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must-visit in AkureyriLeisure & Entertainment

Forest Lagoon

📍 Vaðlaskógur 605, Akureyri, Iceland
Forest Lagoon
1 photos
4.6/ 5.0
★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location
Iceland, Akureyri
Category
Leisure & Entertainment
Duration
2–3 hours; 3–4 with dining or spa treatments
Address
Vaðlaskógur 605, Akureyri, Iceland
Coordinates
65.6835, -18.0878

Introduction

Forest Lagoon sits in the Vaðlaskógur woods just south of Akureyri in northern Iceland, among birch and pine, looking out over Eyjafjörður — one of Iceland's longest and narrowest fjords. It opened in 2022, but the water is not a natural spring: it comes from a hot spring struck unexpectedly while drilling the Vaðlaheiði tunnel in 2015, and nothing chemical is added to the bathing pools. Two infinity-edged pools face the fjord — the main one is 530 sq m at about 37°C with three swim-up bars and an indoor entrance, the smaller one quieter. Beside them sit a Finnish dry sauna (around 80°C, 20% humidity) and an 11°C cold plunge. The valley is free of light pollution, making this one of the easiest northern-Iceland lagoons for aurora watching in winter. Visitor numbers are capped, so it stays far calmer than the Blue Lagoon further south, and opening hours run late through the aurora season.

✨ Highlights

1
Infinity pools facing the fjord
The main pool is 530 sq m at about 37°C, its edge meeting Eyjafjörður and the snow peaks opposite, with three swim-up bars along the rim.
2
Hot water found during tunnel drilling
Not a natural spring — it was struck while drilling the Vaðlaheiði tunnel in 2015 and piped in; nothing chemical is added to the pools.
3
Dry sauna and cold plunge
A Finnish dry sauna holds around 80°C at 20% humidity, with an 11°C cold pool alongside; alternating between them is the recommended routine.
4
Capped at 200 guests
Numbers on site are limited by the operator, so the water always feels uncrowded. Stone slabs and alcoves along the edge let small groups sit apart.
5
Woodland setting and clear skies
Birch and pine surround the site and the valley carries no light pollution, making it one of the least effortful aurora spots in northern Iceland.
6
Midnight-sun bathing
In summer hours run to midnight, so you can sit in the pool as the light fades and the fjord turns metallic.

🛈 Practical Info

→Duration：2–3 hours; allow 3–4 if you eat at Skógur Bistro or book a spa treatment.
→Booking and rules：Timed entry, bookable up to 60 days ahead on the official site; slots sell out on cruise days and through the aurora season. Naked showering before entry is mandatory. The men’s and women’s changing rooms each have 130 lockers, plus 4 accessible lockers and a full accessible changing room; one escort enters free when a disabled guest needs full assistance.
→Transport：About 3.6 km from central Akureyri — five minutes by car or 45 minutes on foot — and 4.2–4.5 km from the two cruise terminals. Walk, take a taxi, or use the free official shuttle (harbour departures added 1 June–6 September), first come first served with ticket holders given priority.
→Facilities：Dry sauna, 11°C cold plunge, two warm pools, the Skógur Bistro restaurant and an outdoor dining terrace. Lockers include hairdryers, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. Photography in the changing rooms is prohibited.
→Worth it?：Yes — it is a strong alternative to the Blue Lagoon. Fewer people, close to Akureyri and open late in winter, so it pairs easily with Goðafoss 30 minutes east or a Mývatn day trip.
→Watch out：The basic ticket excludes the towel, which matters a great deal in winter — book Calm or above, or rent one on site. Cruise days fill up, so book ahead. Pool decks are slick; bring grippy slippers.
→Opening Hours：Open daily year-round. Summer about 09:00–24:00, last entry 22:30, exit by 23:30; winter hours shorter. Closed for maintenance 6–7 October 2026, reopening 10:00 on 8 October.
→Transportation：3.6 km from central Akureyri — 5 min by car, 45 on foot — and 4.2–4.5 km from the cruise terminals. Walk, taxi, or the free official shuttle.

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFree

Warm ISK 7,490; Calm ISK 10,150 with drink and towel; Delight ISK 11,210 with two drinks and towel. Ages 13–15 and 6–12 ISK 3,790; 5 and under free. Towel ISK 1,400; Icelandic currency only.

💡 Tips

• The basic ticket has no towel — in winter book Calm or above, or rent one for ISK 1,400, or the walk back is miserable.
• Photography is prohibited in the changing rooms; leave phones and cameras in your locker.
• Cruise days are the busiest of the year — book well ahead, up to 60 days out on the official site.
• For aurora viewing in winter take a slot after 20:00, and remember you must be out of the water by 23:30.
• The main pool has three swim-up bars so you can order without leaving the water; the smaller pool is the quiet one.
• At just 3.6 km from the centre you can walk or cycle there, taking in Akureyri's old town on the way.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Forest Lagoon?

Open daily year-round. Summer about 09:00–24:00, last entry 22:30, exit by 23:30; winter hours shorter. Closed for maintenance 6–7 October 2026, reopening 10:00 on 8 October.

How much is the admission for Forest Lagoon?

Adult: Free; Warm ISK 7,490; Calm ISK 10,150 with drink and towel; Delight ISK 11,210 with two drinks and towel. Ages 13–15 and 6–12 ISK 3,790; 5 and under free. Towel ISK 1,400; Icelandic currency only.

Any practical tips for visiting Forest Lagoon?

The basic ticket has no towel — in winter book Calm or above, or rent one for ISK 1,400, or the walk back is miserable. Photography is prohibited in the changing rooms; leave phones and cameras in your locker.

How long should I spend at Forest Lagoon?

A typical visit takes 2–3 hours; 3–4 with dining or spa treatments.

Prices, hours and facilities from the official forestlagoon.is and the Visit Akureyri 2026 summer schedule (checked October 2026). Maintenance days and prices change — confirm on the official site before travelling.