Geography students embark on an unforgettable Icelandic adventure

This October half-term, 49 enthusiastic Geography students from Years 10-12 embarked on an extraordinary educational trip to Iceland, immersing themselves in the country’s unique geological wonders.

Over six action-packed days, the students explored a variety of natural phenomena. They visited geothermal areas, mud pots, and lava pools, witnessing recent lava activity and capturing night views of new lava fields with infra-red cameras. The itinerary also included visits to several iconic waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss, where students could walk behind the cascading water into a small cave; Skógafoss, with its impressive 60-metre drop; and Gullfoss, known as the ‘Golden Falls,’ which holds significant cultural and environmental importance for Iceland.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to Heimaey in the Westman Islands, often referred to as the ‘Icelandic Pompeii.’ Here, students learned about the 1973 eruption of the volcano Eldfell (‘Mountain of Fire’), which devastated the nearby fishing port of Vestmannaeyjar. They discovered how an operation to cool the advancing lava with seawater saved the harbour, allowing half of the town’s inhabitants to return and rebuild within two years.

The adventure continued with a thrilling walk on the Sólheimajökull Glacier, equipped with ice picks and crampons. The students also had the unique opportunity to snorkel between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Silfra.

One student shared their excitement: “My favourite part of the trip was snorkelling between two tectonic plates in fresh, clear glacial water. It was freezing! I also loved going behind the waterfall; we got soaked. The whole trip showed how fascinating geographical features in Iceland are.”

Olivia from Year 12 reflected on the glacier:” For me personally one of the best things about the trip was the hiking on the glacier and it was an amazing experience seeing such a different, but really stunning country and meeting the people who live there.”