Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included

Forest Lagoon is a straightforward, high-reward way to do Iceland’s thermal bathing in Akureyri, with fjord views and a real forest feel. I love the two geothermal pools at 37°C, because it’s easy to find your comfort zone without rushing. I also like the sauna and cold plunge contrast, which turns a simple soak into an actual ritual.

The main thing to consider is that the changing and shower setup is not built for maximum privacy, and there’s a common custom to shower before entering the water. If you’re expecting spa-level privacy, plan for a bit of waiting and a shared vibe in the wet areas.

Key Things I’d Focus On

• Two 37°C pools so you can rotate without feeling like you’re crowding one spot
• Finnish-style dry sauna (about 80°C) with panoramic fjord views
• Included alcoholic drink you can enjoy at the in-pool bar area
• Locker storage and a provided towel, so you travel lighter
• Hot and cold plunge bathing with a cold pool around 11°C
• A max group size of 200 (so it stays manageable compared to bigger mega-lagoons)

Forest Lagoon in Akureyri: what makes it a smart spa stop

If your plan is to relax in Iceland without spending an entire day in transit, Forest Lagoon is one of the easier wins in Akureyri. The site sits in the Vaðlaskógur forest, with Eyjafjörður stretching out toward the waterline. That mix matters because it changes the mood. Instead of a “look at the pool, take the photo, leave” experience, you get a place that feels built for slowing down.

You also get variety in one ticket. You’re not just buying hot water. You’re getting a hot soak, a dry sauna, and a cold plunge, all at temperatures that are designed for contrast bathing. And the modern comfort details help, from towel and locker support to clear, fast entry.

Price and included value: $86.27 that feels more like a package

At $86.27 per person, the big reason this ticket makes sense is that it bundles essentials. You’re paying for admission, access to the hot pools, sauna, and cold pool, plus a towel and one included alcoholic drink. That matters in Iceland, where even small “extras” can add up fast.

The drink piece is a practical touch. You’ll have the option to sip at the in-pool bar, so you’re not juggling timing while you’re trying to settle into the water. It also helps you pace your visit, because you can plan your soak around the moments you actually want to savor.

The locker is another value point, because it keeps the trip feeling organized. You won’t be improvising storage with a bag on the floor or trying to “remember where you left stuff” during temperature changes.

How long it takes: your 2-hour soak plan that actually works

This experience runs about 2 hours. That’s a sweet spot. Long enough to enjoy a full loop, short enough that it won’t swallow your day, even if you’re also sightseeing around Akureyri.

I’d think of your time in cycles:

1) warm pool first

2) sauna second

3) cold plunge third

4) then back to warm for a final unwind

If you’re the type who likes to talk to staff and take photos, you can still fit it. Just don’t plan a marathon. The place is at its best when you rotate and reset.

Getting there from Akureyri: walk, public transit, or a shuttle

Forest Lagoon is at Vaðlaskógur 605, 605 Akureyri, Iceland, and it’s listed as being near public transportation. Many people find it easy to reach, especially if you’re already in the Old Town area.

From what I’ve seen, there are a couple of common routes. Some visitors use a free shuttle service from the city area, while others do a walk if the weather is kind. The walk is doable when roads are clear, but in colder months it can be icy underfoot, so I’d wear grippy shoes if you’re coming on foot.

If you’re arriving by cruise, the lagoon can be one of those “not too far” excursions. One practical tip from real-world timing: if you’re depending on buses during quieter seasons, service can run on a less frequent schedule, so check what’s running on your day before you commit.

Check-in at the lagoon: mobile ticket, quick entry, and lockers

Check-in is built to move. You’ll use your mobile ticket, and entry is typically handled fast once you arrive. People also report getting a wristband style access method, which helps the process feel smooth once you’re inside.

The first move I recommend is to lock everything up. Use the provided locker, grab your towel, and only then head to the wet areas. It reduces stress later when you’re hot, dry in the sauna, and then suddenly standing in front of the cold pool making life choices.

Also note the facility rule: this area is for guests who intend to bathe or use the sauna. If you’re just accompanying someone, you might need to plan around that.

Before you enter the water: showers, changing areas, and how to handle privacy

This is where you’ll want to manage expectations. The shower process is part of the experience. The facility has shower cubicles for people who want more privacy, but the number of private options is limited. Some people also report that the changing and shower setup feels shared, not secluded.

If you’re someone who hates waiting, go earlier in your time slot or be prepared for a short queue around peak moments. The place stays clean and well run, but the human side of demand is real, especially if you arrive when lots of people are in.

One more thing: keep an eye on your towel and belongings during the changeover zones. Even with staff support, it’s smart to treat your towel like a personal item until you’re fully set in the lagoon area.

Two hot pools at 37°C: where to soak and how to spread out

Forest Lagoon gives you two geothermal pools, and that design helps your experience feel less crowded. The larger pool is about 530 m², kept at 37°C (98.6°F), and it includes three swim-up bars. There’s also an indoor entrance, which is helpful when the air is chilly.

The smaller pool is about 330 m², also at 37°C, so it works as a quieter option if you want to escape the bar area. Knowing this helps you plan. If you want the social energy, start in the larger pool. If you want calm, rotate into the smaller one after your first drink sip.

In practice, I like the 37°C temperature range because it’s warm enough to relax, but it also gives you room to stay longer without feeling overwhelmed. You’re not forced into “instant steam cloud” mode. You can actually breathe, chat, and take breaks.

The sauna ritual: Finnish-style dry heat with fjord views

The sauna is Finnish-style dry, around 80°C with low humidity. That dry heat is intense, but it’s manageable if you respect your body and keep your towel and timer habits simple.

The standout is the view. From the sauna area you can see Eyjafjörður and the surrounding mountains. That’s not just a photo perk. It changes the experience, because you’re not staring at tile walls while your body warms up. You’re in the open air visually, even when you’re inside that heat zone.

Practical tip: do the sauna when you feel ready to reset your body for the cold plunge. If you jump from a hot pool straight into the sauna without any break, you might feel cooked. Give yourself a minute to cool slightly, then go in.

Cold plunge at 11°C: the moment you either love or swear at

Then comes the cold pool, cooled to 11°C (51.8°F). This is the part that people remember. It can feel bracing fast, but it’s also what makes the contrast bathing work.

The best advice I can give you is to treat it like a short challenge, not a long swim. Get in, focus on your breathing for the first moments, and use the warm pool right after to complete the cycle. Most people feel the “reward” more when they don’t try to outsmart the cold.

And yes, it’s enjoyable if you let it be quick and purposeful. If you’re nervous, start with a shorter stay and build confidence. There’s no prize for suffering.

Forest Bistro after your soak: where the fjord view meets fireplace comfort

Once you finish your hot-cold loop, it’s nice to have a place to land. Forest Lagoon has the Forest Bistro, a wood-clad dining spot with fjord views and a cozy indoor fireplace.

This is helpful for two reasons. First, it gives you a chance to warm up if you’ve been in the sauna and cold pool more times than you planned. Second, it helps you keep the day from turning into “just swim and leave.”

Your included drink is one thing, but if you want more, you can typically buy additional drinks on site. People report that extra cocktails are often in a reasonable range for Iceland, and that makes the whole ticket feel less tight-budget and more like a full spa outing.

Crowds and timing: how to keep the experience calm

Forest Lagoon has a maximum of 200 travelers, which helps. It’s not an empty pond in the woods either, so you still need to time your arrival.

If you want a calmer, quieter soak, consider going earlier in your planned window. People have noted that it can get busier as the day moves on, especially when cruise lines are in port. That doesn’t make the lagoon chaotic, but it does affect how quickly you move through showers and bar areas.

A small timing trick: plan your sauna and cold plunge when you feel the crowd flow is changing. Even if you can’t predict it exactly, you’ll feel it once you’re there.

Rules for kids at Forest Lagoon: what you should know before you book

If you’re traveling with children, check the age rules before you settle on a time slot. Children 11 years and younger can stay in the lagoon only until 8 PM. There are also children tickets available on-site.

If your family plans involve late evenings, that 8 PM cutoff is the key limitation. Also remember the facility rule that access is for guests intending to bathe or use the sauna, so non-bathing companions might not be able to simply hang around inside.

Who should book Forest Lagoon, and who might choose another lagoon

This is a great match if you:

• want a real thermal circuit (hot pools plus sauna plus cold plunge)
• care about cleanliness and a well-run facility
• like the idea of relaxing outdoors with fjord views instead of being trapped indoors

It’s also a strong choice if you’re doing Akureyri for a short stop and want something you can fit into a 2-hour block. The distance from the city center is manageable for many people, and the near-by transit options help even if the weather is unpleasant.

It may be less ideal if:

• you need very private changing and shower facilities
• you hate shared wet areas and waiting
• you’re expecting a silent, luxury-only vibe with no visible social energy

Quick checklist: what to do when you arrive

A simple order of operations keeps everything smooth:

1) Use your mobile ticket and get your access sorted

2) Take the provided towel and stow items in a locker

3) Shower according to the site routine before entering the lagoon

4) Start with the 37°C pool, then rotate to sauna and cold plunge

5) Finish with a warm break at the Forest Bistro, if time allows

Also, if you’re booking a late slot, keep an eye on closing timing. People have reported that the pool and bar close earlier than the advertised late start time, so factor in a shorter final stretch.

Should you book Forest Lagoon?

I think you should book Forest Lagoon if you want a balanced, high-value thermal experience in Akureyri. The combination of two 37°C pools, a dry sauna around 80°C, and an 11°C cold plunge makes the ticket feel complete, not just “entry to water.” Add the towel and your included drink, and it becomes a simple plan with fewer add-ons.

Skip it or adjust expectations if privacy is your top priority, because the shower and changing areas can be shared and limited in private options. If you can handle that, you’ll likely leave feeling relaxed, reset, and ready for the rest of your Akureyri day.

FAQ

What is included with the Forest Lagoon admission ticket?

Your ticket includes admission to the hot pools plus access to the sauna and cold pool. It also includes a towel and one drink (alcoholic) at the in-pool bar. You can also use a provided locker for your belongings.

How long does a visit take?

The experience lasts about 2 hours.

What pool and sauna temperatures can I expect?

The lagoon has two geothermal pools kept at 37°C. The cold pool is cooled to 11°C, and the Finnish-style dry sauna is around 80°C.

Do I need to bring a towel or can I use a locker?

A towel is provided with your ticket. The site also provides lockers so you can store your belongings securely.

Are children allowed, and are there age limits?

Children 11 years and younger are allowed to stay in the lagoon only until 8 PM. Children tickets are available on-site.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.