
Geography Study Trips to Iceland
With erupting geysers, geothermal pools, the bridge over two continents, glaciers, waterfalls, as well as THAT volcano, we can’t imagine a better experience than our Geography Study Trips to Iceland.
Students can explore the Nordic landscape whilst witnessing geological activity with their very eyes. With this little island’s economy ever growing, a study trip here covers both physical and human geography topics in the KS3 & KS4 curriculum. Excursions we can offer include:
- Golden Circle Tour
- South Shores
- Reykjavik Peninsula
- Secret Lagoon
- Blue Lagoon
- Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant
- Lava Centre
- Heimaey Westmann islands
- Jökulsarlón Glacial Lagoon
- West Coast
Bringing learning to life
The most popular tour of Iceland is the Golden Circle Tour. A must-see for tourists, it is also a perfect excursion to study Plate Tectonics, Volcanic Landscapes & Features, Continental Drift, Tourism, Environmental Impact and much more.
You will visit Haukadalur, an area of Geysers where the Strokkur hot spring erupts every few minutes and the magnificent Gullfoss Falls, which translates as the Golden Falls. This is created by Iceland’s melting Glaciers and cascades over two levels. On a sunny day, the sun’s reflection can cause thousands of rainbows to appear around the spray of the Falls. The third visit on this tour is the UNESCO named World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park. Here you can see the Thingvellir Rift Valley, the point where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. It is also home of the largest natural lake in Iceland.
You can also add visits to the geothermal pools Secret Lagoon or Blue Lagoon to this trip, and if it is dark you may well catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights!
Another fantastic experience for students is the Lava Centre. This interactive and high-tech exhibition, displaying the epic force that nature has on our planet with exhibits covering earthquakes, volcanoes and the creation of Iceland millions of years ago.
Save your Energy
Iceland is a leader in alternative energy, with 81% of the country’s primary energy being supplied by hydro and geothermal sources. A visit to Hellisheiði Powerplant gives a visual explanation of the energy production happening 24 hours a day. Students can see the turbines at work, as well as gain knowledge of the history of geothermal energy.
Using the energy that volcanic activity creates on this little island, everything from houses, greenhouses and pools are kept heated throughput the year. A visit to the Secret Lagoon for a dip in its steaming waters, can literally immerse the students in the power of the earth.
Volcanoes, Tectonics & Glaciers
Known as the ‘Land of Fire & ice’ a tour with us can take students on a journey from the heat of a bubbling geyser to the freezing temperature of the Langjökull Glacier.
Taking a ferry over to Heimaey and walking over the lava that nearly closed the island’s most important fishing harbour in 1973, will really demonstrate the effect living in a hazardous environment has on the population. Carry on your journey across buried houses, you will ascend the volcano Eldfell which is still hot at the summit.
Reykjavik & Keflavik
Home to museums, the Blue Lagoon, the international airport and a recognised music & arts scene, Reykjavik is not only the capital city, but the cultural hub of Iceland.
@VisitReykjavik You don’t always need #NorthernLights for the city to be beautifully lit up. #Reykjavik #ReykjavikLoves #Iceland #IcelandSecret A post shared by Inspired by Iceland (@inspiredbyiceland) on
Iceland is an year-round destination with different sights to see depending on when you travel. In winter you can hunt the Northern Lights and visit frozen waterfalls, and in summer you can see the rainbows at the Gullfoss and make the most of the midnight sun.
Take a walking tour with local guides and see the best the city has to offer, try local delicacies and soak in the Icelandic way of life.
Where to stay in Iceland?
Hotel Cabin
A 20-minute walk to the centre of Reykjavik, this hotel is a firm favourite with school groups. Simple but modern rooms provide a great base for an action-packed tour. Providing three meals a day including packed lunches, there is no worry about finding food on the go.
Free WiFi, 24-hour reception, daily housekeeping and room safes, provide a safe and comfortable environment for all that stay here
Guesthouse Husid
Based in the Volcano Katla Geopark, this hotel provides spectacular countryside views. A family run guesthouse, the Husid provides home cooked meals and warm hospitality for the duration of your stay.
In the winter it has been known that Northern Lights can be viewed from the hotel’s garden.
Hotel Ork
Based in Hveragerði, Iceland’s ‘Health Village’, The Hotel Ork is a comfortable and modern place to stay. With facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, and great restaurant, students can really unwind here after a busy day exploring!
When to visit Iceland?
Iceland is an year-round destination with different sights to see depending on when you travel. In winter you can hunt the Northern Lights and visit frozen waterfalls, and in summer you can see the rainbows at the Gullfoss and make the most of the midnight sun.
Get in touch with us to chat about our geography study trips to Iceland.