Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included

Hot pools in a quiet forest. Forest Lagoon in the Vaðlaskógur forest outside Akureyri gives you that rare mix of calm nature and fjord views, and your ticket includes a towel plus one alcoholic drink at the in-pool bar. One thing to plan for though, the locker room and shower areas are not super private.

You get around 2 hours to float between a warm geothermal pool, an 11°C cold plunge, and a dry Finnish-style sauna. It also runs smoothly with a mobile ticket, lockers, and a quick entry process, so you can start relaxing fast.

Forest Lagoon in Akureyri’s Vaðlaskógur forest: what makes it special

Forest Lagoon’s big selling point is not just that it is a thermal spa. It is that it feels like a spa vacation tucked into real Iceland nature.

You are in Vaðlaskógur forest, surrounded by birch and pine, with Eyjafjörður spread out ahead. That matters because hot water alone gets old. But add fresh air, tree cover, and a fjord view, and the whole experience feels slower and more restorative. It is the kind of place where you naturally stop checking the time, then suddenly realize you have been soaking for a while.

This is also a practical stop in Akureyri. The lagoon is sized for a relaxed visit, and the facilities are set up for moving through a routine: soak, sauna, plunge, repeat.

Key things I love here

• Views from the water and sauna over Eyjafjörður
• Real value up front, especially the towel and the included drink

A real-life consideration

• Shared shower and changing spaces means less privacy than you might want

Ticket value: towel, locker, and that included drink

At $86.27 per person for about 2 hours, you are paying for a focused spa experience with fewer add-ons than you might expect. Your ticket includes a towel, which sounds small until you realize Iceland weather makes even simple things like packing a damp towel a hassle.

You also get a locker for your belongings. That might not sound dramatic, but it is huge for peace of mind. You can store your stuff safely and enjoy the ritual without playing keep-away with your bag and phone.

Then there is the included drink at the in-pool bar. It is not a random coupon, it is tied to the actual vibe of the lagoon. Sitting in warm water with a drink in hand is the point, and the fact that you do not have to decide right away what to order makes the first minutes easier.

If you add more drinks, expect to pay extra. One account mentioned additional drinks around the £4 to £10 range, which is in line with a resort setting.

Two geothermal pools at 37°C: how the hot water experience actually works

Forest Lagoon has two geothermal pools, both heated to about 37°C (98.6°F). The larger pool is roughly 530 m² and includes three swim-up bars, plus an indoor entrance. That means it is the social hub, especially when the lagoon is busy.

The smaller pool is about 330 m² and stays at the same temperature, but it tends to feel calmer. If you want quieter time, you know where to go when you notice more movement in the larger pool.

A key detail is that the water is warm and pleasant rather than punishingly hot. That makes it a good first thermal stop if you have not done Iceland hot baths before. You can stay longer without feeling cooked, then use the sauna and cold plunge to reset your body.

My practical take on soaking time

• Spend the first stretch getting comfortable in the warm water.
• Use the colder plunge to “switch gears,” not to power through pain.
• If you are new to thermal bathing, keep your cycles shorter and build up.

Cold plunge at 11°C: the reset you will feel

Next to the warm pools is the cold pool at 11°C (51.8°F). This is where the experience earns its name as a hot-and-cold routine.

The cold plunge is bracing. That is not a negative, it is the whole point. It creates that quick mental and physical snap that makes the warm water afterward feel even better.

If you tend to get nervous about the moment you step into cold water, do not rush it. Walk in slowly, focus on steady breathing, and treat it like a short interval. People who do this regularly often time it by comfort, not by bravery.

Also, consider ordering your plunge timing around your sauna session. Many spa routines work best if you do warm to sauna, then cold to cool your system down before you return to the warm pool.

Finnish-style dry sauna around 80°C: fjord views and low humidity

Forest Lagoon also includes a Finnish-style dry sauna with temperatures around 80°C, designed with low humidity. Dry heat can feel intense, but it is easier to manage than steamy, wet heat if you tend to feel uncomfortable in high humidity.

The sauna also has panoramic views of Eyjafjörður and the surrounding mountains. That makes it feel less like a room you “survive” and more like a scenic break in your routine.

If you like a predictable rhythm, try this order:

1) warm pool

2) sauna

3) cold plunge

4) warm pool again

That keeps the body moving through hot, then shock, then recovery.

In-pool bar and Forest Bistro: where food and drinks fit in

You get one included alcoholic drink at the in-pool bar. That is part of what makes this more than a basic entry pass. It is also a simple advantage: you do not have to stop what you are doing to make a drink decision early on.

If you want more, you can buy additional drinks. One person noted the extra drink prices were reasonable compared to the overall experience.

For food, there is Forest Bistro, a wood-clad dining space with fjord views and an indoor fireplace. Even if you do not plan a full meal, it is a good place to warm up and slow down at the end. In Iceland, that calm, cozy break matters, because once you get out of water, the air can feel sharp.

Locker rooms, towels, and showering rules you should know

This is one of those places where the facilities are clean and organized, and the experience runs on a simple flow. Still, you should know a few practical realities before you arrive.

You will use a locker to store your belongings, and you do not need to bring your own towel because one is provided. That is a big relief for packing light and for travelers who hate the idea of carrying a damp towel in their day bag.

Showering and changing are where people differ in expectations. One important heads-up from on-site behavior: there is a custom to shower naked before entering the lagoon. If you want more privacy, there are shower cubicles for those who prefer them, though the number of private changing areas can be limited. Plan a little extra patience if it is crowded.

Also, the general idea is straightforward: you are there to bathe or use the sauna. The facility is for those who intend to use the pools and sauna, so it is not set up like a casual walk-through attraction.

Crowds and timing: making your 2-hour window work

Forest Lagoon is designed for about a 2-hour visit. That is long enough to do a few cycles, plus time for breaks, sauna, and one drink. It is also short enough that it fits easily into an Akureyri day.

Crowds can change fast. It can feel relaxed when it is not full. But if a cruise ship is in port, mornings can get busier. The lagoon is large enough that you are not stuck in one tight space, and the smaller pool can offer a quieter option when things ramp up.

If you book a later slot, pay attention to closing times. One person noted that for the 10pm slot, the pool and bar closed at 11:30pm. That is the kind of detail that can change your experience if you assume you have until midnight.

Quick timing advice

• If you want quieter bathing, go earlier in the day when possible.
• If you are there for the calm forest mood, later can also be lovely, just confirm the closing time for your slot.
• Build in time for showering and changing, especially if multiple people are moving through at once.

Getting there from Akureyri: walk, bus, and shuttle options

Forest Lagoon is listed as near public transportation, and many people find it easy to reach from town. One account described walking from the city center as doable on a decent day, but acknowledged it could be icy depending on weather.

There are also shuttle options reported from the HOF area and from the city info center. Because these can vary by season and schedule, treat them as a checkable bonus rather than a guarantee. Still, if you want to avoid winter footing and taxi costs, look closely at your voucher details before you leave.

If you are approaching from a cruise port, it can be a short walk. Even then, having a shuttle can make the day feel smoother, especially if you are moving on a tight schedule.

Who should book this admission ticket

Forest Lagoon fits best if you want:

• a first-time thermal bath in Akureyri without complicated planning
• a relaxing spa rhythm with hot water, sauna, and a proper cold plunge
• a setting that feels like nature, not just a pool complex

It is also a good value pick if you want a lagoon experience but not the pricing level of the flashiest names. One comment specifically compared it as less expensive than Blue or Sky lagoons, which aligns with the idea that this pass includes key extras like towel and one drink.

If your top priority is strict privacy in changing areas, you might be disappointed. If you want social bathing, clean facilities, and a calm forest-to-fjord feel, it is a strong choice.

Price and value: is $86.27 worth it for this 2-hour pass?

Let’s break down what you are actually buying.

You are paying for:

• access to the geothermal pools (including a larger pool with swim-up bars)
• use of the dry sauna
• use of the cold plunge
• a provided towel
• one included alcoholic drink
• locker access for your belongings

When you add up those pieces, the price starts to make sense. Many spa admissions charge extra for towels, and drinks are usually an easy add-on cost. Here, the towel and drink are already included, which reduces decision fatigue and makes your time in the lagoon feel less like a checkout line and more like a true break.

You also get a modern, well-run facility feel. People consistently highlight cleanliness, helpful staff, and smooth check-in. That is not just nice, it is practical. Clean changing areas and quick entry reduce the friction that can ruin a thermal experience.

Should you book Forest Lagoon in Akureyri?

I think you should book if you want a relaxing 2-hour thermal stop with forest calm, fjord views, and a real hot-and-cold circuit, and you care about getting towel and a drink without extra hassle. The included drink turns your first soak into an actual ritual, not just waiting for the next amenity purchase.

I would pause if you are very privacy-sensitive in the shower and changing areas, or if you prefer a super quiet spa with no shared facilities. In that case, you might want to plan a time when it is likely less busy, or decide based on how much you personally mind shared spaces.

If you are doing Akureyri for the first time, this is an excellent “soft landing.” It is warm water, scenic views, and a straightforward routine you can repeat as long as you have time.

FAQ

What does the Forest Lagoon admission ticket include?

Your ticket includes access to the hot pools, sauna, and cold pool. It also includes a provided towel and one drink at the in-pool bar.

How long is the visit at Forest Lagoon?

The experience lasts about 2 hours.

What are the pool temperatures?

The warm geothermal pools are kept at about 37°C (98.6°F), and the cold plunge pool is about 11°C (51.8°F).

Is there a sauna?

Yes. There is a Finnish-style dry sauna with temperatures around 80°C and low humidity.

Are lockers available?

Yes. The facility provides a locker so you can keep your belongings secure.

Is the ticket mobile?

Yes, this activity uses a mobile ticket.

Are children allowed?

Children 11 years and younger are allowed to stay in the lagoon only until 8 PM. Children tickets are available on-site.

Can non-bathers use the facility?

Only guests intending to bathe or use the sauna may use the Forest Lagoon facility.

What else is available on-site besides the pools?

There is Forest Bistro, a wood-clad dining space with fjord views and an indoor fireplace.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and changes within 24 hours of the experience start time are not accepted.