A new geothermal forest spa called Forest Lagoon will launch in April near Akureyri, in Northern Iceland, with design by Basalt Architects – the creative driving force behind Iceland’s iconic Blue Lagoon.

The story behind Forest Lagoon began in 2014 when workers digging inside the Vaðlaheiðargöng heath – for an unrelated project – discovered a geothermal hot water spring.

This water source will serve as the beating heart of the new 1,300sq m spa and power infinity-edge geothermal pools with soaring views of Eyja, one of Iceland's longest fjords, and the city of Akureyri.

Immersed in the Vaðlaskógur forest and integrated into the mountainside, Forest Lagoon will also have a sauna, relaxation room, two swim-up bars and a restaurant.

The sustainable destination is being designed to benefit guests physically and mentally through forest bathing and natural hot spring bathing.

Forest Lagoon owners Sigríður Hammer and her husband Finnur Aðalbjörnsson began construction in 2021 following the acquisition of a large tract of land and water rights.

The couple aims to expand Forest Lagoon with the addition of a hotel if there is sufficient demand.

Activity in the Icelandic bathing and wellness scene is heating up as Forest Lagoon will open in direct competition with Blue Lagoon and the recently opened Sky Lagoon. Click here to read more about the Icelandic wellness market in our recent feature in CLAD's sister magazine, Spa Business.

Day admission for one guest at Forest Lagoon will start at kr5,800 (US$47, €41, £34), while rates for couples, including beverages, start at kr13,900 (US$112, €98, £82).

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