Forest Lagoon

Forest Lagoon is a geothermal spa tucked into the birch and spruce woods of Vaðlaskógur, on the eastern side of Eyjafjörður directly across from Akureyri. It opened in 2022 and quickly became one of the best-known things to do in town. The main lagoon is a long, warm, mineral-rich pool with an infinity edge that seems to spill into the forest, while the view runs across the fjord to the lights of the town and the mountains beyond. Steam rooms, cold plunge options, a sauna and a swim-up bar fill out the complex. The setting is the point. Unlike some Iceland spas that sit in open lava fields, this one is hidden among trees, and the sheltered, quiet atmosphere is calmer than many busier lagoons. In winter the steam, snow and darkness create a dramatic mood, and on clear nights soakers sometimes see the northern lights from the water. In summer the long evening light turns the whole place golden.

The experience is built around a few simple pleasures. You change in modern facilities, shower as Icelandic custom requires, and then move through the lagoon at your own pace. Many visitors begin with the hottest areas and drift toward the infinity edge to watch the view. The steam room and sauna give a break from the water, and a bar serves drinks and light food in the lagoon area. Entry normally includes a locker and wristband, and many tickets add a towel or a first drink, so check what is included when you book.

Timing is worth planning. The lagoon is popular, particularly in the evening and at weekends, so advance reservations are wise, and a time slot system helps keep crowds comfortable. Evening visits are the most atmospheric, especially in autumn and winter when the sky is dark enough for aurora, but morning sessions are quieter and good for families. Allow at least two hours, because the point is to slow down. It is a good choice after a long Mývatn or Goðafoss day, and a few combination tours link the waterfall and the lagoon.

Getting there from town is easy. The spa is about ten minutes by car from central Akureyri, across the fjord bridge, and shuttles or tours often serve the route. It is also possible by taxi or bike in good weather, but check the final stretch, which is up a hill. The Vaðlaskógur forest has walking paths that make a pleasant pre-soak stroll, and the trees give some shelter from wind.

Compare it with the Mývatn Nature Baths for a sense of what each offers. The Nature Baths have a milky blue, mineral-rich lagoon in a volcanic landscape, and they are a natural end to a Mývatn day. Forest Lagoon is closer to town, newer, woodier and more polished. Many visitors to the north choose one or the other, and a few do both on different days.

Whichever you choose, follow local etiquette: shower thoroughly without a swimsuit first, tie back long hair and drink water, because hot lagoons can dehydrate you. Bring a plastic bag for your wet swimsuit, a hairbrush and a warm hat for the walk back to the car, since a steaming head in cold air feels wonderful but chills quickly once you step out.