you’re there for bathing and sauna use. In plain terms: it feels like a full spa day, not a basic ticket that limits you to just soaking.

If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a shorter session and don’t rush to max time. The goal is to finish feeling refreshed, not cooked.

Swim-up bar drinks and the practical rules around water and food

Your ticket includes one drink at the swim-up bar. This is a clever setup because it gives you a reward that fits the spa rhythm. You don’t have to leave the pool area to start relaxing, and the included drink helps you pace your spending.

A detail that’s useful if you’re budgeting: the first beverage charged to your bracelet counts as the included drink. And bottled wine is not included.

Another practical note: you can get tap water for free at the swim-up bar. That’s a small comfort in Iceland, because after sauna and cold exposure, you’ll want hydration and it’s nice not to buy bottles.

Food is handled at the Forest Bistro, so you’re not stuck with snack-only choices. If you want a meal, plan to eat after you’ve soaked a bit. Your body will be warmer, your appetite tends to show up, and you’ll enjoy sitting down more than hovering around.

Forest Bistro: where lunch fits after your soak

The Forest Bistro is wood-clad and cozy, with a fireplace feel and fjord views. This is not an afterthought cafe, it’s part of the “stay awhile” design.

In practice, the biggest value is that you can fuel up without leaving the spa complex. You can keep your day flexible: a short soak, a snack, another round in the water, then a more proper meal.

If you’re the type who likes to sit by a window with a hot drink after being in the cold pool, this is exactly that moment. The environment makes lunch feel like part of the spa, not just a pause.

Timing in Akureyri: avoid the busy window and keep the calm

Location near the fjord and the modern facility mean Forest Lagoon is popular. You’ll get a quieter experience when it’s not crowded.

A pattern I’d plan for: when cruise ships are on site, it can be crowded at first. Then it typically clears after about an hour, so your experience improves even if you arrive during a group wave.

If you want that calm, aim for a slightly off-peak start time, especially if you’re sensitive to crowds. A later morning or early afternoon can strike a balance: you still get lots of light for fjord views, and you’re less likely to be squeezed at the start.

As for how long to stay, many people settle into a multi-hour session. A solid target is around half day, roughly 3 to 4 hours, so you can do multiple cycles of warm soak, sauna, and cold plunge without feeling rushed.

Getting there from Akureyri: walk if you like, shuttle if you want easy

Forest Lagoon is not in the middle of downtown Akureyri, so transportation planning matters.

You can use a shuttle. There’s an hourly shuttle connection described near the port, with pickup options near the Hof building area. Some visitors also mention short shuttles or minibuses from town center and back.

If you like walking and you want views along the way, you might consider a longer walk from the city via the causeway, which can take around 45 minutes. That option is only for people who enjoy scenic walking and don’t mind arriving a bit warmed up and ready to soak.

If you’re traveling with tight schedules, heavy rain, or just want the day to stay easy, the shuttle is the smarter call.

Rules and what to bring so you do not waste time

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel

Good news: your ticket includes a towel and locker use, and shower products are also included. But the rule for what you can take out poolside is strict enough that it’s still worth keeping your routine simple and following staff instructions.

Not allowed:

• Smoking and vaping
• Unaccompanied minors
• Nudity

Kids:

• Children under age 12 must leave the lagoon by 20:00.
• Child tickets are available on site.

One more rule worth internalizing: only guests intending to bathe or use the sauna may use the facility. That means you should plan your time for soaking, not just hanging out in soaking areas.

Who this is best for, and who might prefer something else

Forest Lagoon works especially well if:

• You want a calm, modern geothermal spa without paying Blue Lagoon style crowds.
• You enjoy a routine, warm pool, cold plunge, sauna, repeat.
• You care about views, not just water temperature.
• You like the idea of an on-site bistro so your spa day feels complete.

It might be less ideal if:

• You want lots of activities beyond bathing and quiet lounging. This is a spa first, not a theme park.
• You strongly dislike crowds. If you’re arriving during busy group times, expect a busier early period.

Price and experience level: is $82 worth it?

At $82 per person, Forest Lagoon is not a bargain ticket. But when you break down what’s included, the value becomes easier to see.

You get:

• A full geothermal spa entry that includes towel and locker use
• Shower products, so less packing and less extra cost
• One swim-up bar drink included
• Access to two warm pools, cold plunge, and dry sauna as part of your spa time

Then you add the setting, forest plus fjord views, and that shifts it from a basic thermal option to a more complete Akureyri activity. If you were already going to spend money on a paid thermal soak plus snacks plus basic toiletries, this format bundles more of those costs into the admission.

In other words, it feels like a premium day, and for many people it is priced about right for Iceland tourism reality.

Should you book Forest Lagoon in Akureyri?

If you want a genuinely relaxing geothermal afternoon with 37°C warmth, a real 11°C cold plunge, and a dry sauna with fjord views, I’d book it. It’s also a strong pick if you’re trying to avoid the busiest, most famous spa scene, because this one feels more intimate when timed well.

Book it if you’re ready to do spa basics properly: bring swimwear, follow poolside rules, and plan a multi-hour soak cycle. Skip it only if you need lots of non-bathing activities to keep you entertained.

FAQ

Do I need to bring a towel?

Your ticket includes a towel, and the facility also provides shower products. Still, check what you personally prefer for your own comfort and bring swimwear for sure.

What is included with admission to Forest Lagoon?

Admission includes entry, shower products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer), locker use, a towel, and one drink at the swim-up bar.

Are swimwear and bathrobes provided?

Swimwear rental is not included, and bathrobes are not included. You should bring your own swimwear.

What temperatures are the pools and sauna?

The two geothermal pools are kept at about 37°C. The cold pool is cooled to about 11°C, and the Finnish dry sauna runs around 80°C with low humidity.

Is the facility wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Forest Lagoon is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Are there rules for children?

Yes. Children under 12 must leave the lagoon by 20:00, and child tickets are available on site. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.