Geography school trips to Reykjavík
Witness the transformative power of Mother Nature during a Geography school trip to Iceland, where you’ll experience contorted volcanic features and raging waterfalls, creaking glaciers and unique coastal landforms. A mind-blowing destination packed with opportunities for physical and human investigations, you can study everything from cold environments to food security, and renewal energy or climate change to plate tectonics all in the same trip. A case study of Eyjafjallajökull and the 2010 ash cloud raises topical questions about hazard management and interdependence, while the surging rivers and black basalt coastlines of the south shore are good place to study fluvial and coastal processes, and the Hellisheidi power plant is one of the best places in the world to ask questions about geothermal energy.
Suggested Itineraries
Our team of specialists can tailor-make any itinerary based on your curricular requirements, have a look at some of our suggested itineraries.
Accommodation
We choose properties which are suited to school groups. Audits are carried out on all properties featured, covering all safety and security concerns.
Excursions
We have subject-specific excursions that tick all the boxes for your curricular needs as well as providing life-enhancing cultural experiences.
Suggested Itineraries
A-Level DETAILED
Developed by Equity’s Geography Specialist
This trip can count towards your four compulsory fieldwork days and be used for independent enquiries.
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day1
The Blue Lagoon
- Theme: Tectonic activity and renewable energy
Travel to Iceland from the UK. En route to your hotel visit The Blue Lagoon. Located in a lava field, this geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. During time here students can study volcanic landscapes, geothermal energy and the impact of human activities on the environment.
- Theme: Tectonic activity and renewable energy
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day2
The Golden Circle Tour
- Theme: Tectonic activity and geothermal power
Add to your understanding of geothermal power and tectonic processes, with visits that include the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Station (the world’s second largest geothermal power plant) and Thingvellir National Park, where you can experience a rift valley and discover evidence of continental drift. Learn more about geothermal energy at Strokkur Geyser and the Skalholt greenhouses. Throughout the day there will also be opportunities to practice field skills and study hydrology and river catchments at the Gullfross waterfall.
- Theme: Tectonic activity and geothermal power
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day3
South Shore
- Theme: Tectonic activity, glacial landscapes and climate change
There is an opportunity today to use Eyjafjallajokull volcano as a case study. Morning views of Hekla and Eyjafjallajokull volcanoes allow students to apply and add to their understanding of volcanic landscapes and a visit to Eyjafjallajokull volcano museum provides an extra layer of knowledge by detailing local impacts of volcanic eruptions. Continue to the black sand beaches and basalt columns of the Dyrholaey Peninsula and Reynisdranger rocks to discover coastal landforms and erosion. During the day you will also stop at two spectacular waterfalls; Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss and visit Solheimajokull glacier where students can study glacial landscapes and processes, as well as find evidence of climate change.
- Theme: Tectonic activity, glacial landscapes and climate change
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day4
Depart
- Arrive back in the UK.
Case Studies
Curriculum Links
Accommodation
Hotel Viking
- Only 15 mins from Reykjavik
- Low cost, great for groups on a budget
Get ready to be transported back in time to the age of the Icelandic Viking. Hotel Viking is a fantastic place to learn of Viking culture where the staff dress in traditional clothing and the hotel draws from Viking inspiration for the room and restaurant decor.
Location: A 15 minute bus ride south Reykjavik.
Facilities: WiFi available, communal space available known as the ‘Viking Cave’, small gift shop, Viking themed decor.
Accommodation: En-suite rooming, can take large groups, TV’s in each room.
Meals: On-site restaurant.
Hotel Cabin
- Short walk from Reykjavik’s main shopping area
- Modern accommodation
Located along the pristine waterfront promenade, Hotel Cabin is a great choice for groups looking for a modern hotel that is a close distance to town centre.
Location: Short walk to the centre of Reykjavik, 5 minute walk to the geothermal swimming pool and the harbour.
Facilities: Meeting room with 100 seats, 24hr reception, WiFi available at a charge, shared lounge/ TV area, gift shop.
Accommodation: En-suite rooming, some rooms have TV’s and a refrigerator.
Meals: Buffet restaurant on-site, packed lunches available for groups.
Hotel Örk
- Free high speed internet
- Countryside location
The Hotel Örk offers a high standard of accommodation and well-equipped facilities in a stunning countryside location.
Location: Located in Hveragerdi, a 30min drive to the centre of Reykjavik.
Facilities: Restaurant, Wi-Fi, bar, 9-hole golf course, outdoor swimming pool with a waterslide, hot tubs, geo-thermal sauna and ping-pong and pool table.
Accommodation: Well-furnished twin rooms with refrigerator, telephone, television and en-suite bathroom.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at hotel. If full board is chosen a packed lunch will be provided by a local bakery.
Quick Tip: This is just a small sample of possible accommodations available. Please contact us for more information.
Subject Specific Excursions
Blue Lagoon
In a lava field in Grindavík lies this famous geothermal spa which happens to be one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. Students will learn about why so many people bath in the geothermal seawater and rub the silica mud on their skin.
Golden Circle Tour
The Golden Circle Tour is a famous loop which includes the following excursions; Hellisheidi Visit, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, Geysir and Strokkur and the Kerid volcanic crater.
Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a 120-metre high promontory, not far from Vík. The name, which literally means “door-hole” came from the massive arch that the sea has eroded from the headland. The headland is thought to have been made in an underwater volcanic eruption late in the glacial period.
Perlan - Wonders of Iceland
This fantastic new exhibition allows schools to understand Iceland's forces of nature with high-tech, ground-breaking displays. The amazing exhibits include a 100-metre long ice cave, a virtual aquarium, Látrabjarg Cliff (a 10-metre high recreation), an interactive glacier exhibition and a 360° Viewing Deck with views over Reykjavík.
Seljalandsfoss and Skogarfoss
Stop off at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which is unique in that you can walk behind it and through to the other side*. Your group could also visit the majestic and much-photographed Skógafoss waterfall, with its 60m drop, and discuss the process through which it was formed.
Thingvellir National Park and Lake Thingvallavatn
Walk through the rift valley formed where the Eurasian and North Atlantic tectonic plates are pulling apart. This was once Iceland’s legislative and juridical centre where ancient laws were made and upheld; now this beautiful location is a national park.
Hengill geothermal power plant
Located in Hengill, the Hellsheidi power station is the largest geothermal power station in the world. Discover how Iceland powers itself completely sustainably and learn all about renewable energy on a tour of the plant and visitor centre which is open every day from 9-6.
Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall
Gulfloss makes a fantastic location to engage students with the processes of waterfalls formation. Perhaps the most stunning of Iceland’s magnificent falls, the spray and rainbows dancing on the water are simply mesmerising.
*Subject to weather conditions and Tour Guide's discretion
Kerid Volcanic Crater
Let your students work out how this 3000 year old crater filled with water was formed. Kerid is a popular stop on the Golden Circle tour, it is also known as a favourite venue of Iceland’s singer Bjork.
Reynisdrangar Rocks
Reynisdrangar are basalt sea stacks situated under the mountain Reynisfjall, near the village of Vík. The Needles can be seen clearly from the village of Vík and are 66 meters above sea level at their highest.
Myrdalsjokull Glacier
The Myrdalsjokull is the fourth largest glacier with an area of about 590 km². It rests on a very volcanically active mountain, which last erupted in 1918. (This visit is strictly subject to road and weather conditions and at the discretion of your guide.)
Quick Tip: If you have an excursion in mind which you don't see listed, please get in touch so we can do our best to arrange it for you!
Enquire now
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