Iceland School Trips

Iceland never ceases to amaze. With landscapes and natural wonders ranging from the sublime to the surreal, your students will discover volcanic craters, lava flows, hot springs and geysers, glaciers and stunning waterfalls, all wrapped up in centuries-old Norse culture. This unique European destination offers your students invaluable hands-on experience in an array of subject areas whether it be geography, geology, biology, general science, tourism, photography or art.

Optional Activities

Befitting a land of such contrasts there are a wealth of activities available around Iceland – here we have highlighted the most popular options. Pre-booking the activities and excursions is highly recommended to ensure availability.

For further information and pricing please contact us.

Please note some activities are weather dependant and there are no free places for staff on optional activities. For logistical reasons activities may only be available on specific days.


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! EYJAFJALLAJOKULL & THORSMORK 8WD TOUR
		EXCLUSIVE to Discover the World! Take a ride in a huge 33 seat 8WD Ice Explorer. This 40 ton beast of a vehicle can travel through all kinds of terrain that no other vehicle can access! Perhaps the most obvious visible effects of the Eyjafjallajokull eruption are those caused by flooding. At the eruption site a large amount of ice melted and escaped as flood water (or jokulhlaup) through Thorsmork valley. Visit the glacier Gigjokull where the flood filled in the pro-glacial lagoon that had for decades been forming as the glacier retreated. Then hike to the lava (dependent on group ability and weather conditions). No other UK school operator can offer you this tour!


		AMAZING INCENTIVE RACE - TOP PICK! The trip starts with a race in teams through the ‘greenhouse’ town of Hveragerdi, solving clues and overcoming trials where only team spirit and co-operation can win the day. After the race shoot 100m over the Varma River via zip line followed by a swim in the local geothermal pool. This is an excellent activity for those spending the evening at Hveragerdi.

		ARBAERSAFNID MUSEUM This open-air museum displays the evolution of Icelandic architecture and lifestyles. It includes a traditional turf farm, church and other historic buildings, moved to the site and packed with fascinating artefacts. Open daily in the summer 10am – 5pm and in winter by arrangement.

		BLUE LAGOON - TOP PICK! One of Iceland’s premier attractions, the surreal Blue Lagoon is set amidst a field of black basalt lava. The temperature averages 35-40°C and the powder-blue mineral rich waters have many beneficial properties. In an ingenious process the same warm geothermal seawater is used to heat up freshwater, which is then pumped into homes on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

		GEYSIR GEOCENTRE An innovative audio-visual exhibit useful for those studying vulcanicity, hazards or the uses of geothermal energy.

		GLACIER WALK - TOP PICK! Would you like to explore a glacier? This trip takes you to the frozen glacial tongue that is Solheimajokull. It is an otherworldly scene of a rugged, raw and ever changing hub of ancient frozen water. Walk on the glacier and observe the spectacular surroundings. All the tools you need - ice axes, crampons and safety lines - are provided.

		HEKLA CENTRE A contemporary, multimedia exhibition on Mount Hekla - its history, its influence on human life in Iceland from the time of the island’s settlement until now, and the story of the local people’s struggles with sandstorms and eruptions.

		HORSE RIDING To ride a 'viking' horse in its native land is an ideal way to experience the fascinating landscapes. Though small, the pure bred horses are sturdy, sure-footed and have a unique fifth gait. Expert tuition is provided and trips are suitable for all abilities. Afterwards students will be invited to feed the horses, learn about breeding and sustainable policies.

		HVERAGERDI GEOTHERMAL CENTRE Set in an area of intense geothermal activity, where the ground steams with hot springs and solfataras (boiling mud pools). For biologists there is useful information on the hot spring spider and fly, which are able to withstand very high temperatures. Watch the guide boil eggs in a hot spring and sample hot spring cooked food (extra cost).

		ICECAP TOURS Depart from Myrdalsjokull icecap near Vik. Groups travel in a special trailer behind a tracked vehicle onto the icecap, beneath which lies the volcano Katla. Drive right up to the icecap margin where there is a mountain hut with basic facilities. Those with a driving licence can opt to go snowmobiling (additional cost). Thermal suits and snow boots provided.

		ICE SKATING Available in winter at the ice rink behind the Youth Hostel – transport maybe required at additional cost.

		LAVA TUBE CAVING - TOP PICK! Enter through a narrow cave to a world of fascinating colours and lava formations created when surface lava hardened and fluid lava continued to flow in tubes underneath. In addition, see stalactites and a variety of rock formations. The terrain underfoot is uneven and ceiling height constantly changes. Please be aware that it is a trip for the more adventurous.

		MONSTER TRUCK DAY TOUR From crossing through rivers to driving along black sand beaches, the excitement lies in knowing that you will be travelling where conventional vehicles simply cannot go, as well as seeing the wilder side of the island.

		NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND Recently refurbished to display Icelandic cultural heritage, from the settlement to the present day, and answering the question “What is a Nation?” Open daily 11am – 5pm (except Mondays).

		NORTHERN LIGHTS BUS TOUR On this excursion, out of town and away from the city lights, we hope to offer the best chance of witnessing this amazing natural phenomenon, although sightings cannot be guaranteed. Trips operate 15 Sep - 15 Apr.

		NORTHERN LIGHTS BY SUPERJEEP Take an exciting trip to a special vantage point in search of the northern lights in a 3 hour super jeep tour. We hope to offer the best chance of witnessing this amazing natural phenomenon, although sightings cannot be guaranteed. Trips operate 15 Sep - 15 Apr.

		PERLAN SAGA MUSEUM An innovative exhibition along the lines of York’s Yorvik. Life-sized and life-like scenes depict elements of Viking Iceland from the settlement to the Reformation. Open 10am – 6pm.

		RIVER RAFTING - TOP PICK! Trips operate during the summer only on the Hvita River starting near Gullfoss. Large rubber inflatable ribs are used, navigated by highly experienced and fully qualified rafters. Waterproof suits and life vests provided. Various grades - suitable for all levels.

		SEA KAYAKING Visit the small fishing village of Stokkseyri on the south coast and kayak in beautiful freshwater lagoons and tidal pools, home to seals and a variety of birds, an amazing experience.

		SKOGAR FOLK MUSEUM An amazing collection of buildings and artefacts gathered by a retired headmaster, Thordur Tomasson, including turf houses, fishing boats and other items. There is also a separate exhibition showing technological developments in transport and communications.

		SNORKELLING AT THINGVELLIR - TOP PICK! The Silfra lava fissure at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in Iceland's largest freshwater lake, has stunning geographical features and the crystal clear water gives visibility of up to 100m. Snorkel over the gorge separating the Eurasian and American tectonic plates, a fantastic and very unique experience. Guides are PADI certified instructors, dry suits provided.

		SOIL CONVERVATION SITE (Landgræðsla ríkisins) Iceland suffers some of the worst soil erosion in the world. The SCSI, was founded in 1907. It is a governmental agency under the Ministry for the Environment. The main tasks of the SCS include combating desertification, sand encroachment and other soil erosion, promotion of sustainable land use and reclamation and restoration of degraded land. To learn more about their work please visit www.land.is. Students can take a tour of the visitors centre.

		SWIMMING POOLS Most are open air, naturally heated by geothermal water and many have hot pots, which are ideal for relaxing in – fun but staff should accompany their students. The largest thermal pool in Reykjavik is adjacent to the Youth Hostel and includes hot pots, a steam room, Jacuzzi, water slide and a 50m pool.

		TEN PIN BOWLING Located close to Perlan - transport at extra cost.

		THORVALDSEYRI - EYJAFJALLAJOKULL VISITORS CENTRE A must see for those interested in the local impact of the Eyjafjallajokull eruption. Features breathtaking pictures of the eruption and an interesting documentary about the impact on the farm at which the centre is based. The centre also carries various eruption related objects along with the farm’s products, including barley, rapeseed oil, breakfast cereals and more.

		ULTIMATE VOLCANO TOUR BY AIR Take a scenic flight from Reykjavik and fly over Surtsey, a volcanic island that emerged from the ocean after an eruption in 1963. The island now serves as a living laboratory on plant and animal colonisation, only accessible to scientists. Fly over the Eldfell volcano which caused ash and lava to engulf one third of the houses on the island of Heimaey, now known as the 'Pompeii of the North.' Land at Heimaey and take a three walking tour. On your return to Reykjavik, fly over glaciers and stunning scenery to Eyjafjallajokull and see the infamous volcano’s impact on the landscape.

		WHALE WATCHING Reykjavik, Olafsvik in the West and Husavik in the North offer some excellent opportunities for spotting cetaceans. Sightings of white-beaked dolphins and minke whales are likely and occasionally other species such as humpback whale and orca can be seen along with puffins, fulmars, gannets and kittiwakes (depending on the season). Trips operate April-Sept.

		YOUTH HOSTEL “HAPPENING” GROUPS Stay at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel and join an educational based programme called a “Happening”. Conducted at the Hostel, aimed at young audiences between 14–20 years, the session includes visual support, usually requires audience participation and provides an opportunity for the group to ask any questions they may have about life in Iceland. This service is only available to those staying at the Youth Hostel.

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“We had an amazing time and cannot wait to go again. The pupils are still talking about it which just goes to prove how much they enjoyed it. ”

Steven Jones, St Josephs R C Comprehensive School Show Me More»

Call 01737 218 807

With 27 years experience organising educational study visits, you can be assured that our expertise will ensure your visit is a success. Contact our Schools & Groups Department today to start planning your trip.

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