Forest Lagoon Travel Guide

The Forest Lagoon is a geothermal spa resort located in North Iceland. The attraction is a few minutes' drive from the capital of the North, Akureyri.

The lagoon opened in 2022 and has a convenient location in North Iceland. Its short distance from Akureyri makes it the best place to relax after your northern adventures, such as this horse-riding tour of North Iceland's countryside and the Arctic coastline and the Trollaskagi Peninsula tour. The lagoon is also located off the famous Icelandic Route 1, making it an ideal place to rest during road trips such as this seven-day self-drive tour of the ring road.

Despite its accessibility to a big town, visitors can still enjoy North Iceland's natural beauty while relaxing in its waters. The lagoon is surrounded by trees, giving it a tranquil atmosphere, and has fantastic views of Eyjafjordur fjord.

About the Forest Lagoon

The Forest Lagoon is a 13,993 square-foot (1,300 square meters) complex in the Vadlaskogur forest. Booking access to the Forest Lagoon will grant you access to many relaxing facilities, including infinity pools, swim-up bars, a sauna, a cold tub, and a restaurant.

Its waters, which come from a nearby mountain, have healing qualities that are good for the skin. Meanwhile, Iceland's natural geothermal heat warms its pools.

The lagoon is open to adults and children and can house up to 200 people. It is open seven days a week from morning to evening.

In winter, it is a great place to admire the northern lights in Iceland, and in summer, you can unwind under the midnight sun.

Modern Lagoon Surrounded by Nature

The Forest Lagoon has everything visitors can expect of a modern spa facility. However, what makes it unique is how this modern geothermal spa in the north blends perfectly with the nature surrounding it. 

This fusion of modernity and nature is not surprising once you learn that the Forest Lagoon is designed by the same people behind the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is hailed as the most famous geothermal spa in Iceland. 

Like the Blue Lagoon, the Forest Lagoon's design highlights the uniqueness of its surrounding environment. In the case of the Forest Lagoon, this refers to the woodland surrounding it. 

Visitors of the lagoon can enjoy the natural views while relaxing in the spa's hot waters. Meanwhile, inside the building, you'll see cross-laminated timber accenting the walls instead of concrete.  

How to Go to the Forest Lagoon 

The lagoon's location near Akureyri makes it easy to visit. The geothermal spa is only 2.2 miles (3.6 kilometers) from the town and will take you less than 10 minutes to drive. 

If you plan to visit the Forest Lagoon from Reykjavik, you can ride a plane from Iceland's capital city to the Akureyri Airport. Meanwhile, if you plan to take a car, note that Reykjavik is 243 miles (391 kilometers) away from the lagoon and can take around five hours to reach. 

Akureyri Airport also allows direct flights from some European countries, such as Greenland, the UK, Spain, and Denmark. 

Forest Lagoon's Nearby Attractions

The lagoon's location near Akureyri and the famous Ring Road of Iceland ensure there are many famous attractions you can easily visit.

At Akureyri, there are two major museums worth checking out, the Akureyri Museum and the Motorcycle Museum of Iceland. The Akureyri Botanical Garden's collection of various plant species is a fantastic stop for plant lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

If you plan to go further east, around 19 miles (31 kilometers) away is the Godafoss waterfall. This waterfall is one of the most beautiful in Iceland and is often part of many tour packages. Meanwhile, a few miles away from Godafoss is its smaller neighbor, Geitafoss waterfall.

Godafoss waterfall and Akureyri are features of the Diamond Circle sightseeing route, which also includes Lake Myvatn and the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss.