Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included

Forest Lagoon gives you one of Iceland’s most pleasant ways to slow down: warm water, pine and birch trees, and a broad view toward Eyjafjörður. The larger pool has an indoor entrance and three swim-up bars, while the smaller pool offers a quieter place to sit.

I like the included towel and locker, since you can arrive without hauling extra gear. I also like the included drink, which turns a standard soak into a more complete two-hour outing. The main drawback is the shared shower setup. You are expected to shower without a swimsuit before entering, and private shower and changing space is limited.

Key points to know before you go

• Two geothermal pools stay around 37°C: Use the larger 530-square-meter pool for swim-up bars and the smaller 330-square-meter pool when you want a calmer soak.
• The sauna reaches about 80°C: Its low-humidity heat pairs well with the 11°C cold pool nearby.
• One drink and a towel are included: The package describes an alcoholic drink, while the bar also serves other choices.
• The fjord view is part of the appeal: You look toward Eyjafjörður and the mountains from the pools and sauna.
• The free shuttle can save time and money: Pickup points have included the HOF area and the city information center, though schedules can vary.
• Plan around shower customs: Communal showers are part of the Icelandic bathing routine, and private facilities are few.

Why Forest Lagoon feels different from a standard hot pool

Forest Lagoon sits in Vaðlaskógur forest, across the fjord from central Akureyri. You get a setting that feels more wooded than urban, with birch and pine behind you and Eyjafjörður ahead.

The water itself is warm rather than scalding, at about 37°C, or 98.6°F. That temperature works well for lingering. You can sit in the water, talk, watch the light change over the fjord, and avoid the uncomfortable heat that makes some thermal pools hard to enjoy for long.

I especially like the combination of forest and open water views. The trees provide privacy and shelter, while the fjord keeps the setting from feeling closed in. Vegetation can partly block the view from some areas, so do not expect every seat to have a full panorama. Still, the view toward the mountains and Akureyri is one of the strongest reasons to come.

The atmosphere also changes with timing. A quiet off-season visit can feel almost still, with fewer than 20 people in the pools at times. When a cruise ship is in port, the facility can become much busier as the morning goes on. If your schedule allows, an early or later time may give you a calmer soak.

Arriving at Vaðlaskógur and getting settled

The meeting point is Forest Lagoon, Vaðlaskógur 605, 605 Akureyri. You can reach it by car, public transport, taxi, or a free bus service that has operated from the town area.

The shuttle is useful if you are coming from a cruise ship. Pickup has been available near the cruise port, the HOF cultural center, and the city information center. The exact running pattern matters, especially outside the busiest season. One practical warning: buses may run only once an hour in the off-season, so check the return timing before you enter the water.

Walking from central Akureyri is possible. One person made the walk there and back in about two hours total, though icy conditions made it less comfortable. I would not treat the walk as the default plan in winter. A free shuttle, taxi, or car is easier when roads and pavements are slick.

Once inside, the entry process is reported to be quick and organized. A wristband lets you enter, use your locker, and charge additional drinks. You receive a towel with this package, and lockers are provided for clothing and valuables.

Allow a few minutes to understand the changing area before rushing outside. Shoes are kept on a rack, and one towel was accidentally taken by another person on a busy visit. Staff replaced it promptly, but keeping track of your towel and footwear is still sensible.

The two warm pools, 37°C and easy to enjoy

The larger geothermal pool covers about 530 square meters. It includes three swim-up bars and an indoor entrance, so you can move between the changing area and the water without stepping outside in the cold.

This is the livelier pool, but it is not simply a place to stand at a bar. You can find room to sit, look over the fjord, and settle into the warm water. The included drink gives you a natural first stop at the bar. The package is described as including one alcoholic drink. Additional drinks have been reasonably priced according to the information provided, with examples ranging from about £4 to £10.

The smaller pool covers about 330 square meters and keeps the same 37°C temperature. It is the better choice when you want fewer distractions. You can move between the two pools during your visit, so you do not need to choose one and stay there.

The water is pleasantly warm, but not intensely hot. That is good news if you want a long soak or if very hot springs leave you light-headed. It also means the experience is more about calm time in the water than a dramatic blast of heat.

A useful touch is the swimsuit dryer. After your soak, a quick drying cycle helps if you are still wearing the same suit for the journey back. You also avoid packing a dripping swimsuit into your day bag.

Sauna heat, cold water, and the Icelandic bathing rhythm

The Finnish-style dry sauna reaches about 80°C with low humidity. It faces Eyjafjörður and the surrounding mountains, giving you more than a blank tiled wall while you warm up.

You can use the sauna on its own, but the better rhythm is warm pool, sauna, cold pool, then warm pool again. The cold pool is about 11°C, or 51.8°F. It is genuinely bracing, not merely cool.

I would treat the cold pool as optional, especially if you dislike sudden temperature changes. If you try it, a short stay is enough. The contrast is part of the appeal for many people, but you do not need to prove anything by remaining in the cold water.

The sauna and cold pool add value to the admission because they give you several ways to use the two hours. Without them, Forest Lagoon would mainly be a warm soak with a view. With them, you can create your own simple bathing circuit and break up the time.

Remember that the facility is for people who intend to bathe or use the sauna. It is not a sightseeing stop where you can enter just to look around.

The shower routine and changing-room details

This is the part to understand before booking. Icelandic swimming culture expects you to shower without a swimsuit before entering the pool. At Forest Lagoon, communal showering is part of the process.

There are private shower cubicles, but the number is limited. The changing area is not fully private, and there is only limited private changing space. If privacy is important to you, expect a wait or plan for a less secluded routine.

The rule is practical rather than fussy. A proper shower helps keep the geothermal water clean, and it is standard at Icelandic pools. Still, it can feel unfamiliar if you have only used spa facilities with individual shower stalls.

The locker system makes the rest of the process easy. You can store your clothing and belongings, then use the wristband for access and bar purchases. The facilities are kept clean, and check-in and check-out are generally straightforward.

One included drink and the Forest Bistro

The drink is a small but worthwhile part of the package. Having something included at the swim-up bar means you do not have to decide right away if you want to spend more. It also gives you a reason to pause in the pool instead of treating the visit as a quick dip.

The information for this admission describes one alcoholic drink. At the facility, drink choices have included cocktails and smoothies, but I would confirm the exact choice included with your booking if you do not drink alcohol.

You can also finish at the Forest Bistro, a wood-clad dining space with fjord views and an indoor fireplace. The bistro is not required for the two-hour admission, but it gives you a warm place to sit after the pools. Since the experience includes only the lagoon admission, towel, and one drink, plan to pay separately for any food or extra drinks.

How much value do you get for $86.27?

At $86.27 per person, this is not a cheap public swimming pool visit. You are paying for a designed spa setting, two geothermal pools, sauna access, cold pool access, a towel, a locker, and one included drink.

The value improves if you would otherwise rent a towel, pay for a drink, and arrange separate transport. The free shuttle can help keep the total cost down, particularly for cruise passengers. The included towel is also useful if you are traveling light or moving on to another stop afterward.

Compared with Iceland’s better-known lagoons, the price can feel reasonable, especially when the setting is quieter. You should not book it expecting a full-day spa package. The scheduled visit lasts about two hours, which is enough time to use the pools, sauna, cold plunge, and drink without feeling hurried.

For a short stay in Akureyri, the price makes sense if you want a relaxing activity that fills part of an afternoon or evening. It is less appealing if you only want a quick swim or if you are already paying for several expensive Icelandic attractions in the same day.

The booking pattern also matters. This admission is often reserved about 43 days ahead, so popular time slots may not remain open close to your visit. That is particularly worth noting for cruise days and peak summer periods.

Choosing the best time for your two-hour visit

The pool can become busy when a cruise ship is in port, especially later in the morning. A quieter time gives you more room in the smaller pool and an easier chance to use the sauna without waiting.

Evening visits can be attractive because the light over the fjord changes and the forest feels calm. Pay close attention to the closing time, though. A late 10 PM slot has closed at 11:30 PM, rather than allowing an unlimited late-night stay. That kind of timing detail is easy to miss.

Winter has its own appeal. The forest, warm water, sauna, and cold air create a strong contrast, and an off-season visit may feel notably quiet. You will need to plan more carefully for icy walking conditions and less frequent buses.

The facility can hold up to 200 people. That maximum does not mean every time slot will feel crowded, but it explains why timing can affect the mood. If peace and quiet matter most, avoid the busiest cruise-related periods when possible.

Who will enjoy Forest Lagoon most?

You will likely enjoy this admission if you want a simple, polished thermal experience near Akureyri without committing a whole day. It suits couples, solo visitors, and anyone who wants to rest after sightseeing, driving, or a cruise stop.

It is also a good choice if you like alternating heat and cold. The sauna and 11°C pool give the visit more variety than a single warm pool.

Families can use the facility, but note the age rule. Children 11 and younger may stay in the lagoon only until 8 PM, and children’s tickets are available on site. A late booking may not work for a family with younger children.

You may want to choose another activity if communal showers are a serious concern, if you do not plan to bathe or use the sauna, or if you need a long private spa treatment. Forest Lagoon is a shared bathing facility, not a private resort room.

Cancellation and practical planning

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours beforehand are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses local Icelandic time.

Bring a swimsuit, even though you will shower without it before entering. The towel is supplied, and a locker is available. If you are coming from the port, confirm the shuttle return time before you leave town, since off-season service can be less frequent.

The activity uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided when you book. Most people can take part, but the facility is intended for bathing and sauna use rather than casual entry.

Should you book Forest Lagoon?

I would book Forest Lagoon if you want two quiet hours in warm water with a forest setting, fjord views, sauna access, and a drink already included. The towel, locker, and possible free shuttle make the $86.27 price easier to justify.

I would choose an earlier or quieter time if you are visiting on a cruise day, and I would plan the return ride before getting wet. Accept the shared shower routine, try the cold pool only if you want the shock, and give yourself time to use both pools rather than rushing straight to the bar.

For a first geothermal bath near Akureyri, this is a strong pick. It offers enough comfort and variety to feel special, but it remains manageable within a two-hour visit.

FAQ

Where is Forest Lagoon located?

Forest Lagoon is in Vaðlaskógur at 605 Akureyri, Iceland, overlooking Eyjafjörður.

How long does the admission last?

The visit lasts about two hours.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes admission to the geothermal pools, sauna, cold pool, one towel, one locker, and one included drink.

How warm are the geothermal pools?

Both pools are kept at about 37°C, or 98.6°F.

How cold is the cold pool?

The cold pool is cooled to about 11°C, or 51.8°F.

Is a drink included?

Yes. The package includes one drink at the in-pool bar and describes it as an alcoholic drink. Additional drinks cost extra.

Are children allowed at Forest Lagoon?

Yes. Children’s tickets are available on site. Children aged 11 and younger may stay in the lagoon only until 8 PM.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.