Forest Lagoon and Northern Lights tour from Akureyri

Warm water under the forest, then the sky comes alive

This guided night tour from Akureyri starts at Forest Lagoon, a geothermal spa ringed by birch and pine trees with views across Iceland's longest fjord, where you soak in warm water for the first part of the evening. After the baths, your guide drives you outside the city to escape light pollution and search for the Northern Lights, a 4.5-hour tour that includes entrance to the lagoon, a towel, and a licensed English-speaking guide. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed, though the operator will offer a free return trip if they don't appear.

Step-by-step itinerary

Forest Lagoon and Northern Lights tour

• Drive to Forest Lagoon geothermal baths
• Relax in warm water with fjord views
• Enjoy tranquility of surrounding forest
• Travel outside Akureyri for Northern Lights
• View Aurora Borealis in nature

The Experience

The evening begins with a short drive to Forest Lagoon, where the geothermal baths sit in Vaðlaskógur forest with views across Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland's longest fjords. You'll have time to relax in the warm water surrounded by the birch and pine trees that make this location distinct from other Icelandic hot springs. The spa's setting—isolated in the forest rather than in a populated area—is what sets up the second half of the tour.

Once you've warmed up and changed, your guide takes you back outside Akureyri to find the Aurora Borealis. The drive away from the city's light pollution is essential; the Northern Lights are visible only in dark skies, and your guide knows where conditions are best on any given night. The tour operates during winter when the nights are long enough for viewing, though the lights themselves are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed even if the tour runs. If you don't see them and the tour goes ahead, the operator will offer you a free return trip on a future booking.

The full 4.5 hours includes both the drive time and the time spent at the lagoon and searching for the lights. Your guide speaks English and handles all the logistics; entrance to Forest Lagoon and a towel are included. Children can come along (infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available), though they must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

• Entrance fee to Forest Lagoon and a towel.
• a licensed guide who speaks English and drives the group.
• pickup and transport to both the geothermal baths and the Northern Lights viewing area outside Akureyri.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by Star Travel Iceland

Is this one for you?At 4.5 hours including drive time, this tour fits into an evening without consuming your whole day—you soak in the lagoon and hunt the lights without needing to commit to a full overnight excursion or book separate activities.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is Forest Lagoon like compared to other hot springs in Iceland?

Forest Lagoon sits in Vaðlaskógur forest surrounded by birch and pine trees, with views overlooking Eyjafjörður fjord, which sets it apart from other geothermal baths. The spa's unique location in the forest rather than in a developed area is what the operator emphasizes as its defining feature.

Can I bring young children on this tour?

Yes, children can join the tour and must be accompanied by an adult. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What happens if the Northern Lights don't appear?

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed. If the tour operates but the lights don't appear, the operator will offer you a free return trip on a future booking.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes, the Northern Lights tour is subject to weather and sky conditions. The operator reserves the right to cancel at any time if conditions are unsuitable for viewing.