Often known as the Land of Ice and Fire, Iceland really lives up to its name with its numerous volcanoes and impressive glaciers. From whale watching to swimming in the popular blue lagoon, Iceland is sure to be filled with plenty of activities suitable for your pupils.
Iceland provides such a wealth of jaw dropping geographical features that it also provides the perfect case studies to aid your student’s course work and assist in exams. Our specialist team’s first hand experiences of Iceland make WST ideally placed to create and deliver an exceptional trip to this fascinating destination.
To ensure you get the best possible experience, our Icelandic trips are guided throughout. You'll work with knowledgeable, specialist guides educated to degree level, with vast amounts of experience. Here's a little further info about some of the fantastic visits you can include on your trip.
It's rare that anyone would be tempted to take a dip in outdoor waters in the middle of winter, but Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is hard to resist. The geothermal spa is located in a beautiful lava field in Grindavik, and you’ll be glad to know that it’s warm and relaxing at any time of year.
Not only can the naturally heated Blue Lagoon provide pupils with a fantastic break, it can also give them a valuable science lesson that’s impossible to recreate in the classroom.
Only a couple of hours drive from Reykjavík, this is a must see attraction whilst in this beautiful country. Set in the West of Iceland, Snæfellsnes Peninsula is one of few places in the country with golden and pink beaches, stretches of lava fields, amazing gorges and waterfalls and quaint towns, each of which has got its own museum.
The area surrounding the Peninsula known as Snæfellsjökull has been designated one of the four National Parks by the government of Iceland, with the famous glaciated cone-shaped volcano sitting almost at the region's western tip. Last erupting almost two thousand years ago, at 1446m, the three-pronged snow-capped peak dominates the skyline making it a truly memorable experience for your pupils.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience, seeing the Northern Lights really is a great way to top off a trip to Iceland. Unfortunately though, they're also one of the most unpredictable attractions that the country has to offer.
To see them at their best, it's widely advised to visit between November and March. While a clear night is preferable, visiting when the moon is small can also help to emphasise the gorgeous colours in the sky.
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.
Surrounded by glaciers on three sides, Skaftafell is a place where you are able to see the highest mountain in Iceland, Hvannadalshnjúkur at 2110m. Visit Skaftafell National Park and take a guided walk up to the picturesque 'Black' waterfall, Svartifoss, surrounded by basalt columns. The highlight of this area though is a visit to Jökulsarlón glacial lagoon!
On the way back to/from Skaftafell admire the fascinating glacial landscape as well as the dramatic coast line made of black, volcanic sands and grit.
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.
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.
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.