To Blue Lagoon or Not to Blue Lagoon

That is the question.

Chances are if you ask anyone who has traveled to Iceland in the last 10 years about their trip, they will mention the Blue Lagoon. Because of it's location on the way to/from the international airport, 80% of tourists stop there to soak up the silica-rich waters during their trip. Of course, in tourist-phobic fashion, it took me over 6 months of living here to go to arguably the most famous place in Iceland. And even then I only went because I knew I had to.

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So, did the Blue Lagoon win even the most skeptical patron?

Sort of.

The first time I went was with my sister who visited for a long weekend from London. We arrived minutes after opening, so there was no line to wait in for tickets and the locker room was completely empty. Just how I like it. I was impressed with the sleek design of the buildings and locker rooms and all of the employees were welcoming and pleasant (I mean, they better be for the price you're paying). And I can't deny the naturally bright blue water against the dark volcano field isn't absolutely breathtaking, not to mention the minerals do feel pretty good on your skin too. It's hard not to think you're in a otherworldly paradise. We had about 30 or 40 minutes of peaceful floating until the tourists en masse showed up and quickly chased our relaxation away with obnoxious yelling and splashing (these were adults, not children, just in case you were wondering). Eventually there was no escaping their personal-space-invading presence so my sister and I called it a day. Even with the annoying tourists, I enjoyed the experience, especially the algae mask and health smoothie that came free as part of my Blue Lagoon Club status.

The second time I went was in more of a romantic setting with my boyfriend. We went near the end of the day, just a few hours before closing, and only had to deal with a small amount of loud lagoon goers for a short time until they trickled away. Nothing against going with my sister, but the Blue Lagoon lends itself a little better to romance. The only thing that put a damper on our date were the waves of fury caused by the huge storm raging through Iceland that night. Smooching a cute guy is a lot less exciting when you have walls of water splashing into your ears while freezing rain whips you in the face. Still, it was a very enjoyable evening.

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But, do I recommend it?

Yeah-ish. 

I think if you're a student backpacker on a budget, skip the crap out of the Blue Lagoon. At $54.00 for the cheapest ticket during the summer, that could mean a whole day's car rental. Not worth it. For a similar experience at half the price ($26.00 in the high season, less than half that for students), go to the Myvatn Nature Bath in the north of the island. I went there on my grand road trip, and although the facilities aren't as fancy, the water is exactly the same. Or better yet, just go to one of the many public pools or free natural hot springs. Iceland does not lack water based relaxation.

BUT, if you are ready to drop some serious cash on a romantic getaway, I've got to eat my words and say the Blue Lagoon is pretty awesome. If I were to do it again, I would rent a private room, get some gourmet food from the restaurant, order a massage and other spa services, and make a whole day out of it with my boyfriend. I think it would be a very memorable and worth-while experience for those with the funds. 

(source: bluelagoon.com) "Oh, I shall drown my sorrows in silica mud."

The most important thing I could advise you about above anything else though is to put your hair up. The mineral water will turn your hair into straw for at least a week if it touches the water. I really wish I would have known this before I went. I have very long and thick hair and it took about 10 washes before it felt somewhat normal again.

So what did you think of the Blue Lagoon? Worth it to you?