Iceland is the best classroom to learn about geology, geography, sustainability, and any nature study. In a brief time, student can experience first hand many aspects of the interactions between environment and human endeavours.
This modulable journey will give the best to support, enhance and consolidate students´ knowledge. The trip can be doctored to suit specific learning intentions or cover varied learning objectives.
After an educational trip in Iceland, student will be stepping on firm ground to further their understanding. Learning truly is fun!
DAY 1 – Eruption site – Reykjavík
Head straight to the Natthagi Valley for a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn about Iceland’s volcanic activity. The group will see solidified lava flows from the Fagradalsfjall 2021 eruption and learn about the recent eruptive activity on the Reykjanes peninsula.
You can also climb the older volcanic craters of Eldborg or Stampagigar to further understand volcanism.
Geothermal power can also be apprehended by the students in this area. The mud pools of Seltún or the geothermal area of Gunnuhver and its powerful vents can also be visited.
An exciting Reykjavik City Tour. Bursting with Icelandic culture, your students will have the opportunity to explore the characteristic streets, visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere in the city centre. Flyover Iceland, the Lava Show might be interesting add-ons for your groups.
DAY 2 – South Coast & Glacier Hikes
Your second day starts with a beautiful walk through the Reykjadalur valley’s natural hot springs and mud pools. Here your students will learn about the underground geothermal activity causing these fascinating geographical features. Maybe a visit at the Hellisheiði power plant is to learn how the power can be harnessed.
Next, explore Selfoss Town, which has a new urban centre. Uniquely created to combine historic features with a modern approach to sustainability. Your group will discover the story and the people behind this regeneration and their forward-thinking environmental awareness.
After lunch, you will visit the first and arguably the most exciting waterfall, Seljalandsfoss. Students can follow the pathway behind the curtain of water (don’t forget your waterproofs!) for a closer look.
One of the trip’s most memorable activities will be the glacier walk at Solheimajokull. Strap on helmet and crampons and take to the ice as an experienced glacier guide explains how the glacier is being affected by global warming. Arguably one of our most impacting activities, the glacier walk is guaranteed to make your students wonder!
Dyrholaey, which is thought to have been created in a submarine eruption showcases dramatic coastal systems, high cliffs, rock arches, and stacks.
The black beaches of Reynisfjara, where geology and geography students can marvel at the tall basalt columns formed after volcanic eruptions.
DAY 3 – Golden Circle Tour
Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls is the first stop today. At 180 feet, it is impressive to feel the spray and marvel at its rainbows.
Maybe a visit to the Skogar Museum can enlighten your student about the way Icelanders survived and strived in the olden days. Its collections are extensive and impressive covering many aspects of the lives of Icelanders.
More interested in volcanism? The Lava Centre in the town of Hvolsvöllur is a must see. Their interactive exhibition and 4k cinemas will see to it that your students will be volcano experts.
Next, begin your Golden Circle Tour at Geysir, the area that gave geysers their name. You’ll see the most reliable of the geysers, Strokkur, which erupts every 6 minutes
You’ll move on to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, where the Hvita River falls 32 meters over two drops, the Niagara of Europe.
Thingvellir National Park is carved down the middle by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and students can walk the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Iceland´s history is deeply rooted here as this is where the parliament was established by the settlers more than a millennium ago. This is a Unesco world heritage site since 2004.
Drive to the greenhouse town of Hveragerdi, which is a great location to understand changing places and how the local population has adapted to living in tectonically active areas. Here, you’ll see the iconic greenhouses and hot springs powered by geothermal activity and learn why the Icelandic are world-leaders in renewable energy.
DAY 4- Sights of West Iceland
For your last full day in Iceland, we’d recommend getting off the beaten track with a day in the West.
Start off in the old fishing town of Borgarnes, the gateway to Snaefellsness. It is a majestic setting, and you’ll see why many Icelandic sagas were set here.
Witness geothermal power in action as you travel to Deilartunguhver, Europe’s largest and most powerful hot spring. Enjoy the benefits of the geothermal activity in the most relaxing way possible, soaking in the waters of Krauma Baths (West Iceland’s answer to the Blue Lagoon) where you can indulge in the sauna and hot tubs or maybe prefer a local outdoor pool.
A day in Iceland is not complete without seeing a waterfall! Travel to one of our favourites; Hraunfossar, where the ribbons of water cascade over the lava formations into the Hvita River.
After a short walk, you’ll see Barnafoss, a dramatic white water-flowing river that offers a very different scenery and landscape to its neighbour.
Your journey through dramatic landscapes concludes with a stop at Grabrok Crater. The crater rises 170 meters above the ground and from the footpath, you will be able to gaze into what is left of the volcano. Or do you fancy going under? Then you can head to one of the largest lava tunnels of Viðgelmir to learn even more about the formation of lava fields.
DAY 5 – Reykjavík & flight home
Time to make your way to Keflavik airport for your flight home.