Lava tube caving, whale watching and Aurora Reykjavik

Head to the land of fire and ice for your scientific expedition!

You’ll head to Raufarholshellir for a lava tube caving experience. The lava tube was carved through the rock over 5 thousand years ago. Depending on the time of year you visit you’ll also find ice stalagmites which provide an otherworldly atmosphere as your guide explains the tube’s formation.

As a stark contrast to your first activity, you will then take to the waters by boat to seek out some of Iceland’s biggest inhabitants, whales! Keep your eyes peeled as minke whales, humpback whales and even blue whales have been spotted off the coastlines of Iceland.

Many tourists and school groups hope to catch a glimpse of the northern lights on their visit to Iceland but not everyone gets lucky. Your group are guaranteed a sighting when they visit Aurora Reykjavik, a multimedia attraction that replicates and explains the phenomena on large HD projections.

Power station visit, waterfalls, glaciers, black beaches and real lava!

At first glance, a visit to a power station may sound run of the mill, but Hellisheidi is quite different. The power harnessed at Hellisheidi is geothermal energy, one of Iceland’s most abundant resources. The experienced staff will passionately describe the importance of sustainable energy and how the power plant operates.

You will then visit Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s most recognisable waterfalls. On sunny days students will see rainbows form in the mist and they can even fill up their water bottles with crisp fresh water from the stream.

No science school trip to Iceland would be complete without a visit to a glacier. Solheimajokull is a great example of the effects of global warming on Iceland. Your guide will explain how the glacier has retreated over time and how rocks within the ice can tell a story about Iceland’s volcanic history.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience for students is the Icelandic Lava Show. One of the only opportunities ever to see real-life lava, this show provides students with invaluable insight into how lava is formed and the different types of lava.

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.

Geologists will enjoy the next stop on your south coast tour, Reynishfjara. The black beaches here were formed as lava flows met the ice-cold ocean and broke apart. Basalt columns line the beach and make for a vivid classroom.

Heimay island, Eldheimar exhibition and Seljalandsfoss

The island of Heimay translates as home island. As well as being home to 4,500 people it is home to 8 million puffins each summer. The island also has a fascinating volcanic history including the 1973 where the island grew in size.

You will visit the Eldheimar exhibition which will provide students with human stories of the 1973 eruption.

Back on the mainland, your group will discover one of Iceland’s most photogenic waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall has a unique path that leads behind the water (top tip: wear your waterproofs to shield from the spray!)

Golden Circle tour

Begin your Golden Circle tour with the roaring two-tiered waterfall, Gullfoss. There are several viewpoints so your students will be able to see how the Hvita River has carved through the canyon.

Continuing the theme of iconic Icelandic landmarks, your next stop will be Geysir. Geysir gave all geysers their name and is home to several of its own, including Strokkur, which erupts every 6 minutes.

Your visit to Fridheimar Greenhouses will be an unexpected highlight. Say hello to the resident Icelandic horses at your entrance to the greenhouses. Tomatoes are grown all year, using state-of-the-art technology in an environmentally friendly way. Students are able to experience the growth of the tomatoes from ‘Seed to Soup’ by sampling Fridheimar’s delicious soup!

Study the rock cycle at the Rift Valley at Thingvellir – the divergent zone between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Your last stop of the day is Whales of Iceland, the largest whale exhibition in Europe. With 23 man-made life-sized models of whales suspended from the ceiling. Your guide will help you learn more about these giant creatures.