Geography Trips to Iceland

Blue Lagoon

• View on Map

This stunning lagoon is pleasantly warm (38°C) with mineral-rich geothermal water in the middle of a black lava field. The high natural levels of silica and minerals give the Lagoon its rich blue colour. The water originates 2,000 metres below the surface, where freshwater and seawater combine at extreme temperatures. It is then harnessed via drilling holes at a nearby geothermal power plant. During geography school trips to Iceland, groups often choose to stop for a swim here en-route to the hotel from the airport.

If you are after a cheaper, less crowded geothermal swim, then check out the Secret Lagoon below which can be added to the Golden Circle Day.

Enquire about this trip

Lavatunnel

• View on Map
• 1 Hour

(Ideal airport transfer add-on or can easily be added to the Reykjanes Peninsular Day).

Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. It is located just 30 minutes from Reykjavík and is easily accessed year round.

A journey into Raufarhólshellir is a unique experience and a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption as you and your geography group can walk in the path of lava that flowed during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred east of the Bláfjöll mountains about 5200 years ago. Every winter spectacular ice sculptures are formed inside the entrance of the cave making the experience of visiting the lava tunnel even more breathtaking.

The Standard tour for Iceland geography trips takes you to the part of the tunnel that is easily accessible for everyone and the journey last approximately 1 hr.

Enquire about this trip

The Golden Circle Day

• View on Map

The Golden Circle includes some of Iceland’s most stunning sights. Your guide will escort you to see the famous ‘Strokkur’ Geysir shoot a column of water up to 30 metres into the air every 4-8 minutes! After witnessing the Geysers, groups can visit this modern multimedia museum displaying the inexplicable natural wonders of Iceland, and even feel it with the earthquake simulator. 

You’ll also visit the magnificent Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall, created where the river Hvítá tumbles and plunges into a crevice some 32 m deep. This full day also includes the historical and geological wonder that is Þingvellir National Park where you can make a unique walk between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates which are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimetres per year. 

Complete the day with a quick stop at the impressive Kerid Volcanic crater believed to be a cone volcano which erupted and emptied its magma reserve.

You can also choose to add a tour of Hellisheidi Power Plant, Friðheimar greenhouses or the Secret Lagoon to your geography Iceland field trip.

Friðheimar Greenhouse Cultivation Centre (can be added to the Golden Circle Day)

Visit the idyllic Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation centre, where students will learn about the magic behind growing delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes which are cultivated all year round using the latest technology, in an environmentally-friendly way: green energy, pure water and organic pest controls combine to produce fresh, healthy tomatoes.

Hellisheidi Power Plant (can be added to the Golden Circle Day)

The largest geothermal plant in the world, with the purpose of meeting increasing demand for electricity and hot water for space heating in the industrial and domestic sectors. Groups can take a tour and visit the Energy exhibition with its multimedia displays.

The Secret Lagoon (can be added to the Golden Circle Day)

What better way to start off your day that a relaxing soak outdoors in the warm waters of Iceland’s oldest swimming pool formed by the area's hot springs. There are new changing facilities, a café and viewing decking. This is much smaller than the Blue Lagoon but much cheaper and far less crowded.

Enquire about this trip

South Shore Adventure Day

With your guide, drive along the south coast of Iceland, one of the country´s most scenic regions. Along the way you will stop at the majestic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which is unique in that you can walk behind it and through to the other side (if it’s not icy). You’ll also stop and compare with the dramatic and much-photographed Skógafoss waterfall, with its 60m drop.

See the stunning Mýrdalsjökull glacier and approach its glacial snout Solheimajokull providing an excellent group opportunity to discuss the processes ongoing here. 

Students love paying a visit to Reynisfjara, a black volcanic beach with its dramatic Basalt columns rising up from the shore. There is a great view of the stunning Reynisdrangar rock formations rising up from the sea just offshore.

You can also choose to add a visit the Skógar folk museum to geography tours to Iceland, to get a taste of how Icelanders lived in centuries past, or Eyjafallajokull Volcano Museum dedicated to the eruption and resulting ash cloud in 2010.

The Lava Centre (can be added to the South Shore Day)

Traverse the corridors, visit the exhibition halls and use the interactive displays at the Lava Centre to discover the colossal and complex natural forces that shape the Earth and began to create Iceland tens of millions of years ago.

Examine the various volcanoes, eruptions and lava flows, volcanic and rift systems, faults and glacial floods that make Iceland a showcase of volcanism.

The centre introduces the Katla Geopark plus Iceland's elaborate monitoring system for surveying volcanoes and earthquake zones.

LAVA - Iceland Volcano and Earthquake Centre is an interactive display of nature's epic forces that shape our planet and created Iceland. A visit includes; Volcano Corridor, Geology Globe, Earthquake Corridor, The Fiery Heart of Iceland, Lava Corridor, Intro to Volcanology, Ash Corridor, Site of Actual Volcanoes'.

Skogar Folk Museum (can be added to the South Shore Day)

If you want to get to know the Icelandic society and how the Icelandic people used to live and work, you should definitely make a stop at the museum at Skógar. The museum focusses on the 4 areas of Fisheries, Agriculture, Handcrafts and also Transport.

Enquire about this trip

The Wonders of Reykjanes Day

Get a little bit of true Iceland on this varied geography tour which includes volcanic landforms, two geothermal sites, dramatic coastlines and quaint, historic towns. You will really get a feeling of the life and power of this young land. Half of the attraction is the beautiful scenery you pass.

Begin the day with a visit to a geothermal park where a natural clay foot bath can be enjoyed. In a hole in the park the locals bake the famous black bread using the geothermal ground as an oven. Students love to each boil an egg in the hot springs and later enjoy warm with the bread. Look out for the restaurant nearby that uses the geothermal heat for its outdoor kitchen!

Just a few minutes away from the Geothermal Park you’ll stop off to view a small exhibition dedicated to a local earthquake in 2008. Students will experience a short simulator which recreates the earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale – and brings home to students just how violent it was!

You'll then drive through endless lava fields and then the quaint historic town Eyrarbakk now a near deserted fishing town due to its industrial decline. Stop at Iceland's most famous church Strandakirkja overlooking the fierce waves.

You will then head to see and hear the hot steam leaving the ground’ at the geothermal area of Krýsuvík, where there are impressive mud pools and hot springs. Back on your coach you will pass Graenavatn blue lake before seeing the 97m deep Lake Kleifarvatn that has no visible surface drainage but whose levels dropped dramaically in a 2000 eruption. There's also nearby pillow lava to see. 

Next up is the geothermal area of Gunnunver where you can watch the boiling saltwater mud pools and escaping steam from a viewing platform. Take in the magnificent coastline and dramatic breaking waves by the Reykjanesviti lighthouse perched on a volcanic cone and enjoy the 360 degree panoramic view from the cliff tops. 

Finally. step out on the “Bridge Between the Continents” which connects the American and Eurasian tectonic plates - another great site and photo opportunity. You can also visit the Perlan Centre with is massive tanks of geothermal heated water and outstanding viewing platform over Reykjavik. 

Possible additions to this day if not already included are;

• Lavatunnel
• Blue Lagoon
• Pizza Meal

Enquire about this trip

Westman Islands Day - Visiting Heimay

The Westman Islands came to international attention in 1973 with the eruption from a fissure that opened, destroying many buildings, and forced a months-long evacuation of the entire population to mainland Iceland. The eruption officially lasted 5 months and by that time, more than 400 buildings had been buried and collapsed under the weight of tephra, burned by bombs or crushed by lava. A new scoria-crater had formed soon to be named Eldfel (Fire Mountain).

Your guide will escort you on the short ferry ride to Heimay where you meet your island coach and explore the island consider the 1973 and previous eruptions, the effect on the land, the people and the future.  You will see the weather station which assesses the incoming weather for the whole of Iceland on the islands southern tip which affords amazing views.

Climb to the summit of Eldfell for some spectacular views mover the Island and feel the warmth from the rocks still today at the top. Make your way down and visit the excellent new Eldheimar museum focusing particularly on one cottage, where time has stood still since the eruption. In the cottage each item was painstakingly removed as ash and lava were cleaned away, then placed back in the exact spot where they were found - to give the impression the home was completely frozen in time. The area is being called the ‘Pompeii of the North.' 

The ferry service is year round but can the weather can effect crossings in Winter months, particularly October to March.

Enquire about this trip

Snæfellsnes Penninsular: Iceland in Miniature

The Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west of Iceland is almost like a miniature version of the whole country. In addition to its characteristic Snæfellsjökull glacier, you will find white and black sandy beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, incredibly rich trout lakes and salmon rivers, lush valleys, and unique harbours in charming fishing villages.

The stunning landscape of the peninsula has captured the imagination of people all over the world, ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" but the journey begins at Snæfellsjökull glacier. This is a longer day lasting 12 hours.

Enquire about this trip

Northern Lights Tour (September – March)

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis are a spectacular natural phenomenon, often seen dancing around in fantastic colours across the Icelandic sky. The lights are caused by the interaction of particles from the sun with the upper atmosphere near the North Pole creating this wonderful light effect.  Your driver and guide will take you out to find the best possible location that evening to view this once in a lifetime event.

Enquire about this trip

Blue Lagoon

• View on Map

This stunning lagoon is pleasantly warm (38°C) with mineral-rich geothermal water in the middle of a black lava field. The high natural levels of silica and minerals give the Lagoon its rich blue colour. The water originates 2,000 metres below the surface, where freshwater and seawater combine at extreme temperatures. It is then harnessed via drilling holes at a nearby geothermal power plant. During geography school trips to Iceland, groups often choose to stop for a swim here en-route to the hotel from the airport.

If you are after a cheaper, less crowded geothermal swim, then check out the Secret Lagoon below which can be added to the Golden Circle Day.

Enquire about this trip

Lavatunnel

• View on Map
• 1 Hour

(Ideal airport transfer add-on or can easily be added to the Reykjanes Peninsular Day).

Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. It is located just 30 minutes from Reykjavík and is easily accessed year round.

A journey into Raufarhólshellir is a unique experience and a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption as you and your geography group can walk in the path of lava that flowed during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred east of the Bláfjöll mountains about 5200 years ago. Every winter spectacular ice sculptures are formed inside the entrance of the cave making the experience of visiting the lava tunnel even more breathtaking.

The Standard tour for Iceland geography trips takes you to the part of the tunnel that is easily accessible for everyone and the journey last approximately 1 hr.

Enquire about this trip

The Golden Circle Day

• View on Map

The Golden Circle includes some of Iceland’s most stunning sights. Your guide will escort you to see the famous ‘Strokkur’ Geysir shoot a column of water up to 30 metres into the air every 4-8 minutes! After witnessing the Geysers, groups can visit this modern multimedia museum displaying the inexplicable natural wonders of Iceland, and even feel it with the earthquake simulator. 

You’ll also visit the magnificent Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall, created where the river Hvítá tumbles and plunges into a crevice some 32 m deep. This full day also includes the historical and geological wonder that is Þingvellir National Park where you can make a unique walk between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates which are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimetres per year. 

Complete the day with a quick stop at the impressive Kerid Volcanic crater believed to be a cone volcano which erupted and emptied its magma reserve.

You can also choose to add a tour of Hellisheidi Power Plant, Friðheimar greenhouses or the Secret Lagoon to your geography Iceland field trip.

Friðheimar Greenhouse Cultivation Centre (can be added to the Golden Circle Day)

Visit the idyllic Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation centre, where students will learn about the magic behind growing delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes which are cultivated all year round using the latest technology, in an environmentally-friendly way: green energy, pure water and organic pest controls combine to produce fresh, healthy tomatoes.

Hellisheidi Power Plant (can be added to the Golden Circle Day)

The largest geothermal plant in the world, with the purpose of meeting increasing demand for electricity and hot water for space heating in the industrial and domestic sectors. Groups can take a tour and visit the Energy exhibition with its multimedia displays.

The Secret Lagoon (can be added to the Golden Circle Day)

What better way to start off your day that a relaxing soak outdoors in the warm waters of Iceland’s oldest swimming pool formed by the area's hot springs. There are new changing facilities, a café and viewing decking. This is much smaller than the Blue Lagoon but much cheaper and far less crowded.

Enquire about this trip

South Shore Adventure Day

With your guide, drive along the south coast of Iceland, one of the country´s most scenic regions. Along the way you will stop at the majestic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which is unique in that you can walk behind it and through to the other side (if it’s not icy). You’ll also stop and compare with the dramatic and much-photographed Skógafoss waterfall, with its 60m drop.

See the stunning Mýrdalsjökull glacier and approach its glacial snout Solheimajokull providing an excellent group opportunity to discuss the processes ongoing here. 

Students love paying a visit to Reynisfjara, a black volcanic beach with its dramatic Basalt columns rising up from the shore. There is a great view of the stunning Reynisdrangar rock formations rising up from the sea just offshore.

You can also choose to add a visit the Skógar folk museum to geography tours to Iceland, to get a taste of how Icelanders lived in centuries past, or Eyjafallajokull Volcano Museum dedicated to the eruption and resulting ash cloud in 2010.

The Lava Centre (can be added to the South Shore Day)

Traverse the corridors, visit the exhibition halls and use the interactive displays at the Lava Centre to discover the colossal and complex natural forces that shape the Earth and began to create Iceland tens of millions of years ago.

Examine the various volcanoes, eruptions and lava flows, volcanic and rift systems, faults and glacial floods that make Iceland a showcase of volcanism.

The centre introduces the Katla Geopark plus Iceland's elaborate monitoring system for surveying volcanoes and earthquake zones.

LAVA - Iceland Volcano and Earthquake Centre is an interactive display of nature's epic forces that shape our planet and created Iceland. A visit includes; Volcano Corridor, Geology Globe, Earthquake Corridor, The Fiery Heart of Iceland, Lava Corridor, Intro to Volcanology, Ash Corridor, Site of Actual Volcanoes'.

Skogar Folk Museum (can be added to the South Shore Day)

If you want to get to know the Icelandic society and how the Icelandic people used to live and work, you should definitely make a stop at the museum at Skógar. The museum focusses on the 4 areas of Fisheries, Agriculture, Handcrafts and also Transport.

Enquire about this trip

The Wonders of Reykjanes Day

Get a little bit of true Iceland on this varied geography tour which includes volcanic landforms, two geothermal sites, dramatic coastlines and quaint, historic towns. You will really get a feeling of the life and power of this young land. Half of the attraction is the beautiful scenery you pass.

Begin the day with a visit to a geothermal park where a natural clay foot bath can be enjoyed. In a hole in the park the locals bake the famous black bread using the geothermal ground as an oven. Students love to each boil an egg in the hot springs and later enjoy warm with the bread. Look out for the restaurant nearby that uses the geothermal heat for its outdoor kitchen!

Just a few minutes away from the Geothermal Park you’ll stop off to view a small exhibition dedicated to a local earthquake in 2008. Students will experience a short simulator which recreates the earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale – and brings home to students just how violent it was!

You'll then drive through endless lava fields and then the quaint historic town Eyrarbakk now a near deserted fishing town due to its industrial decline. Stop at Iceland's most famous church Strandakirkja overlooking the fierce waves.

You will then head to see and hear the hot steam leaving the ground’ at the geothermal area of Krýsuvík, where there are impressive mud pools and hot springs. Back on your coach you will pass Graenavatn blue lake before seeing the 97m deep Lake Kleifarvatn that has no visible surface drainage but whose levels dropped dramaically in a 2000 eruption. There's also nearby pillow lava to see. 

Next up is the geothermal area of Gunnunver where you can watch the boiling saltwater mud pools and escaping steam from a viewing platform. Take in the magnificent coastline and dramatic breaking waves by the Reykjanesviti lighthouse perched on a volcanic cone and enjoy the 360 degree panoramic view from the cliff tops. 

Finally. step out on the “Bridge Between the Continents” which connects the American and Eurasian tectonic plates - another great site and photo opportunity. You can also visit the Perlan Centre with is massive tanks of geothermal heated water and outstanding viewing platform over Reykjavik. 

Possible additions to this day if not already included are;

• Lavatunnel
• Blue Lagoon
• Pizza Meal

Enquire about this trip

Westman Islands Day - Visiting Heimay

The Westman Islands came to international attention in 1973 with the eruption from a fissure that opened, destroying many buildings, and forced a months-long evacuation of the entire population to mainland Iceland. The eruption officially lasted 5 months and by that time, more than 400 buildings had been buried and collapsed under the weight of tephra, burned by bombs or crushed by lava. A new scoria-crater had formed soon to be named Eldfel (Fire Mountain).

Your guide will escort you on the short ferry ride to Heimay where you meet your island coach and explore the island consider the 1973 and previous eruptions, the effect on the land, the people and the future.  You will see the weather station which assesses the incoming weather for the whole of Iceland on the islands southern tip which affords amazing views.

Climb to the summit of Eldfell for some spectacular views mover the Island and feel the warmth from the rocks still today at the top. Make your way down and visit the excellent new Eldheimar museum focusing particularly on one cottage, where time has stood still since the eruption. In the cottage each item was painstakingly removed as ash and lava were cleaned away, then placed back in the exact spot where they were found - to give the impression the home was completely frozen in time. The area is being called the ‘Pompeii of the North.' 

The ferry service is year round but can the weather can effect crossings in Winter months, particularly October to March.

Enquire about this trip

Snæfellsnes Penninsular: Iceland in Miniature

The Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west of Iceland is almost like a miniature version of the whole country. In addition to its characteristic Snæfellsjökull glacier, you will find white and black sandy beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, incredibly rich trout lakes and salmon rivers, lush valleys, and unique harbours in charming fishing villages.

The stunning landscape of the peninsula has captured the imagination of people all over the world, ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" but the journey begins at Snæfellsjökull glacier. This is a longer day lasting 12 hours.

Enquire about this trip

Northern Lights Tour (September – March)

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis are a spectacular natural phenomenon, often seen dancing around in fantastic colours across the Icelandic sky. The lights are caused by the interaction of particles from the sun with the upper atmosphere near the North Pole creating this wonderful light effect.  Your driver and guide will take you out to find the best possible location that evening to view this once in a lifetime event.

Enquire about this trip

Whale Watching

Whale watching tours are operated from the old harbour in Reykjavik. The whales most frequently seen on our tours are the minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises.

The boat’s guide will tell you about your trip which usually lasts around 3 hours and describe what you can see and where to look, together with an introduction and safety guide, as well as answer any questions.

There are indoor and outdoor viewing areas so anyone feeling cold can still get a great view.

Enquire about this trip

Exploring Reykjavik

Aside from our Reykjavik Sightseeing tour, you may want to spend a little time exploring Reykjavik yourselves. Whether you fancy a spot of shopping, visiting the harbour area, or seeing some of the capital’s historic buildings Reykjavik makes the perfect addition to any Iceland geography field trip. 

Enquire about this trip

The Saga Museum, Reykjavik

• View on Map

The Saga Museum intimately recreates key moments in Icelandic history, that have determined the fate of their people and which give a compelling view into how Icelanders have lived for more than a millennium.

Visitors are guided through the museum of fullscale figures in realistic clothing and figures with an audio-guide available in English. At the end of the tour students have the opportunity to try on clothes, armour and weapons of the Viking age!

Enquire about this trip

Whale Watching

Whale watching tours are operated from the old harbour in Reykjavik. The whales most frequently seen on our tours are the minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises.

The boat’s guide will tell you about your trip which usually lasts around 3 hours and describe what you can see and where to look, together with an introduction and safety guide, as well as answer any questions.

There are indoor and outdoor viewing areas so anyone feeling cold can still get a great view.

Enquire about this trip

Exploring Reykjavik

Aside from our Reykjavik Sightseeing tour, you may want to spend a little time exploring Reykjavik yourselves. Whether you fancy a spot of shopping, visiting the harbour area, or seeing some of the capital’s historic buildings Reykjavik makes the perfect addition to any Iceland geography field trip. 

Enquire about this trip

The Saga Museum, Reykjavik

• View on Map

The Saga Museum intimately recreates key moments in Icelandic history, that have determined the fate of their people and which give a compelling view into how Icelanders have lived for more than a millennium.

Visitors are guided through the museum of fullscale figures in realistic clothing and figures with an audio-guide available in English. At the end of the tour students have the opportunity to try on clothes, armour and weapons of the Viking age!

Enquire about this trip