Located at the juncture of the North Atlantic and Arctic, a school trip to Iceland is bursting with geographical wonders in their wildest forms. From erupting geysers and crashing waterfalls to turquoise lagoons and jet-black beaches, there is no limit to the diversity of this extraordinary country.
With so many wonders to behold, we’ve put together our top 5 suggestions for your Iceland bucket list!
Glorious Golden Circle
No self-respecting geographer can say they have visited the Land of Fire and Ice without having ventured on the famous Golden Circle Route. Comprising of three of the country’s most iconic natural wonders – Þingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss – it’s little wonder that this incredible tour ranks amongst the top visits in Iceland.
Secret Lagoon…shhhh
Move over Blue Lagoon and make room for the lesser known Secret Lagoon. This unique bathing experience is one of Iceland’s oldest hot springs and has retained all of its magical charm. Not only can you avoid the crowds and enjoy a more authentic dip, but bathers can also take in the sights of the Little Geysir excitedly erupting every five minutes.
Wonderful waterfalls
If you’re wowed by water then Iceland’s countless cascading falls are sure to impress. What’s even more exciting is that melting glaciers are continually causing new waterfalls to form! Iceland has many impressive scenic splendours to enjoy but two of our favourites are Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.
Seljalandsfoss – Falling 65m over relic basalt sea cliffs, what makes this thundering spectacle so unique is that you can walk behind the waterfall and look out through its tumbling waters to the landscape beyond. Truly spectacular!
Skógafoss – With a wide curtain of water cascading from a height of 62m over Skógar’s rocky cliff, Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most striking waterfalls. Walk to the foot of the falls where on a sunny day you might be lucky enough to admire a double rainbow, or take the staircase up to the cliff top for awe-inspiring views.
Stunning shores at Reynisfjara
Not all of the best beaches are golden! With black sands, mists, tales of trolls and sea monsters, this wind-beaten Reynisfjara volcanic beach is not the place for sunbathing. Instead, admire the impressive basalt columns created by the cooling of lava… just another one of Iceland’s fascinating natural wonders.
Explosive volcanoes
This land of extremes is famed for its explosive volcanoes. One of the most memorable volcanic eruptions is the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, which led to the evacuation of 500 farmers and their families, as well as the resulting ash cloud causing chaos to the European air industry. The Eyjafjallajökull Erupts Visitors’ Centre is well worth the visit to discover the impacts and understand the determination and resilience of Icelandic people.
Head to our website to find out more about our geography trips to Iceland or get in touch with our expert team on 01332 347 828.