Akureyri: Forest Lagoon Entrance Ticket

Hot water and trees, minutes from Akureyri.

That simple combo is what makes Forest Lagoon feel special: geothermal baths in a birch-and-pine forest, with wide views over Eyjafjörður. You get a big warm pool for hanging out, a smaller hotter option, swim-up bars, and a dry Finnish sauna plus a cold plunge, all in one easy one-day visit.

I especially like the geothermal soak: the main pool runs around 37°C and the smaller pool around 40°C, so you can choose your comfort level. I also like the “heat to cold” sequence—dry sauna (about 80°C, low humidity) followed by a plunge around 11°C—which gives you a full-body reset without making the day complicated.

One thing to watch: the ticket price is $52, and towels aren’t included, so pack your own towel and swimwear (or expect extra costs on-site). That small detail can change the true total cost.

Key things to know before you go

• Forest setting with fjord views over Eyjafjörður, right from the water and sauna areas
• Two geothermal pools: a large 530 m² pool (around 37°C) and a smaller 53 m² pool (around 40°C)
• Dry Finnish sauna: about 80°C with low humidity, and you’ll want your swimsuit on
• Cold plunge pool at about 11°C for a classic heat-and-cold routine
• Swim-up bars so you can take breaks without leaving the water
• Shower products included (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer)

Forest Lagoon’s forest-and-fjord vibe (and why it feels like good value)

Forest Lagoon is the kind of place you go to slow down. It’s not trying to be a loud attraction. The setting is the point: geothermal water under open-air air, then sauna warmth with views across Eyjafjörður and out toward the surrounding mountains.

The big draw for me is that it covers the full circuit in a way that stays relaxing. You can do a gentle soak, switch to a hotter pool, then warm up again in the dry sauna before going for a cold plunge. For a lot of people, that’s the real meaning of a thermal spa day: rhythm, comfort, and not having to plan ten separate stops.

At $52, it’s not the cheapest line item on an Iceland trip, but it can make sense if you value time and facilities more than novelty. The entrance ticket includes access to the pools and sauna experience, and you also get the included shower products after—more on that below.

Getting there from Akureyri: short drive, simple logistics

Forest Lagoon sits close enough to Akureyri that your day doesn’t turn into a whole project. One practical advantage: it’s often handled as a quick taxi ride from town, and the drive time is reported to be around six minutes.

That matters because Akureyri is the kind of base where you might want to do one “big ticket” activity without sacrificing a full day of transit. With a one-day ticket, you can fit this between other north Iceland plans without feeling rushed.

If you’re building a day around it, I’d aim for an arrival time when you still have energy for a bistro meal afterward. Even if the pools feel like a whole evening, your body will thank you for taking at least some time to eat and dry off calmly.

Your one-day flow: how to plan your time inside

Your ticket is valid for one day and you’ll want to check availability for the starting times. Think of this as an entry window rather than a strict timed tour with a schedule of stops. Once you’re in, you can move at your pace.

Here’s a smooth, low-stress flow I’d recommend:

First, start with the pools. The main pool runs around 37°C, which is warm enough to settle in without immediately exhausting you. If you want a little more intensity, you can switch to the smaller pool at around 40°C. The smaller space is easier to focus on conversation or a slow stretch.

Next, take a break and then head to the dry Finnish sauna. This sauna is different from steam rooms: humidity stays around 20%, and the temperature is about 80°C. Because it’s dry heat, it can feel intense fast—especially if you’re already warm from the pool. Go with small doses at first.

After the sauna, cool down in the cold plunge pool, around 11°C. That contrast is the classic idea behind the warm-to-cold routine. Don’t treat it like a test; treat it like a reset. Then, you can repeat the cycle if you still feel good.

Finally, plan for your post-soak reset: use the shower products provided with your ticket, then change back into normal clothes. If you’ve brought a dry bag, this is also where your comfort level jumps.

Large pool vs small pool: temperatures, space, and swim-up breaks

Forest Lagoon has two pools, and the split is actually useful. You’re not stuck doing one temperature forever.

The large pool (for hanging out)

The large pool is 530 m² and stays around 37°C. It also has an indoor entry, which helps if weather shifts during your visit. This is the natural choice when you want longer sessions, a steadier heat level, and space to float and drift without feeling crowded.

This pool also features two swim-up bars. That’s not a gimmick. It’s a practical setup for breaks: you can grab a drink without leaving the water, and you’re more likely to pace yourself instead of rushing back and forth.

The smaller pool (for a hotter hit)

The smaller pool is 53 m² and stays around 40°C. It’s the place to go when you want the heat to feel more focused. It can also feel cozier, so it’s a good choice if you prefer less open space while still staying in warm geothermal water.

One caution: because it’s hotter, it can tire you sooner. If you’re new to thermal bathing, do short rounds here and then return to the main pool for recovery.

Dry Finnish sauna and the cold plunge: the heart of the experience

The sauna setup is a major part of why this spa feels complete. It’s a Finnish dry sauna, not a wet steam room. Moisture and steam aren’t part of the equation here, which is why the humidity stays around 20% and the sauna runs close to 80°C.

A couple practical points matter:

• You’ll want your swimsuit on in the sauna area.
• Go slow if you’re sensitive to heat. Dry heat can feel sharp.

Right next to it is the cold plunge pool at about 11°C. That’s cold enough to feel it immediately, but it’s also controlled—so you can build a routine instead of white-knuckling it.

If you like a structured rhythm, a simple loop works well: warm pool → dry sauna → cold plunge → shower and rest. If you don’t want that intensity, you can still enjoy the geothermal baths without forcing the sauna-cold sequence. The beauty is that the choice is yours.

Swim-up bars: why this small luxury changes the mood

It’s easy to treat thermal bathing like a purely physical thing—soak, sauna, repeat. The swim-up bars add a social break that keeps the vibe calmer and longer.

Because you’re not constantly getting out to snack or search for somewhere to sit, you can keep your body in that warm zone while your mind relaxes. It’s also a good way to take a pause without feeling like you’re leaving the experience behind.

Drinks are not included with your ticket, so budget for it if you plan to order. Still, if you’re going to spend time in the water anyway, having that option right there is genuinely convenient.

Shower products included: the post-soak win you’ll notice

A lot of spas charge for the stuff you need to get yourself back in order. Forest Lagoon includes shower products with your entrance ticket: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer.

That might sound like a minor detail, but it changes your packing list. If you were already bringing basics for your Iceland days, you might still appreciate not needing full bottles just for this. At minimum, it keeps the final stretch of your visit easy: wash off, moisturize, and get comfortable again.

Still, your towel and swimwear are on you. Plan around that, and you’ll have a smoother arrival-to-departure experience.

Forest Bistro: the meal break with fjord views

Dining is part of the spa’s rhythm, and the Forest Bistro space is built for that. You’ll find a wood-cladded bistro area with a view over Eyjafjörður and an indoor fireplace.

That combination matters because it gives you a comfortable “landing zone” after you’ve been hot. You won’t have to stand around in damp clothes while you decide where to eat. The bistro is right there, with the atmosphere of a real place—not just a quick grab-and-go corner.

I’d treat this like part of the plan, not an afterthought. If you do multiple pool rounds, you’ll feel the need for a sit-down meal and a slower reset.

What to pack (and what not to waste money on)

From what you’re told to bring, and what people learn the hard way, here’s the clean checklist:

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel

Not included:

• Towels, swimwear, bath robes, drinks

Practical bonus tip: if you care about your phone or camera, bring a way to keep it dry. You don’t want to spend your sauna time thinking about gear. A waterproof bag is a simple fix.

Also note the house rules: no smoking or vaping, no nudity, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed. If you’re visiting with kids, pay attention to the evening rule: children under 12 must leave the lagoon before 20:00.

Price and value at $52: when it feels worth it

Let’s talk money in a real way. The ticket is $52 per person and it’s valid for one day. What makes it feel like decent value is that you’re not just buying access to water—you’re buying the full circuit: pools, dry sauna, cold plunge, and shower products.

Where the value can shrink is the add-ons. Towels are not included, and drinks cost extra. If you forgot swimwear or towels and end up paying on-site, your total can climb quickly.

Still, if you show up prepared, it’s a straightforward spend. And the calmer feel—clean facilities and the sense that it’s less hectic than some of the more famous geothermal stops—can be a big deal. You’re paying for comfort, time in the water, and a place where you can actually relax.

If you’re doing a north Iceland trip from Akureyri and want one standout thermal day without huge crowds, this is the kind of ticket that can pencil in nicely.

Who should book this entrance ticket?

This is a great match if you:

• Want geothermal soaking plus sauna plus cold plunge in one place
• Prefer a spa experience with forest calm and fjord views
• Like the idea of swim-up bars and an easy break in a bistro setting
• Are visiting Akureyri and want a short, simple day trip

It’s also a good option for accessibility needs since the venue is wheelchair accessible.

You might rethink it if:

• You’re trying to keep costs ultra-low and don’t want to pay extra for towels or drinks
• You’re traveling with children and need to plan around the under-12 cutoff before 20:00
• You’re not interested in heat-and-cold contrast and want only one temperature soak (though you can still do just the pools)

Should you book Forest Lagoon for your Iceland trip?

If your goal is a relaxing thermal day with a real rhythm, I think it’s a smart booking. The setup is practical: warm pools, a dry sauna with fjord views, and a cold plunge pool, plus shower basics included so you leave feeling clean and comfortable.

Book it if you’re coming to Akureyri for a few days and want a “one-day anchor” experience that’s easy to fit in. Skip it if you’re strictly budget-focused and don’t plan to bring towel and swimwear, because that’s where costs can creep up.

If you do book, pack what you need, plan a meal break at Forest Bistro, and give yourself enough time to repeat your favorite loop at your own pace.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Forest Lagoon entrance ticket valid?

Your entrance ticket is valid for one day, with available starting times shown when you check availability.

What does the entrance ticket include?

It includes the entrance ticket and shower products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer).

What should I bring with me?

You should bring swimwear and a towel.

Are towels and swimwear included?

No. Towels, swimwear, and bath robes are not included, and drinks are also not included.

What pools and temperatures are available?

There are two pools:

• A large pool around 37°C (98.6F)
• A smaller pool around 40°C (104F)

Is there a sauna and what type is it?

Yes. There is a dry Finnish sauna with humidity around 20% and temperature around 80°C. You’ll need to wear your swimsuit in the sauna.

Is cold plunge available, and how cold is it?

Yes. There is a cold pool for plunging at about 11°C (51.8F).

Are there any rules about children?

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