Iceland Is Opening a New Lagoon Next Month — With Stunning Forest Views and 2 Swim-up Bars

"Discovered unexpectedly in 2014 when crews digging the 4.6-mile Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel struck a geothermal hot water source, this luxury geothermal spa transforms that find into expansive, nature-focused bathing facilities fed by the mountain’s hot waters. Guests can soak amid birch and pine trees of the Vaðlaskógur forest with views over the Eyja Fjord and the city of Akureyri, combining forest-bathing with thermal pools that include a roughly 5,700 sq ft leisure pool, a 570 sq ft warmer pool, a cold plunge, two in-water bars, a sauna, and a quiet room; locker space accommodates about 200 visitors and there’s an accessible changing area. Practical touches include charging stations for electric cars and bikes and an on-site restaurant serving local beer and wine in a fireside, wood-cloaked dining room. Tickets are on sale (starting at 5,800 ISK ≈ $45 for one guest; a two-guest package with two drinks is 13,900 ISK ≈ $108; multi-visit gift packages are available), the site is slated to open in late February or early March, and the project is developed by the team behind the Blue Lagoon and other Icelandic geothermal baths." - Rachel Chang Rachel Chang Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines