An Icelandic Journey
Just to say that this amazing country close to the arctic circle is the land of fire (volcanoes) and ice (glaciers and icebergs) is an understatement. Iceland is also the land of: renewable energy; vast stretches of pristine countryside; delicious food; viking heritage; hospitable people; unique geology; deep fjords; crystal clear drinking water; sheep and horses; eternal sunlight (in summer at least); AND very long, Icelandic words that are difficult to pronounce!
On June 10, fourteen adventurous middle and high school students, plus 2 teacher chaperones (Diane de Sequera, Jeremy Bank) embarked on a memorable 7-day science/nature excursion to this incredible location. Under the guidance of our trusty guide, Jonas, we traveled along the perimeter of the entire island, along what’s commonly known as the ring road. Along the way, students learned about volcanic activity, unique geological formations, glaciers, icebergs, tectonic plates, as well as the flora and fauna of this amazing island. And, if that wasn’t enough, our guide Jonas shared local folktales and gave us insight into the culture, history and politics of Iceland and its hardy people. Students hiked glaciers, went whale watching, soaked in geothermal pools, and were awestruck by the immense power of massive waterfalls. By the end of our trip, students appreciated the dedication Icelandic people have to renewable energy sources, understood the challenges residents face living near active volcanoes, and realized the forces of nature at work to create vast fjords, soothing hot springs and spectacular geysers.
Note: the latitude of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is approximately 64 degrees North. Grimsey Island, 25 miles off Iceland’s north coast, is the only part of Iceland located within the Arctic Circle.
Note: the latitude of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is approximately 64 degrees North. Grimsey Island, 25 miles off Iceland’s north coast, is the only part of Iceland located within the Arctic Circle.
A synopsis of our Icelandic journey:
Day 1:
First stop directly from the airport was to the famous Blue Lagoon. While lounging in expansive, hot geothermal pools, students enjoyed free mineral face masks and a swim-up smoothie bar. What a great way to begin an Icelandic trip! Our afternoon was spent exploring Reykjavik’s downtown core.
Day 2:
We began our ring road adventure. Driving north to Dalvik, students embarked on a whale watching adventure and saw multiple humpback whales. Returning to the dock, some students cast lines and caught a few cod. We all enjoyed an afternoon snack of barbecued cod back at the tour office. Overnight stay in Akureyri.
Day 3:
A visit to the impressive Godafoss waterfall en route to Myvatn lake. We explored Dimmuborgir lava formations and the geothermal area of Namaskaro before experiencing the incredible power of Dettifoss waterfall (150ft high, 330ft wide). Overnighted in Borgarfjordur Eystri. Here, we also viewed a cliffside puffin colony and got up close and personal to the nesting sites of these unique arctic birds.
Day 4:
Traveling south through expansive countryside, we drove by ubiquitous fjords, stopped to take in the picturesque landscape, then sat in geothermal hot tubs in Hofn. Overnight at the Glacier World Hotel.
Day 5:
The morning of day 5 brought us to Jokulsarlon lagoon where we felt dwarfed by huge icebergs that broke off from Vatnajokull, Iceland’s largest glacier. Did you know that, due to intense pressure, glacier ice is three times more dense than regular freezer ice? At Skaftafell National Park, the entire group donned crampons and ice picks to navigate slippery slopes during a 3-hour glacier hike. With the glacier moaning and creaking below us, our knowledgable guide shared scientific facts about the development of glacial ice. He also allowed us use our axes to pick through volcanic dirt which coated some of the ice below. The comment of the day came as we pulled into the tour office at the end of our hike. Chaperone Jeremy Bank said “Students - hand in your axes before getting off the bus.” Well, that’s a statement you don’t hear every day! Overnight stay at Steig, countryside lodge in Vik.
Day 6:
We continued along the South Shore to the Golden Circle. After enjoying a walk along Reynisfjara (Black) Beach, scouting out a giant cave and learning about needle-like basalt rocks, we visited a museum to watch a video presentation of the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull volcanic eruption. Afterwards, we hiked behind cascading water at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, felt the mist at the majestic Skogafoss waterfall, and made a stop at the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall. If that wasn’t enough water for one day, students marveled at our next stop, Geysir Hot Springs, where the ground rumbled beneath us and hot water erupted 80 feet into the air. Most surprising and impressive was the explosive sound of water rising with such intense pressure! Our final visit outside Reykjavik was to Thingvellir National Park which, aside from clear, deep waters conducive to scuba diving, is the site of the oldest existing parliament in the world. The first parliamentary assembly took place here in 930AD. Just down the path from this location, we saw the effect of two major tectonic plates drifting apart representing a geological process that has been at work for millions of years! Evening arrival in Reykjavik, our last night prior to departure.
Day 7:
After a fantastic learning experience, we headed home to San Diego from Reykjavik via JFK.
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La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440
© 2024 La Jolla Country Day School
Privacy Policy
COVID-19 Prevention Plan
