Wellbeing and resilience trip to Iceland

Lava Tube Caving

Upon landing in Iceland, you will immediately get a taste of some of the adventure that this small but mighty country can provide.

Students will head straight to enjoy an other-worldly lava tube caving experience. They will explore the hidden world in and under the great lava field located in the Blue Mountains, only 25km from Fagradalsfjall.

Looking to combine your itinerary? Geographers will be fascinated by the magical rock formations left behind in the last volcanic eruption. This activity perfectly demonstrates the lava types and features found in this region.

Thingvellir including walking trails, Kerid and Swimming

Thingvellir is a national park scarred by a dramatic valley caused by the Mid-Atlantic ridge which is the boundary between two tectonic plates. The landscape here is unforgettable and it has great importance with the Icelandic people as it is where their first parliament was founded in 930 AD. Students will be inspired by those who were here before them as this was the place where the ancient parliament brought ideas together and evaluated issues of the day, encouraging students to partake in group reflection and collaboration. You will also find some stunning waterfalls and incredible panoramas around the park as you follow an unbelievable walking trail. We have found that Thingvellir is one of the most amazing place to self-reflect as you are fully immersed in epic beauty and a long history.

Next, an awe and wonder stop and the perfect spot for a keen photographer. Students will see Kerid, a dramatic volcanic crater lake, originally (but untruly) believed to have formed in an explosive eruption. The magnitude of Kerid truly has to be seen to be believed.

You couldn’t visit Iceland without going for a dip in one of their local, naturally heated, swimming pools. Iceland has more than 200 swimming pools, which is more than any other country per head of population. Swimming pools are a part of Icelandic culture. They are a place where locals meet to catch up with friends or relax on their own. So students get to further immerse themselves in the culture of the resilient locals!

Waterfalls, Horse Riding and more!

Iceland is known for its epic waterfalls and they don’t come more iconic than Seljalandsfoss. Students will love being able to feel the spray and hear the roar of the magnificent falls as they walk behind it.

A short walk from Seljalandsfoss is its shy sibling Gljufrabui, which is partially hidden by rocks. Upon closer inspection, you will see the entrance to the cavern and when inside you’ll be mesmerised as water cascades down the mossy rock walls.

The beach is often a place where people go to relax and think. You won’t find a better beach for that than at Reynisfjara. Known as the black beach, the choppy sea, cliffs lined with basalt columns and fascinating rock formations, as well as the black sand unite to make this visit enchanting. Plus, if it’s good enough for Game of Thrones than it is good enough for us!

Feeling energetic? Walk up the stairs to view Skogafoss, an epic 60m waterfall. Those who wish to preserve their energy you can still take in the impressive falls from ground level, making it a must see stop regardless.

The final stop of the day is going to be one students will never forget – Icelandic horse riding!

Icelandic horses are small but hardy. They have a unique gait which you will find out about during your experience. This is also a new and exciting way to take in the sights of the Icelandic countryside. For most students, this exciting activity will be completely new to them, and in a completely unfamiliar environment, but as the activity is designed for beginners they will be able to throw themselves into something new in a safe and secure way.