Forest Lagoon Iceland Review 2026: Akureyri's Geothermal Gem

Places to Explore in Akureyri, Iceland

Forest Lagoon: A First-Hand Experience

(Including Tips for Visiting with Kids)

On this Iceland adventure,

we visited no less than three paid hot springs, plus a few more surprises!

The three paid hot springs we explored were:

Forest Lagoon, Vök Baths, and the Blue Lagoon.

The 'plus a few more surprises' part is because, in addition to the paid hot springs,

we also discovered quite a few free ones

that we thoroughly enjoyed.

Traveling around Iceland for a month in a campervan,

you'll find it can be surprisingly demanding physically.

It's a daily routine: pull over the campervan when you encounter a breathtaking view,

hike, take photos, and then...

get back on the road to your next destination.

While there's undeniable freedom in this lifestyle,

preparing meals every day and living in a compact space can take its toll.

Sometimes, you absolutely need a moment to truly relax

and let your body rest.

That's why, on this trip,

finding beautiful scenery was just as important as

soaking in warm hot springs

to melt away our fatigue.

Among the three paid hot springs we visited,

the one I want to introduce today is

Forest Lagoon, a gem we discovered in Akureyri, Iceland's northern city.

It's a place where you can immerse yourself in a forest hot spring experience,

and I highly recommend it if you're planning a trip to Northern Iceland!

(My husband absolutely loved it!)

Forest Lagoon: A Northern Iceland Hot Spring Gem

- Address: Vaðlaskógur, 605 Akureyri, Iceland

- Phone: +354 585-0090

- Operating Hours: Daily, 10 AM ~ Midnight (12 AM)

- Exit Time: Guests must exit the hot springs by 11:30 PM

(Note: Children under 12 must finish using the hot springs by 8 PM)

Forest Lagoon is a geothermal hot spring located near Akureyri,

Iceland's northern city.

Geothermal hot springs, as the name suggests,

utilize water heated by the Earth's internal warmth.

Forest Lagoon was developed

using geothermal water discovered during the construction of a nearby mountain tunnel.

It's a relatively new hot spring, having opened its doors in 2022.

While many other hot springs offer views bordering lakes or the sea,

Forest Lagoon presents a distinctly different atmosphere, with its natural landscape blending with the mountainside.

Honestly, while it might not be a dense, lush forest in the traditional sense,

the unique scenery definitely sets it apart

from other hot springs.

It's also super close to Akureyri city center (just a 5-minute drive),

making it the perfect stop during your Northern Iceland adventure!!

It's just across a bridge from Akureyri city center.

Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket Types and Prices

Forest Lagoon admission tickets range

from the Warm (basic) ticket, which only includes hot spring access,

to the Calm & Delight (package) option,

which includes drinks and a towel.

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Here are the admission fees listed on the official website:

The basic adult admission fee is approximately ~$61.

For children, it's about ~$30.

Children 5 and under are free, and the last entry time is 6:30 PM.

(Children must leave by 8:00 PM.)

​

Towels are not included with the basic admission ticket,

and can be rented on-site for 1,400 ISK.

If you only plan to enjoy the hot springs, the Warm ticket is sufficient,

but if you're thinking of having drinks while soaking,

the Calm (1 drink + towel) or Delight (2 drinks + towel)

tickets might be worth considering.

Drink prices at Forest Lagoon start from

1,190 ISK (about ~$10) for a small draft beer,

and cocktails range from

1,990 to 2,490 ISK (approximately ~$16 to ~$20) depending on the type.

As you soak in the hot spring and gaze at the surrounding scenery,

a refreshing cold beer is an absolute must!

If you're going to order drinks separately anyway,

the Calm ticket, which includes one drink and a towel,

is not a bad choice.

Tickets can be purchased on the official website or Trip.com.

Forest Lagoonbooking.forestlagoon.is

You can buy the basic (Warm) ticket from the official website,

but if you're looking to purchase the

Calm ticket, which includes one drink and a towel, you can get it at a 5% discount

from Trip.com.

Head over here:

Purchase admission tickets at a 5% discount

(Valid until November 4th)

How to Use the Forest Lagoon Facilities

Receive your wristband after booking confirmation at the entrance

Show your booking confirmation email to the staff

to receive your entry wristband.

This wristband serves as both your locker key in the changing room

and your payment method for drinks within the hot springs area.

Instead of paying on the spot when ordering drinks,

your usage is recorded on the wristband,

and you can settle the total payment when you exit after enjoying the hot springs.

Leave your shoes in the shoe locker,

Shower is mandatory before putting on your swimsuit!

Instead of being assigned a specific changing room number,

you just pick any empty locker you like and use it.

Just tap the wristband you got upon entry against the locker lock,

and voilà! You can open and close the door.

Just be sure to remember your locker number!

Naturally, I couldn't snap any photos in the showers, but

showering before you jump in is a must,

and they've got shampoo, conditioner, and body wash all ready for you~!

Wear Your Wristband to Enjoy the Hot Spring

Pay for Drinks with Your Wristband

Honestly, using the facilities isn't difficult at all!

Just change into your swimwear, shower, put on your wristband,

and then you're all set to dive into the hot spring experience.

Forest Lagoon boasts primarily two distinct hot spring pools.

According to their website,

the water temperature hovers around 37-38°C,

While it's not scorching hot,

it was perfectly delightful for a long, soothing soak.

They also featured a sauna and a cold plunge pool,

but personally, I'm not a huge fan of saunas,

so only my husband indulged.

Forest Lagoon features a swim-up bar,

where you can order drinks right from the geothermal pools!

Just use the wristband you received upon entry to place your drink orders.

If your admission ticket includes drinks,

be sure to confirm the number of drinks included.

Any additional drinks you order can be settled separately later.

Shampoo, Body Wash, and Even a Centrifuge Dryer — They've Got It All!

With a basic ticket, you'll find everything you need except for towels.

I was especially impressed by how powerful the centrifuge dryer was – a real lifesaver!

Forest Lagoon: Our Personal Experience & Overall Review

From Hot Springs to Northern Lights, a Day of Pure Satisfaction

We spent a wonderful three hours there, from 5 PM to 8 PM.

Since we were visiting with our child,

we had to leave by 8 PM due to the children's operating hour regulations.

After our relaxing soak, the view of Akureyri from the parking lot

was absolutely breathtaking.

As a side note, we actually did some car camping twice

in the Forest Lagoon parking lot without any issues.

(We made sure to get direct permission from the staff first!)

Overall, our visit to Forest Lagoon was incredibly satisfying!

From the relaxing pools to the stunning night views,

Forest Lagoon delivered pure delight.

If you ever find yourself traveling to Akureyri in northern Iceland,

I highly recommend making a visit here.

Get Your Admission Tickets with a 5% Discount!

(Offer valid until November 4)