Located at the juncture of the North Atlantic and Arctic, Iceland is brimming with geographical wonders in their wildest forms. This unique country’s spectacular scenery and diverse natural landscapes will stir your students’ emotions and give them a geographical experience like no other.
Every visitor to Iceland hopes to catch a glimpse of the vibrant dancing displays of the famous Aurora Borealis, but there are plenty more wonders to behold. Cath Rule, our Geography Tours Development Manager and expert in all things geographical, has put together her
Top 10 Icelandic Natural Wonders:
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Þingvellir National Park
Iceland is one of the few places on earth where the Mid Atlantic Ridge is visible above sea level. In Þingvellir National Park, your students can explore the theory of plate tectonics as they walk between the rifts in the Earth‘s crust at the boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The more adventurous can dive into the crystal clear waters of the Silfra fissure and get up close to the continental plates.
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Strokkur Geyser
Part of the famous Golden Circle Tour, Strokkur Geyser is one of Iceland’s greatest natural attractions. The geyser erupts every 10 minutes, sprouting hot water and stream 30 metres into the air, so make sure to take your waterproofs as those who stand in its proximity tend to get a little wet!
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Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is one of the best known waterfalls in Iceland and for good reason. At 40 metres high, this beautiful waterfall will take your breath away. What’s so unique about Seljalandsfoss is that you can venture behind the gushing fall, getting up close to the basalt sea cliffs and take in a different perspective.
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Eldfell
Explore the extensive lava flows as you climb to the summit of Eldfell‘s awe-inspiring volcanic cone, which was formed as a result of a fissure eruption on Heimaey in 1973. If you dig down just a few centimetres under the surface, the rock is still hot enough to melt a plastic pen.
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Reynisfjara
Widely regarded as the country‘s most impressive black sand beach, Reynisfjara beach is just a short distance from Iceland‘s most southernly village of Vík. Take a stroll along this dramatic black sand beach with its iconic basalt columns and strikingly shaped basalt sea stacks.
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Sólheimajökull
The impressive Sólheimajökull glacier comes from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap and its retreating snout reveals various types of moraine, erratic blocks and kettle hole lakes. Don your crampons and take a glacier hike along this raw, rugged glacier.
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Reykjadalur
Meander along the Reykjadalur valley hiking trail, taking in the geothermal area’s stunning scenery as you go. With its hot pools, geothermal springs and hot river, there is ample opportunity to take a dip in the inviting waters.
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Jökulsárlón
This magnificent iceberg filled glacial lagoon is one of Iceland’s crown jewels, with the ice being likened to glistening diamonds. Located at the head of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, the lagoon is naturally formed from melted glacial water.
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Midnight sun
During the summer, witness one of nature’s most magnificent displays – the setting of the midnight sun. With almost continuous daylight throughout Iceland’s summer months, there is even more time to experience the best of Iceland but when the sun does go down, it is certainly a sight to behold!
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Landmannalaugar
Encounter pumice fields, fissures, lava flows and explosion craters as you enter the wilderness of the interior at Landmannalaugar, passing Mount Hekla en route. Walk amongst a rainbow of colours through black obsidian lava flows, multi-coloured rhyolite and olivine rich rocks. Complete the day in true Icelandic style with a relaxing soak in a geothermally heated stream.
If you’d like to experience these natural wonders on your own Icelandice adventure, our expert Tour Consultants would be delighted to speak with you about how you can give your Geography students a trip to remember. Call 01332 347 828 or e-mail info@rayburntours.com