Sculpted by lava and ice, this is a land where geysers erupt, waterfalls thunder, glaciers glisten… and that’s only the beginning!
While each adventurer will have their own motivations for wanting to explore this country of extremes, we’ve put together the top 5 reasons Iceland is oh so appealing for geographers:
1. Phenomenal landscapes and natural wonders
This unique country is brimming with geographical ‘natural wonders‘ in their wildest forms. Get a soaking from the erupting Strokkur Geyser, stand in awe of the two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall on the famous Golden Circle tour, explore the extensive lava flows as you climb to Eldfell‘s summit or enter the wilderness of the interior at Landmannalaugar. The spectacular scenery and diverse natural landscapes will stir your students’ emotions and give them a geographical Icelandic experience like no other.
2. Sits astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Iceland is one of the few places where the Mid Atlantic Ridge (which just so happens to be one of the most volcanically-active areas on earth) is visible above sea level. In Þingvellir National Park, explore the mighty forces still shaping the landscapes as you walk between the rifts in the Earth‘s crust at the boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
3. It fits like a glove with the curriculum
An Icelandic adventure will prove to be an amazing exhibition of the world in which we live, bringing to life the processes, landforms and theories studied in the classroom. With a superb set of unpolluted landscapes and a wide variety of geographical features, Iceland is the perfect place to support your students’ educational needs in line with the curriculum.
4. A land of adventure!
Iceland is a land full of adventure…the ultimate geographer’s playground! Don your walking books and hike through diverse volcanic and geothermal landscapes, explore the wilderness of Southern Iceland on a 4×4 super Jeep tour, delve deep into the heart of a glacier or take a dip in the Secret Lagoon’s geothermal waters. Budding geographers are certain to return home with an enthusiasm for all things geographical.
5. You might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights
Few natural wonders capture the imagination like the vibrant dancing displays of the Aurora Borealis. Visitors to Iceland are lucky to see the Northern Lights as they only come out to play at high latitudes on dark, clear nights from September to March. Travellers catching a glimpse of the illusive spectacle can witness anything from a faint green glimmer on the horizon to vibrant streaks in the sky.
Embark on an Icelandic adventure of your own
If you’d like to head out to the Land of Fire and Ice with your students, our expert Tour Consultants would love to hear from you. Call 01332 347 828 or e-mail info@rayburntours.com to find out more.