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Seljalandsfoss

Geography school trip to Iceland

There are few places on earth where your students can see such a concentrated mix of geological processes. Experience the visual wonders of geography on a school trip to Iceland.

  • Key stage 3 - 16+
  • Year round
Overview

Uncover the wonders of geology and geography on an Iceland school trip

Although the Icelandic landscape looks like something out of a dream, Iceland offers a very real way to demonstrate many of the core curriculum topics such as glaciation, plate tectonics, climate, geothermal activity and renewable energy. This educational tour will help your students to better understand these topics by organising unforgettable experiences including walking on glaciers, exploring underground lava tunnels and examining active volcanoes. And no school trip to Iceland is complete without taking a dip in one of its natural hot springs - a perfect (and relaxing) way to understand geothermal energy in practice!

There are so many incredible sights and natural processes to experience, so we'll use our expertise to build you an itinerary that maximises the amount you can fit in on your trip. We understand that this really is a once in a lifetime trip for many students, so we go the extra mile to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Get in touch today to start planning your school trip to Iceland.

Some highlights of our school trip to Iceland include:

  • Blue Lagoon

  • Reykjavik Sightseeing

  • Þingvellir National Park

  • Great Geyser

  • Skogafoss

We can tailor your itinerary to your unique teaching requirements, please contact us for a bespoke quote.

Itinerary

Day 1

  • Depart UK
  • Arrive in Iceland
  • Tour of the Reykjanes peninsula
  • Blue Lagoon
  • Overnight in Reykjavik

Day 2

  • Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi
  • Skogafoss
  • Overnight outside of Reykjavik

Day 3

  • Reynisfjara black sand beach
  • The Lava Centre
  • Hveragerði Hot Springs
  • Overnight outside of Reykjavik

Day 4

  • Golden Circle including Gullfoss, Geyser and Þingvellir National Park
  • FlyOver Iceland
  • Overnight in Reykjavik

Day 5

  • Depart Iceland
Location

There are few places on earth where your students can see such a concentrated mix of geological processes than in Iceland. Iceland’s rich glacial and geothermal activity is due to its position on the mid-Atlantic ridge, making it a fascinating destination for geography students. Experience volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls and geothermal pools – and if you’re lucky, the fabled aurora borealis.

Days are shorter and darker in winter, whilst in summer the sun never really sets. Groups travelling in summer can still experience glacier walks and some places are more accessible by road, but for the full Icelandic experience, we recommend travelling in October or February, when the majority of our groups depart.

Excursions
Blue Lagoon Iceland
Blue Lagoon
Strokkur geyser landscape
Great Geysir
Reykjanes Peninsula lava hike
Reykjanes Peninsula
Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Krysuvik Geothermal Area
Krysuvik Geothermal Area
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss
Iceland Skogafoss waterfall
Skógar
Reynisdrangar
Vik
Gullfoss
Gullfoss
Laugarvatn lake
Laugarvatn
Thingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park
Hverageroi Hot Springs
Hveragerði Hot Springs
fly over iceland
Fly Over Iceland
Hellisheidi Power Plant
Hellisheidi Power Plant
Solheimajoekull Glacier
Sólheimajökull Glacier
Blue Lagoon Iceland

Blue Lagoon

Iceland's geothermal Blue Lagoon lies in a remote lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. And although the 800-year old lava field is very much real, the Blue Lagoon is man-made! The mesmerizing blue waters of the lagoon are rich in minerals, silica and algae which have healing and soothing properties for the skin.

Strokkur geyser landscape

Great Geysir

One of Iceland’s most famous geysers and a true force of nature, the Great Geysir is fairly dormant, but nearby, the Strokkur erupts around every 5 minutes! Experience the overpowering smell of sulphur as boiling water from beneath the earth's surface shoots up to 30 metres into the air! The area is also blessed with other hot bubbling springs, steaming vents, warm streams, colourful algae and amazing mineral deposits for students to examine.

Reykjanes Peninsula lava hike

Reykjanes Peninsula

The Reykjanes Peninsula is a massive area covered with dry lava flows. You'd be forgiven for thinking the landscape looks like something out of this world, NASA thought so too! The Peninsula was used as a training ground before the moon landing because scientists thought the surface closely resembled that of the moon.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Located slightly south of the Arctic Circle, Reykjavik is the most northerly capital in the world. Its place on the earth means it is totally unique, receiving only four hours of daylight on the shortest days of winter and over 20 hours of daylight in the summer. Whatever time of year your group visits, you’ll have a culture shock experience!

Krysuvik Geothermal Area

Krysuvik Geothermal Area

The Krysuvik Geothermal Area is a fantastic location for Geography students because there is so much geothermal activity and the effects on the environment are very clear. You will see the strange colours that geothermal activity inflicts on the landscape, walk over colourful crater lakes, bubbling mudpots and hissing fumaroles on a specially constructed boardwalk. Bring waterproofs or you will be soaked by the steam, even if the weather is fine!

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss

Experience the 60 metre-high Seljalandsfoss waterfall. What's unique about this waterfall is that there is a footpath that runs behind the cascading water, so students can walk behind it and look outwards towards the sea!

Iceland Skogafoss waterfall

Skógar

Skógar is home to an enchanting museum featuring a collection of Icelandic cultural artefacts throughout a series of historic buildings including turf-roofed houses and a tiny church. Just a short walk is the Skógafoss waterfall. It’s about the same height as Seljalandsfoss, but much wider and denser. You must make the effort to climb to the top to see unparalleled views of Iceland’s magnificent south coast.

Reynisdrangar

Vik

The small coastal village of Vik, with its famous black sand beach is home to three geographic marvels all in close proximity. The first two of which are the Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks and Reynisfjall mountain, covered in fulmars and puffins. There's even an abandoned wartime radio station that you can climb. Lastly is Dyrholaey, a spectacular sea arch that demonstrates the power of wind and water erosion.

Gullfoss

Gullfoss

Gullfoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland. Fed by the River Hvita, the water plummets 32 metres into the 70-metre canyon. It’s the perfect place for Geography students to see how a U-shaped valley is made. We recommend wearing waterproofs if you want to get close because the spray will soak you – a waterproof phone case isn’t a bad idea either!

Laugarvatn lake

Laugarvatn

The town of Laugarvatn is home to a lake with geothermal springs. Despite the typical cold weather, there are places along the shoreline that are warm enough for bathing all year round!

Thingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park

The landscape at Thingvellir is astounding thanks to its position the mid-Atlantic ridge, where the movement of tectonic plates has caused massive fissures to form. The landscape is rugged and scarred with cliffs, streams, waterfalls and volcanoes. You'll also see Iceland’s largest lake, Lake Thingvallavatn!

Hverageroi Hot Springs

Hveragerði Hot Springs

Nestled in a picturesque setting, these natural hot springs offer an awe-inspiring experience. Students can witness the fascinating geothermal activity that shapes the region while dipping into the soothing, mineral-rich waters.

fly over iceland

Fly Over Iceland

Enjoy a captivating journey through Iceland on a cutting-edge virtual experience that simulates a thrilling flight over iconic natural wonders, including glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. Students will enjoy an educational adventure, discovering Iceland's unique geography in an unforgettable virtual expedition.

Hellisheidi Power Plant

Hellisheidi Power Plant

This state-of-the-art facility harnesses geothermal power to generate electricity. Students will have the opportunity to witness the innovative processes that tap into the Earth's natural heat, providing valuable insights into renewable energy production.

Solheimajoekull Glacier

Sólheimajökull Glacier

The awe-inspiring Sólheimajökull Glacier offers a surreal landscape of blue ice formations and deep crevasses. Guided tours can take you through its captivating terrain, providing a glimpse into the dynamic forces shaping our planet. The marks of climate change can be seen very clearly here – the glacier has retreated about a kilometre over the last decade.

Included

Our geography school trips to Iceland include:

  • Board and lodging as specified in your itinerary
  • A detailed itinerary with pre-booked excursions
  • Return flights and overseas transfers
  • Free teacher to student ratio approx 1:10 (air groups)
  • 24-hour emergency support
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Assistance with inspection visits

Extras to budget for:

  • School to airport transfers and meals en route (if required)
  • Visa charges and supplements for small parties, single rooms and additional adults
  • Local tourist taxes which can only be paid in cash to the hotel
  • Entrances other than those specified in your itinerary
  • Hotel damage deposits

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