Despite the name, Iceland is full of hot spots and therapeutic warm baths. It doesn’t matter where you go in the Land of Fire and Ice, a hot bath with a great view is just a couple of minutes away. One of our favorite hot springs is a luxurious gem that always leaves us smiling.
In this article, we dip our toes into the Forest Lagoon and tell you all you need to know about this stunning getaway. Read on to learn why this is a must on your trip to Iceland.
The Forest Lagoon in Short
Unlike other Nordic countries, Iceland is not known for having large and deep forests. This comes from the deforestation of human settlers and the many violent volcanic eruptions the island has endured over the years. The trees simply don’t have the time to grow back.
In recent decades, however, the Icelandic Government has made considerable efforts to reforest certain areas of the country. This is visible in many places and the Forest Lagoon is one of them. In Icelandic, it’s named Skogarboðin, emphasizing the important role trees play at this establishment.
This luxurious spa has integrated elements of nature, with trees practically coming out of the water in the middle of the hot pools, and large rocks to lean against as you relax.
Around the Forest Lagoon, a forest has been planted but luckily, it doesn’t obstruct the view of the nearby Eyjafjördur. Bringing a camera into the pool is not advisable, but you can get your Forest Lagoon Photos as you explore the surrounding area.
Where is the Forest Lagoon?
The Forest Lagoon is in the northern part of Iceland at the southern part of Eyjafjördur. Right across from the fjord, you’ll see Akureyri, and towering behind the spa is a beautiful mountain.
How do You Get to the Forest Lagoon
To get to the Forest Lagoon in Iceland, you can either drive yourself or hop on the shuttle from Akureyri. If you didn’t rent a car for your journey, you can catch a domestic flight from Reykjavik to Akureyri and make good use of the free local transport in Akureyri.
If you have rented a car to take you around the island, getting to the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri is super easy. All you have to do is drive the Ring Road from anywhere, heading towards Akureyri, and as soon as you get to Eyjafjördur, the Forest Lagoon is impossible to miss.
The Forest Lagoon in Iceland: Connect with Nature
The Forest Lagoon has a wide range of amenities. With multiple pools, an amazing bistro, a dry Finnish Sauna, and a view to die for, this is the ultimate place for a relaxing afternoon.
The opening hours for the Forest Lagoon are an astonishing 9 am to midnight, every day. This gives you the opportunity to swim under the Northern Lights in Iceland or experience the Midnight Sun in the summer.
How Much is the Forest Lagoon in Iceland?
At the Forest Lagoon, you pay according to age and disability:
Adults between 16 and 67: 6,900 ISK / €46 / $50.
Kids between 6 and 15: 3,450 ISK / €23 / $25.
Disabled and seniors (67+): 5,250ISK / €35 / $38.25.
Kids up to 5: Free.
The price is for a specific time slot, so remember to book ahead before visiting the Forest Lagoon. The one thing you can forget, however, is your towel. If you didn’t bring one, you can rent one at the entrance for 900 ISK / €6 / $6.50.
Can You Swim in the Forest Lagoon?
Yes, swimming in the Forest Lagoon is the main activity here and you have three pools to choose from:
The larger one keeps a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. This pool has an indoor entry and two swim-up bars where you can grab a drink. Here, you’ll swim between trees and large rocks.
The smaller hot pool is kept warmer at 40 degrees Celsius and is about a tenth of the larger pool.
A small cold pool, mainly used together with the sauna to increase blood flow as visitors alternate between hot and cold.
Things to Do Around the Forest Lagoon
Before or after you book a visit to the Forest Lagoon, you can check out these things to do in the vicinity:
Diamond Circle tour to see the sights of Northen Iceland.
Whale watching at Húsavik – the whale-watching capital of Iceland.
Visit Sandvik Island and hang with the Puffin birds in the summer or experience 24 hours of darkness in the Icelandic winter (it’s not as gloomy as it sounds).
See Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall in the North Icelandic Highlands.
Where to Stay Cloe to the Forest Lagoon
Unfortunately, you can’t sleep at the Forest Lagoon, so here are some accommodation options in the area:
Acco: apartments in the center of Akureyri. Perfect if you want to make use of the free local transportation system.
Hafnarstræti Hostel: an unusual stay where you sleep in capsules. It’s not as bad as it sounds!
Hotel Nordurland: the main hotel in Akureyri that provides all the classic hotel amenities. Great if you don’t want to think of breakfast and all that schlep.
Hamrar Campsite: for the one who likes to take care of everything themselves. Great budget-friendly option.
Enjoy the Serenity of the Forest Lagoon
What is hiding in the trees in Northern Iceland is nothing short of a magical place to relax and recharge the batteries. We often rave about how great the hot springs in Iceland are and how each of them is unique in what they offer.
The Forest Lagoon offers a unique experience of luxury hot pools with great amenities, conveniently close to the main road. When you travel to Iceland, make sure to book a visit at the Forest Lagoon when you reach Akureyri. You won’t regret it; the tranquility you’ll find here is truly something to treasure.
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