Iceland: A Geographer’s Paradise
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Iceland's Scenery © jon@hl.is, HL Adventure
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Golden Circle, Iceland © jon@hl.is, HL Adventure
Reykjavik – Iceland’s Vibrant Capital
Although it is the world’s most northerly capital city, you can always expect a warm welcome in beautiful Reykjavik. Its colourful houses offer an especially striking contrast to the stunning, unique Hallgrímskirkja Church. With museums of history, art and Vikings, there is much to learn.
The city also serves as an excellent base from which to strike out into the wild Icelandic countryside. The Golden Circle Tour is one of the best ways to experience the country’s landscape, beginning in Reykjavik and encompassing an enthralling mix of scenery and history. Take in Þingvellir National Park, a sprawling area which has inspired authors and also served as a setting for much of Game of Thrones. No less spectacular are Gullfoss Waterfall and the region’s hot springs, evidence of the potent geothermal energy on which Iceland relies.
The Power of Nature
Towering peaks, rolling grassland, black volcanic desert, colossal icecaps and tumbling glaciers make Iceland a geographer’s paradise. As one of the world’s most environmentally-conscious nations, with almost all of it’s heating and electricity generated sustainably, a trip to Iceland can be highly educational. At the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Station’s interactive exhibit, visitors can learn how we can make the most of the Earth’s clean, renewable energy sources to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
The perfect destination for students of geography, geology or environmentalism, a trip to Iceland is an unforgettable experience. Additionally, if you’re lucky enough, you might just catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis! Few places better capture the magnificent power and beauty of our planet than Iceland.
Dates
Dates available on request
Suggested Excursions
Reykjavik City Sightseeing
Enjoy a fascinating and comprehensive introduction to Reykjavik’s past and present. Although this is a small city, there is a wealth of sights waiting to be discovered. One of the tour highlights, Hallgrímskirkja Church, is visible from across Reykjavik, with architecture unlike any other church in Europe. It’s design was inspired by the striking mountains and glaciers that make Iceland the extraordinary place it is.
Once you have wandered Reykjavik’s colourful streets and picturesque harbour, perhaps explore one of the city’s museums. At the National Museum, students can learn more about the Iceland’s rich past, which is thought to have began in AD 874. You can see many fascinating objects which reflect the history of the country, right up to the present day. The Settlement Exhibition is an underground excavation of the city’s earliest settlement, capturing the history of the Vikings in a unique and fascinating way.
Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant
One of the world’s largest geothermal plants, Hellisheiði is one of the many renewable energy facilities powering Iceland, specifically providing electricity to Reykjavik. Offering educational tours and an interactive exhibit of geothermal energy, the power plant is perfect for students looking to learn more about geology in action.
Golden Circle Tour
Enjoy a full day excursion into Iceland’s famous ‘Golden Circle’. Travel to Þingvellir National Park, which is not only culturally significant, but is brimming with magnificent natural beauty. Explore the grounds of the ancient parliamentary site, which was established around 930 AD and remained in use for hundreds of years.
The next stop on the Golden Circle tour is the Geothermal area in Haukadalur, home of the Strokkur Geyser, which erupts every 5-10 minutes and reaches grand heights of up to 35 metres! Continue on through stunning scenery to visit Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous and impressive sights. This mighty waterfall was formed at the end of the Ice Age, with water flowing from a nearby glacier to finally plunge 32 metres down into a canyon.
The Blue Lagoon
Internationally famous and the country’s most-visited attraction, an excursion to the Blue Lagoon is a must for any tour to Iceland!
Set in the middle of a a black lava field, the Blue Lagoon is in fact man-made and supplied from a nearby geothermal power plant. The stunning milky-blue water is completely clean, owing it’s distinctive colour to a wealth of minerals. In fact, the water renews itself every 48 hours!
Since its creation, the Lagoon has become incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike, particularly as it is known to have healing properties for the skin. Over the years it has expanded, becoming the stunning geothermal spa we know it as today. Your group can take some time to relax after exploring the wonders of this beautiful country, while still learning and experiencing something unique.
Suggested Hotels/Hostels
We have a range of hotels and hostels within Reykjavik and the surrounding area. Please contact us for further details.
Pricing Information
All our quotations are tailor-made to your school’s specific requirements. Our quotes are based on your group’s preferred dates of travel, the number and age range of students, the number of staff you are looking to accompany the group, your preferred means of travel, the specific elements you would like to include in your package and most importantly, your budget.
Please contact us with your group’s requirements and we will gladly piece your individual quotation together.
