Forest Lagoon: Geothermal Spa Near Akureyri

Key facts

Located 5 minutes by car from Akureyri city centre in Eyjafjarðarsveit
Two geothermal pools (530 m² and 330 m²) both maintained at 37°C with fjord views
Finnish dry sauna at 80°C, cold pool at 11°C, and Forest Bistro with indoor fireplace
Towel rental available; only Icelandic currency accepted on-site

Location and Access from Akureyri

Forest Lagoon is located in Eyjafjarðarsveit, opposite of Akureyri. The spa is 3.6 km from Akureyri Centrum, a 5-minute drive from Akureyri city center.

Akureyri is a town in northern Iceland, nicknamed the Capital of North Iceland. It is an important port and fishing centre located at the head of Eyjafjörður. Akureyri is only 100 km from the Arctic Circle.

Route 1 or the Ring Road connects Akureyri with other parts of Iceland. Reykjavík is 390 kilometres away. Forest Lagoon is an estimated 4 hour drive from Reykjavik (391 km). It is an estimated 3 hour drive from Egilsstaðir (245 km).

The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel is directly east of Akureyri on Route 1. The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel is currently Iceland's only toll road. It opened for traffic in December 2018.

Consider pairing Forest Lagoon with Mývatn Nature Baths further east. You can also explore Akureyri tours that cover the surrounding fjord region.

Forest Lagoon Admission Tickets

Pools, Sauna, and Facilities

The larger pool at Forest Lagoon is 530 m² and kept at 37°C. It includes three swim-up bars and a convenient indoor entrance.

The smaller pool at Forest Lagoon is 330 m² and maintains the same temperature of 37°C. Both pools have views overlooking Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland's longest fjords. Forest Lagoon is surrounded by birch and pine trees.

The Finnish dry sauna has humidity kept around 20% and temperature around 80°C. Swimsuits must be worn in the sauna. The cold pool temperature is 11°C.

Towels are not included in the entrance to the Forest Lagoon. You can rent towels on-site. Only Icelandic currency is accepted at the Forest Lagoon.

Forest Bistro has a wood-cladded bistro area with view over Eyjafjörður and an indoor fireplace. The bistro provides a warm retreat after time in the pools.

Pros

Views over Eyjafjörður framed by Vaðlaskógur forest
Five-minute drive from Akureyri makes it easy to combine with north Iceland itineraries
Three swim-up bars in the main pool and indoor entrance
Finnish sauna and 11°C cold pool for temperature contrast
Forest Bistro offers food with fjord views and an indoor fireplace

Cons

Towels not included in entrance fee; rental available on-site
Only Icelandic currency accepted, requiring exchange or ATM visit
Children aged 12 and under have last entry at 18:30, limiting family evening visits
Four-hour drive from Reykjavík makes it impractical for day trips from the capital

Setting in Vaðlaskógur Forest

Forest Lagoon is surrounded by Vaðlaskógur forest. The forest consists of birch and pine trees. The woodland setting distinguishes this spa from volcanic landscapes common around southern geothermal baths.

The pools look out over Eyjafjörður, combining forest and fjord in a single view. This northern landscape changes with the seasons.

The natural setting extends to the pool design, which integrates the forest edge into the bathing area. The trees provide shelter from wind. They create a sense of enclosure that differs from open-air baths in exposed lava fields.

For visitors exploring Iceland's diverse geothermal experiences, Forest Lagoon adds a forested dimension. Compare this with the lava-field setting of the Blue Lagoon. You can also see the mountainous backdrop of the Secret Lagoon.

Combining Forest Lagoon with North Iceland Itineraries

Forest Lagoon is a 5 minute drive from Akureyri city center. This makes it convenient for a visit without disrupting sightseeing plans.

Visitors following the Ring Road can stop at Forest Lagoon while travelling between Reykjavík and the east coast. The drive from Reykjavik takes an estimated 4 hours (391 km). The drive from Egilsstaðir takes an estimated 3 hours (245 km). These distances make it a logical break point.

Pairing the spa with Akureyri attractions creates a full day in the area. The town offers museums, botanical gardens, and harbour activities.

For longer northern itineraries, consider other geothermal sites. Iceland hot springs around the north coast provide additional soaking options.

Destination from Forest Lagoon	Distance	Drive Time
Akureyri city centre	3.6 km	5 minutes
Reykjavík	391 km	4 hours
Egilsstaðir	245 km	3 hours

If you are planning a longer journey, Iceland multi day tours often include Akureyri.

Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.

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Visitor Rules and Age Restrictions

Children aged 6-12 have last entry at 18:30. Children aged 5 and under have last entry at 18:30. This means families with young children need to plan afternoon or early evening visits.

Swimsuits must be worn in the sauna. The rule applies to all sauna users.

Only Icelandic currency is accepted at the Forest Lagoon. Bring cash or use payment facilities that accept Icelandic currency.

Towels are not included in the entrance to the Forest Lagoon. You can rent towels on-site. Factor this into your planning when preparing for your visit.

Forest Lagoon in Context: North Iceland's Geothermal Scene

Forest Lagoon has views over Eyjafjörður and is surrounded by Vaðlaskógur forest. This contrasts with volcanic landscapes of southern spas.

The spa is 3.6 km from Akureyri Centrum, making it accessible from northern Iceland's main town. This makes it easier to reach than more remote options.

Compared to southern options like Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon, Forest Lagoon offers a woodland atmosphere. The swim-up bars and bistro match the amenities of larger southern spas.

For ring-road travellers, Forest Lagoon is positioned at an estimated 4 hour drive from Reykjavik (391 km). It provides a geothermal experience between the capital region and the east.

If you are comparing Iceland's bathing options, read the full Iceland hot springs guide. You can understand how location and facilities vary across the country.

Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.

Check availability →

Planning Your Visit to Forest Lagoon

Bring your own towel or rent one on-site. Pack a waterproof bag for wet swimwear after your soak.

Exchange currency before arrival, as only Icelandic currency is accepted at the Forest Lagoon. ATMs in Akureyri provide króna if needed.

Families with children aged 5-12 should plan to enter before 18:30. Check specific hours before your visit.

Allow time for the Forest Bistro if you want a meal. The indoor fireplace makes it appealing in colder months.

Dress in layers for the drive between Akureyri and the lagoon. Northern Iceland's weather shifts quickly.

The pools are kept at 37°C. The cold pool temperature is 11°C for those who enjoy temperature contrast.

Our verdict

Forest Lagoon delivers a forested, fjord-facing geothermal experience in northern Iceland. The spa is 5 minutes from Akureyri city center. The 4 hour drive from Reykjavik rules out capital-based day trips. The setting includes views over Eyjafjörður and Vaðlaskógur forest.