Things to do on a school trip to Iceland

A fascinating destination for students, particularly from a Geology and Scientific perspective, a school trip to Iceland is just an unforgettable experience. Let us introduce you to our favourite things to do on a school trip to the land of fire and ice:

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Seeing the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is one of the most spectacular and special things to experience in Iceland.

Darkness is essential for this colourful display, a true gift of nature (and Science!). While the Northern Lights can be a bit difficult to predict, they are more common in the darkest months of the year, between September and March.

BLUE LAGOON AND REYKJANES PENINSULA

The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is possibly the best known natural attraction in the country, and one not to miss. The dreamy seawater pools are at a constant temperature of 37 to 39 degrees celsius.

The Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, an active volcanic system with many more fascinating places to see and home to the Reyjkanes UNESCO Global Geopark. Students will get to see first hand extraordinary landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, lava formations, bubbling mud and steam pools and active volcanos.

GOLDEN CIRCLE

The Golden Circle is the name given to a route of approximately 300kms that takes visitors to the Southern Highlands of Iceland where three of the country’s most important natural and spectacular attractions are located:

UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, where dramatic landscapes meet some of the country’s most important archaeology and heritage. It was here where the an open-air assembly known as Althing was established in the 10th century and operated until the 18th century. It is also an active volcanic area.

The Geysir Geothermal Area featuring many geyser hot springs and where one of the main attractions is the Strokkur geyser which erupts every 10 to 15 minutes. Quite impressive.

Gullfoss waterfall, Iceland’s impressive and iconic ‘golden waterfall’ on the canyon of the Hvítá river.

REYKJAVIK

Iceland’s capital Reykjavik, meaning ‘Smoky Bay’, gets its name from the steam released by the area’s hot springs which caused quite an impression on the first settlers.

A tiny, friendly and lively capital, colourful Reykjavik has a thriving musical and art scene. Among the many museums, one not to miss is the iconic Perlan Wonders of Iceland Museum with its indoor ice cave, rotating dome and glaciers exhibition.

To remember your visit for years to come, don’t forget to take a selfie by the Sun Voyager steel sculpture with the mountains and bay in the background.

ICELANDIC TRADITIONAL FOOD

Icelandic cuisine, like in so many other places in the world, is a product of what people had traditionally available locally and their resources. Seafood, fish and lamb therefore features quite often in dishes in various shapes and forms, from smoked to pickled and even buried.

These are some interesting foods you might have the opportunity to sample on a school trip to Iceland:

Skyr, a kind of creamy yogurt/cheese that is eaten with sugar or berries for breakfast but also used for deserts.

Pýlsur hot dogs are one of Reykjavik’s street food staples, made with lamb, beef and pork meat.

Harðfiskur, dried haddock which is eaten as a jerky type of snack.

Rúgbrauð, dark rye bread which is baked underground using geothermal heat.

Iceland’s most unusual dish might not be to everyone’s taste but if you are feeling adventurous try hákarl, fermented shark that has been buried for a few months.

Planning a school trip to Iceland for your class?

Find more details about our school tours here: Northern Lights and Iceland School Trip and contact our travel experts for advice or to request a quote.