A trip to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without visiting a hot spring or an outdoor hot tub. During my stay in the north of Iceland, I discovered several geothermal baths, including the unique Forest Lagoon (Skógarböðin) in Akureyri. What makes this spa special? It’s located right in the middle of a forest. And as you may know, trees are quite scarce in Iceland. In this article, I’ll tell you all about this unique spot in Akureyri and why a visit to Forest Lagoon is definitely worth it.
why is forest lagoon located in this spot in the forest?
Forest Lagoon takes advantage of a natural hot spring that was accidentally discovered in 2014 during the construction of the nearby Vaðlaheiðargöng, a 7.5-kilometer tunnel connecting Akureyri to the east via Route 1 (the ring road). During the work, construction workers unexpectedly encountered a geothermal water flow, which led to significant changes and a delay of over a year in the tunnel’s opening.
Opening of Forest Lagoon in 2022
Once things had settled down, plans to develop a new geothermal bath near the tunnel were further refined. In 2022, Forest Lagoon opened its doors to the public. Forest Lagoon was designed by Basalt Architects, the firm also responsible for the designs of other iconic geothermal baths such as Blue Lagoon, Vök Baths, GeoSea and Hofsós Sundlaug. In the case of Forest Lagoon, Basalt Architects focused on creating a spa that feels both modern and natural, with special attention to respecting and integrating the surrounding forest and fjord landscape.
What makes Forest Lagoon so special
The combination of geothermal water and the tranquil, forested surroundings makes Forest Lagoon truly unique. The warm, mineral-rich water, with a temperature of around 37–40°C, flows directly into the pool. Although it may appear that Forest Lagoon has multiple pools, it is actually one large pool divided into two sections. Along the entire length of the pool, you’ll find built-in benches where you can relax and enjoy stunning views of Eyjafjörður and Akureyri, all while sipping a drink from one of the two bars. At the back of the complex, guests will find a sauna with panoramic views and an ice-cold plunge pool. Don’t forget to stay hydrated during your visit to Forest Lagoon. You can of course order drinks at the bar, but there’s also a water tap at the edge of the pool near the sauna.
Everything is handled with your Forest Lagoon wristband
Upon arrival at Forest Lagoon, you’ll receive a wristband. In the changing room, choose an available locker and lock it using your wristband. If you later forget which locker you used, you can check it on the wall scanner. In Iceland, it’s customary to shower naked before entering the pool. You’ll find lovely shampoos and shower gels available in the shower area. Prefer to shower in private? There are enclosed shower stalls as well. If you like to wear flip-flops, you can leave them in a designated spot near the pool entrance. When you order a drink at the bar, simply scan your wristband. Before leaving Forest Lagoon, scan your wristband at the self-checkout station and pay by debit or credit card. Then place your wristband in the designated box to open the gate and exit the complex.
Dining at Forest Bistro
Before or after your visit, you can enjoy a meal at Forest Bistro, the restaurant at Forest Lagoon. The atmosphere is cozy and the dishes on the menu look great. The kitchen is generally open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, but it does close for a short break in the afternoon after lunch. Check the website for current opening hours. Prefer to grab a quick burger or some fries on the go? That’s usually an option too! When I visited Forest Lagoon, there was a cheerful food truck in the parking lot offering a variety of burgers.
Buying Forest Lagoon tickets online
If you want to, you can stay at Forest Lagoon all day; tickets are not bound to a specific time slot. I visit Forest Lagoon in winter. The temperature is just below freezing—not so cold that your face and hair freeze when wet. I end up spending about two hours at this spa in Akureyri. Once you enter the pool area, you can’t leave to eat at the bistro in between, so keep that in mind!
How to get to Forest Lagoon
Forest Lagoon is best visited during a stay in North Iceland or while driving the Ring Road (Road 1) around the country. I visit Forest Lagoon with a rental car that I pick up after flying with Icelandair from Reykjavik to Akureyri. It’s a good idea to rent a car with comprehensive insurance coverage, especially in winter. That way, you’re fully protected—even in case of damage you might cause yourself. It offers peace of mind when driving on icy and snow-covered roads in Iceland.
Don’t have a car? You can use the free shuttle bus. It stops first at Berjaya Iceland Hotel, then at Hotel Kea and continues on to Forest Lagoon.
Staying overnight in Akureyri, close to Forest Lagoon
When it comes to accommodations in Akureyri, I can personally recommend two places. One is in the city center: G19 Boutique Apartments. It’s an affordable and nicely decorated apartment with free parking, either on the street or on private grounds. From here, you can easily walk into town. It also has a kitchen, making it a perfect option if you want to cook your own meals! The other place is Hotel Kjarnalundur, located just outside the center on a hillside in a forested area. The rooms are clean and comfortably furnished. If you feel like having a drink, there’s a cozy bar in the lobby.
