For a country steeped in legends of trolls, gods, and fire beneath ice, Iceland was never going to offer an ordinary school trip. From cascading waterfalls and jet-black beaches to glaciers cracking under their own weight, the landmarks ahead promised an experience like no other. It was with this sentiment that a fortunate band of Year 10 geographers embarked on a voyage into the Land of Fire and Ice.
Upon touchdown at Keflavik, the group was greeted by fifty-mile-per-hour winds. We clambered aboard the coach and were introduced to our tour guide for the trip: Thor – not wielding Mjölnir, but armed with an encyclopaedic knowledge of Iceland and a jovial sense of humour. Together, we set off for our first stop: the Bridge Between Continents. The initial minutes were dominated by driving rain and gusty winds, but eventually the skies cleared just long enough for us to step off and behold the stark fracture between the North American and Eurasian plates. The rain soon returned, prompting a hasty retreat back to the warmth of the coach and a short journey to the Gunnuhver mud pools, and then the hotel. After unpacking, the evening concluded with a hearty meal at a Viking-style restaurant – complete with boisterous tunes and sulphur-laden water, which we quickly found to be an acquired taste.
The next morning, we departed for Thingvellir, the ancient council site of the Icelandic parliament, situated along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. After exploring the rift valley, we warmed up in the Secret Lagoon: a natural hot spring that offered welcome relief from the chill. Lunch was served at Friðheimar – a family-run tomato greenhouse turned restaurant. Bathed in the warm glow of grow-lights, we tucked into hearty tomato soup and fresh bread – a dish that, for the second consecutive year, Mr McRae proclaimed the highlight of the trip. Appetites satisfied, the group trekked to Strokkur geyser, which hurled steaming water skyward every few minutes with theatrical flair. Under Thor’s expert guidance, our cameras captured three eruptions, each one greeted with a mix of gasps, cheers, and frantic lens-wiping. Just as the day seemed to have peaked, we arrived at Gullfos – a thunderous cascade often hailed as the crown jewel of Iceland’s waterfalls. The twin-tiered falls roared into a glacial canyon below, cloaked in mist and majesty. Minds dazzled but bodies weary, we collapsed gratefully into our rooms, ready for a well-earned night of rest.
Armed with pickaxes and ice cleats, our first destination the next morning was a hike on the Sólheimajökull glacier. Scaling the Oreo-coloured ice, we soon reached a slanted plateau high above the surrounding landscape – a frozen expanse that felt more lunar than terrestrial. However, the primal urge to hit rocks with a stick appeared too strong to resist, as we unanimously began hacking mindlessly at the ice beneath our feet. After lunch, we visited two waterfalls: Skógafoss, where spray drenched anyone bold enough to approach, and Seljalandsfoss, with a hidden waterfall tucked behind a slippery cave. Our final stop was Reynisfjara beach – a stark stretch of black volcanic sand bordered by towering basalt cliffs and crashing Atlantic waves. One member of the group, fuelled either by curiosity or poor judgment, refused to budge when warned about the incoming tide and was swiftly left with waterlogged boots and questioning looks from peers and teachers alike.
The morning was spent exploring the science of lava at the Hvolsvöllur LAVA Centre, after which a spontaneous snowball fight erupted outside. The stream of information continued as we visited the Hellisheiði geothermal power station, where we learned about the volcanic forces that power much of Iceland’s energy supply. Our academic efforts were soon rewarded with a visit to Laugardalslaug geothermal pool, where the afternoon dissolved into water-basketball and races down the slides. After a filling pasta dinner, the group set out for an evening crater walk around Grábrók. The setting sun cast a soft orange glow over the mossy hills – a peaceful contrast to the surrounding terrain. Upon our return, hopes were high for a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights. While the sky remained unlit to the naked eye, those armed with patience and long exposure settings were rewarded with mystical green streaks captured on camera – a quiet triumph to end the day.
While some were still busy snoozing, Dr Ellis had already completed a ten-kilometre run in the icy morning of the penultimate day in preparation for the London Marathon. After a hasty breakfast, we descended the cavernous depths of Víðgelmir one of Iceland’s largest lava caves carved by ancient volcanic flows. Emerging again into the light, we visited the neighbouring waterfalls of Hraunafossar and Barnafoss – one serene, the other wild. The afternoon brought welcome relaxation at the picturesque Hvammsvik hot springs, though those with sensitive skin found the saline water to sting more than it soothed. Braver souls tiptoed into the adjacent fjord, only to beat a swift retreat – although one boy managed a five-minute swim, seemingly unbothered by the freezing temperatures.
The final day was met with quiet reluctance as we set out to the only live lava show in the world. Hosted by an enthusiastic Scot, the Icelandic Lava Show featured glowing molten rock and a fiery demonstration of volcanic power. After lunch, the group had one final hour of free time, which many spent visiting the striking Hallgrímskirkja church – its bold, basalt-inspired design echoing the country’s dramatic landscape. As the day drew to a close, bags were packed and souvenirs stashed as we made our way to the airport. The mood was subdued as we boarded the plane – not quite ready to leave behind the waterfalls, glaciers, and geothermal pools that had made the week so unforgettable.
We are deeply grateful to Mr Jennings, Dr Ellis and Mr McRae for organising this extraordinary trip, as well as to our tour guide Thor, and our bus driver who accompanied us though all the rain and sunshine.
Photographs taken by Iceland photography competition winners: winner Austin H (above) and runner-up Joe C (below).
