The Forest Lagoon in Akureyri is a stunning geothermal hot spring and spa nestled in a lush forest setting, offering a tranquil escape in northern Iceland. Opened in 2022, this modern wellness retreat combines the natural beauty of the Eyjafjörður fjord with the soothing experience of geothermal bathing. The spa features large, naturally heated pools surrounded by trees, creating a serene atmosphere where visitors can relax and unwind while taking in the breathtaking views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.
The Forest Lagoon offers more than just relaxation; it provides a unique connection to nature. The spa’s design emphasizes harmony with the environment, using sustainable materials and maintaining the natural landscape as much as possible. In addition to the geothermal pools, the facility includes a sauna, a cold plunge pool, and a cozy bistro where guests can enjoy local delicacies.
Forest Lagoon Facts
The Forest Lagoon covers an area of approximately 530m² for the larger pool and 53m² for the smaller pool. The water is geothermally heated, with the larger pool maintained at around 37°C (98.6°F) and the smaller one at 40°C (104°F). The lagoon has become a prime destination for both locals and tourists, averaging thousands of visitors annually. On average, people spend about two to three hours enjoying the lagoon, with options for relaxing in the warm waters, dining at the on-site bistro, and experiencing the sauna and cold plunge.
- Opening year: 2022
- Size of larger pool: 530m²
- Size of smaller pool: 53m²
- Temperature: 37°C in the larger pool, 40°C in the smaller pool
- Visitors per year: Thousands and growing
- Facilities: Bistro, sauna, cold plunge, showers, changing rooms
- Time recommended: 2-3 hours
Forest Lagoon Geology
The Forest Lagoon taps into geothermal energy from the same volcanic forces that shape Iceland’s landscape. This geothermal energy it captures from deep inside the earth to use to naturally heat water for the lagoon. Nestled among Akureyri's forested hills, it's part of this region's geothermal activity. The surroundings of the Eyjafjörður valley and the nearby mountains provide a dramatic scenery, and surely this blend of forest and geothermal landscape makes this particular spot different from the more open geothermal regions of Iceland.
What to Expect
The Forest Lagoon is a haven of peace, nestled in a stunning natural environment. The lagoon boasts two major geothermal pools of different water temperatures. The biggest one measures 530m² and is equipped with two swim-up bars and an indoor entry point to the pool. The smaller one is more intimate and is set in a warmer environment. The dry sauna, which heats up to 80°C with only 20% humidity, provides panoramic views of Eyjafjörður and the surrounding mountains.
Next to the sauna, there is a cold plunge pool at 11°C, highly recommended for those who want to get the health benefits from going from hot to cold. Changing rooms and showers are modern and clean, making sure comfort is maintained throughout the visit.
On-site, the Forest Bistro offers dining with a view over Eyjafjörður, providing local food. It is a must-visit for food lovers to enjoy their quality meals in the scenic surroundings. During winter, this lagoon gains even more magic, as the view of mountains capped with snow can be seen from the pools' warmth.
- What to bring: Swimsuit and towel (can also be rented)
- Booking: Highly recommended to book in advance
- Winter experience: The lagoon is open year-round, and winter visits offer a cozy, snow-clad atmosphere with hot waters to keep you warm.
How Does Forest Lagoon Compare?
Keeping in mind other geothermal spas in Iceland, such as the Blue Lagoon or Mývatn Nature Baths, the Forest Lagoon is a bit more intimate, and closer to nature, in other words less commercial. The surrounding forest makes it tranquil enough to be a really great getaway from most of the barren volcanic landscapes of Iceland.
Forest Lagoon or GeoSea?
While GeoSea offers views of the ocean, Forest Lagoon provides a unique forested backdrop at the same location but with fjord views. Both are great options, but if you're looking to be in a greener, more enclosed environment, the Forest Lagoon is perfect for that.
Forest Lagoon or Mývatn Nature Baths?
Where the Mývatn Nature Baths have a more rugged, volcanic landscape, Forest Lagoon is more secluded and quiet. Mývatn is a very suitable place for those who love volcanic landscapes, whereas Forest Lagoon is suitable for someone looking for rest in a quiet groves of trees.
Forest Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon?
While the Blue Lagoon is the most famous of Iceland's geothermal baths, it does tend to be more crowded. The Forest Lagoon offers visitors a more subdued nature experience. Where the Blue Lagoon is ideal for those in search of a more commercial luxury spa experience, the Forest Lagoon provides a smaller and more intimate setting amidst nature.
Nearby Attractions
The Forest Lagoon is located near some beautiful attractions in Akureyri, making it easy to plan a full day. After your soak, you can visit Akureyri Botanical Garden, or take a scenic drive along Eyjafjörður to see the surrounding natural beauty. Húsavík is also close by, known for its whale-watching tours.
Akureyri Botanical Garden
The Akureyri Botanical Garden is one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world. It's a peaceful place filled with over 6,000 plant species, both Icelandic and from around the globe. The garden is divided into formal flower beds, wild areas, and small walking paths with benches. You'll find rare Arctic plants alongside colorful flowers from temperate climates. In summer, the gardens are in full bloom, and birds are common in the quieter corners. There's a small café where visitors can enjoy coffee and pastries while sitting in the middle of the flower beds.
- Distance from Forest Lagoon: 6 min / 3.2 km (2 mi)
Eyjafjörður Scenic Drive
Eyjafjörður is one of Iceland’s longest fjords, stretching deep into the north. A drive along the coast offers views of mountains, sea cliffs, and small farms. Seals are sometimes spotted along the shore, and in summer, the slopes are full of blooming lupines. Several small fishing villages like Grenivík and Dalvík are along the way, each offering good viewpoints and cafés. The road hugs the shoreline for much of the way, so you'll get uninterrupted views of the water and snow-covered peaks across the fjord.
- Ólafsfjörður to Grenivík: 1,5 hours with no stops / 100 km (62 mi)
Húsavík
Húsavík is known for whale watching and is often called the whale capital of Iceland. Tours run daily in summer, with high chances of spotting humpbacks, minkes, and even blue whales. The town has a small harbor and a whale museum with skeletons and films about marine life. There’s a charming wooden church, Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907, and the GeoSea sea baths—geothermal pools on a cliff with views over Skjálfandi Bay.
- Distance from Forest Lagoon: 1 hr / 73 km (45 mi)
The Christmas House (Jólahúsið)
Open year-round, the Christmas House just outside Akureyri looks like a red fairy-tale house with turrets and old wooden doors. Inside, you’ll find decorations, music, and Icelandic Christmas folklore, including the Yule Lads and their mother, Grýla. Upstairs is a Christmas tree room with themed trees, while the downstairs has a shop with local food and hand-made ornaments. Outside is a garden full of elves and troll statues. Next door is a bakery and gift shop called The Little Christmas Garden.
- Distance from Forest Lagoon: 11 min / 12,5 km (78 mi)
Árskógssandur (Kaldi Brewery)
This small fishing village is home to Kaldi, Iceland’s first microbrewery. You can book a tour to see how they make the beer, which uses spring water from nearby mountains and no added preservatives. The tour includes tastings of their signature lager, darker beers, and seasonal brews. Right next to the brewery is Bjórböðin—the Beer Spa—where guests can soak in a tub filled with warm beer, hops, and yeast. The spa also has outdoor hot tubs with a fjord view and a restaurant.
- Distance from Forest Lagoon: 35 min / 38 km (24 mi)
Mývatn Area
The Mývatn region is full of volcanic craters including Skútustaðir Craters, steaming vents, and lava fields. At Hverir, mud pots and sulfur vents bubble beside the road. You can walk through Dimmuborgir, a field of lava pillars and caves, or hike up to the crater at Hverfjall. There’s also the Mývatn Nature Baths, a smaller and less crowded version of the Blue Lagoon, with hot, mineral-rich water. In summer, the lake is full of birds, especially ducks. The area smells strongly of sulfur, but it’s part of the unique volcanic setting.
- Distance from Forest Lagoon: 1 hr 15 min / 85 km (53 mi)
Can I See the Northern Lights at the Forest Lagoon?
Yes, the Forest Lagoon is open until midnight every day, offering an excellent opportunity to see the northern lights while relaxing in the warm waters. With fewer city lights in the area, the chances of spotting the aurora are much higher.
Where is the Forest Lagoon?
The Forest Lagoon is located just outside Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city, in the Eyjafjörður valley.
- The GPS coordinates area: 65°40'13.9"N 18°02'31.0"W.
How to Get to Forest Lagoon?
From Reykjavík, the Forest Lagoon is about a 4.5-hour drive via Route 1 (Ring Road). From Akureyri, the lagoon is just a 10-minute drive. For those traveling from Mývatn, it’s a scenic 1-hour drive along Route 1, while from Egilsstaðir, it takes around 3.5 hours.