What is Forest Lagoon?

Forest Lagoon, known in Icelandic as Skógarböðin, is a geothermal spa nestled in the birch forests on the eastern slopes of the Eyjafjörður valley, just outside Akureyri in North Iceland. Opened in 2022, it has quickly established itself as one of Iceland's finest bathing experiences: a world away from the crowds of the Blue Lagoon in the south.

The setting is unlike anything else in Iceland. The spa sits inside a forest clearing with west-facing views down the length of the Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland. At sunset, the light across the water is extraordinary.

What to Expect

The Forest Lagoon features two large infinity pools filled with naturally heated geothermal water, maintained at a comfortable bathing temperature year-round with the pool further away being slightly warmer. The pools are designed to blend seamlessly into the forest landscape, with the treeline on one side and the fjord view opening up on the other.

Beyond the main pools, the facility includes a cold plunge pool, a sauna, three pool bars serving drinks and light refreshments, and a bistro. The overall feel is calm, unhurried and distinctly Icelandic: nothing like a typical tourist attraction. In fact they also offer highly popular seasonal passes for locals

In winter, bathing under the northern lights with snow on the trees around you is genuinely one of the great travel experiences in Iceland.

Getting There

The Forest Lagoon is located on the western side of the Eyjafjörður valley, approximately 5 kilometres from central Akureyri. By car it is around a 7-minute drive from the town centre.

If you are staying at Heiðin, Forest Lagoon is just 4 minutes away — making it one of the closest accommodation options to the spa in the entire area.

There is free parking on site. A shuttle bus also runs from central Akureyri during peak season, details of which can be found on the Forest Lagoon website.

When to Visit

Forest Lagoon is open year-round, and each season offers a genuinely different experience.

Summer (June–August) brings the midnight sun: bathing in warm geothermal water under a bright Arctic sky at 11pm is surreal and memorable. This is also the busiest period, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Autumn (September–October) is arguably the most beautiful time to visit. The birch forest turns golden around the pools, the crowds thin out, and the first chances of northern lights appear on clear nights.

Winter (November–March) is the most dramatic season. Snow settles in the forest, steam rises from the pools, and on clear nights the northern lights can appear directly overhead. This is when Forest Lagoon is at its most magical.

Spring (April–May) is quieter and the days grow longer quickly. A good time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds.

Practical Information

Booking: tickets should ideally be booked in advance online at forestlagoon.is. Walk-ins are available, but especially in summer and at weekends we highly recommend booking in advance. Our guests at Heiðin enjoy discounted rates when booking online.

What to bring: a swimsuit and a towel. Both are available to rent on site. Lockers are provided for your belongings.

How long to allow: most visitors spend 2–3 hours at Forest Lagoon. Between the pools, sauna, cold plunge and a drink at the pool bar, the time passes quickly.

Facilities: changing rooms, showers, lockers, pool bar, restaurant, towel and swimsuit rental are all available on site.

Accessibility: the facility is designed to be accessible for everyone. Contact Forest Lagoon directly for specific accessibility requirements.

Adding Forest Lagoon to Your North Iceland Trip

Forest Lagoon is a must-do on your North Iceland itinerary. From Akureyri you are well positioned to combine a visit with:

The Diamond Circle: Iceland's premier northern road trip taking in Goðafoss, Mývatn, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and Húsavík, all within a comfortable day-trip distance from Akureyri.
Akureyri town: Iceland's capital of the north, 6 minutes from Heiðin, with excellent restaurants, the botanical gardens and the iconic Akureyri Church.
Whale watching in Húsavík: the whale watching capital of Europe is around an hour's drive from Akureyri. Combine it with a Forest Lagoon evening visit on the way back.
Hlíðarfjall ski resort: Iceland's best ski mountain, 16 minutes away. A morning on the slopes followed by an afternoon soak at Forest Lagoon is a perfect winter day.

Where to Stay Near Forest Lagoon

For the best access to Forest Lagoon, staying on the western side of the Eyjafjörður valley puts you closest to the spa and furthest from the crowds of central Akureyri.

Heiðin offers premium 4-bedroom villas located just 4 minutes from Forest Lagoon, with private geothermal hot tub, mountain views and space for up to 8 guests. It is the ideal, relaxing base for a North Iceland trip or the perfect stop on the Ring Road.

Book your stay at Heiðin →

Forest Lagoon — Quick Facts

Location: Vaðlaskógur forest, across Akureyri, North Iceland
Opened: 2022
Features: Two infinity pools, cold plunge, sauna, pool bar, restaurant
Water temperature: Naturally heated geothermal water between 37-40°C (100-104°F)
Booking: Recommended in advance at forestlagoon.is
Distance from Heiðin: 4 minutes by car
Distance from Akureyri: 7 minutes by car
Best time to visit: Year-round — each season is different

The Complete Guide to Forest Lagoon (Skógarböðin) — Iceland's Most Beautiful Geothermal Spa