Geography School Trip to Iceland

Fagradalsfjall Eruption Site, Flyover Iceland and Reykjavik City

You waste no time once you land in Keflavik by heading straight over to the Natthagi Valley for an once-in-a-lifetime experience. The eyes of the world have been on the Reykjanes peninsular in the last couple of years with lots of eruptive and earthquake swarm activity taken place. Savour a close encounter with a solidified lava flow from the Fagradalsfjall eruption in summer 2021 in the Natthagi Valley.

Next stop is Iceland’s newest attraction Flyover Iceland. This innovative ride simulates the experience of flying over all corners of Iceland. Students will learn about the history and creation of Iceland in this ideal introduction to the country.

Following this, is an exciting Reykjavik City Tour. Bursting with culture, your students will have the opportunity to explore the characteristic streets, visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Reykjadalur Valley, Glacier Walk and Black Beaches

Your second day starts with a beautiful walk through the Reykjadalur valley amongst the hot springs and mud pools. Here your students will learn about the geothermal activity underneath the ground causing these fascinating geographical features above the surface.

Next stop, Selfoss Town which has a new urban centre. Uniquely created to combine the look of the past with a forward thinking approach to sustainability and environmental awareness. Your group will discover the story and the people behind this regeneration.

After lunch at the Old Diary, you will visit the first and arguably the most exciting waterfall, Seljalandsfoss. Students can follow the pathway behind the curtain of water (warning: you will get wet!) and have the opportunity to take some photos.

One of the trips most memorable activities will be the glacier walk at Solheimajokull. You and your students will strap on your helmets and crampons and take to the ice to see the giant glacier up close as your experienced guides explain how the glacier is changing.

Next is a visit to Dyrholaey, which is thought to have been created in a submarine eruption. Here you will find fascinating dramatic coastal scenery such as high cliffs, rock arches and stacks.

Your next stop on this busy day is a visit to the black beaches of Reynishfjara where geology and geography students can marvel at the tall basalt columns formed after volcanic eruptions.

Golden Circle tour

Day three starts with a visit to beautiful Skogafoss – one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland. For your most energetic students there is a staircase to the right of the falls where you can watch the water rush over the Cliffside.

You will then begin your Golden Circle Tour at Geysir, the area which gave geysers their name. The most reliable of the geysers here is Strokkur, which erupts every 6 minutes, so have your cameras ready.

You will move on to visit Gulfoss waterfall, where the Hvita river falls 32 metres over two drops, following lunch at the popular and unique Efsti-Dalur farm.

Next stop is the green house town of Hveragerdi which is a great location to understand changing places and how the local population have adapted to living in tectonically active areas. Also a place of geothermal activity with it’s surrounding hills, hot springs and greenhouses lit by renewable energy, students will develop a deeper understanding of the Icelandic way of life.

The last stop on your Golden Circle Tour is Thingvellir. This national park is carved down the middle by the Mid Atlantic Ridge, and students can walk the boundary between the North American and Euroasian tectonic plates.

Sights of West Iceland including Krauma Geothermal Pools

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 it will be evident why many Icelandic sagas were set here.

Journey to the geothermally active area of Deilartunguhver, Europe’s largest and most powerful hot spring. Enjoy the benefits of this activity in the most relaxing way possible, by soaking in the waters of Krauma baths (West Iceland’s answer to the Blue Lagoon) where you can also indulge in the sauna and hot tubs.

Of course, a day in Iceland is not complete without seeing some beautiful waterfalls. One of our favourites is Hraunfossar where the ribbons of water cascade over the lava formations into the Hvita river.

You will also see Barnafoss, a tumbling, white water fast flowing river and offers very different scenery and landscape to Hraunafossar.

Your journey through dramatic landscapes continues with a stop at Grabrok Crater. The crater rises 170m above the ground and from the footpath you will be able to gaze into what is left of the volcano