On 24 October 2019, 27 students travelled to Iceland for a once in a lifetime trip to explore the area surrounding Reykjavik to include the famous Golden Circle and South Shore tours and also to visit the remote and desolate Reykjavik Peninsula.

After landing at Keflavik airport and getting to our hotel, we walked to the ice rink to stretch our legs and have some much needed fun after travelling for half a day. By the time we reached the ice rink, students were pleased to get inside as with the temperature at -7 it was actually warmer inside the rink than out! With 2 hours skating time ahead some students wobbled around the ice rink, others used the skating supports provided and the rest skilfully navigated the other skaters and staff as they made their way confidently around the ice. After a late dinner it was time for bed as we would be up early for breakfast the next day.

On Friday, we got up to see gentle snow falling and we started our day with a visit to one of the two big power stations that provide hot water and electricity to the city of Reykjavik. While there, we viewed a short film on geothermal power and a second which looks at the potential to store carbon in rocks, which has been developed and tested by engineers at the power plant. From here we travelled to Gullfoss waterfall, the largest waterfall in Europe. With the ice and snow sticking to the steep valley sides and the white water thundering over the falls it was a spectacular site. From above, rainbows could be seen in the spray suspended above the falls. We then visited the Kreid volcano where we strolled around the top of the volcanic crater which was filled with a stunning lake and from there it was a short drive to the lunch spot followed by the Geyser. We then travelled into the rift valley, between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and saw the result of the two plates moving apart and the scars in the landscape that this movement has created. After dinner back at the hotel, it was off to the local geothermally heated swimming pool where students spent a couple of hours swimming in the pools of various temperatures.

On Saturday we completed the South Shore tour. First stop was a walk to the foot of the Sólheimajökull glacier. Here students were able to see the size and discover a little about the formation of these ‘frozen rivers’ and see the affects they have on the landscape. Reynishverfi beach, was our next stop, iconic for its black sand and stunning coastal landforms made from the cooled hard volcanic rocks. A local seal even poked its head out of the calm waters to say hello. After this, we visited the Skógafoss waterfall and climbed to the top of a 200ft platform, a more frightening experience for some. We then visited the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Unfortunately, we were able to walk behind it as several days of sub zero temperatures meant the patch was closed due to being covered in ice. This was a little of a disappointment until that evening, the same conditions that had prevented the walk behind the falls opened the doors for another experience which staff and students alike were hoping to see. The Northern lights were in the sky as students happily played, swam and relaxed in the geothermally heated waters of the hotel pool.

On Sunday, our last full day in Iceland, we headed out onto the Reykajvik Penninsula. This was a totally different experience to the previous two days; only a few tourists and we were off the beaten track. Students saw the largest lake in Iceland and discovered the impact that climate change is having on it. We then headed to the Seltún geothermal area, known for its mud pots, yellow landscape and the one thing that students will remember – the smell!!! The Stora Elborg splatter cone, was our first stop after lunch and the final site was a visit to the Stampar volcanic fissure (another split between the tectonic plates) and the first time we had seen other tourists all day. Despite being tired, in the evening, we went to the Perlan Center, to get some stunning views over Reykjavik. Once again the Northern lights put on a show for us and students were pleased to have completed the walk.

On the final day after packing our bags we walked to the Volcano house and watched two documentaries on Iceland’s volcanic past and then it was time for a little bit of shopping in the city centre before heading back to the airport.

Staff would like to thank students for their excellent behaviour which made the trip thoroughly enjoyable for all and we hope that you enjoyed the experience.

Click here to see the gallery of photos from this trip.

Miss K Wilcox
Head of Geography