Leweston News

Geography Students' Inspiring Icelandic Adventure

Written by Mrs Dencher, Assistant Head Teaching and Learning | Nov 6, 2024 11:17:52 AM
Our Sixth Form Geography students, along with Mrs. Dencher and Mrs. Lilly, touched down in Iceland for their field trip bright and early! Their first day was packed with excitement as they explored four incredible stops: the awe-inspiring bridge between continents (where the Eurasian and North American plates meet), and fascinating fumaroles, bubbling mud puddles, and steaming hot springs. They also took in the coastal views and wrapped up their day with the breath-taking Flyover Iceland, a thrilling 4D cinema experience showcasing the beauty of Iceland!
To top it all off, they were fortunate enough to witness the mesmerising northern lights right from their accommodation—some even enjoyed the spectacle while relaxing in hot tubs!
 
 
On Day 2 they embarked on an adventure filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Their journey took them to the Secret Lagoon, Iceland's oldest geothermal swimming pool, and the breath-taking Gullfoss waterfall, beautifully draped in snow. At the Geysir geothermal area, they witnessed a rare spectacle as the Strokkur geyser erupted 11 times in a row, a remarkable feat considering it typically erupts just once every 5-10 minutes.
Next, they made a delightful stop at an ice cream farm, where they could see the cows up close, before heading to Thingvellir National Park. This historic site, located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, is home to the world's oldest parliament.
The day wrapped up with some relaxation at their accommodation and a lively quiz competition!
 
 
Day 3 and 4 for our Geographers were packed with unforgettable adventures and numerous exciting stops including:
  • The Lava Centre - an interactive museum that brings the dramatic stories of Iceland's earthquakes and volcanoes to life.
  • Seljalandsfoss waterfall - a thrilling, wet exploration behind the cascading waters, followed by a visit to another hidden waterfall nestled within a fissure.
  • Reynishverfi - a stunning beach with black basalt sands and striking basalt columns.
  • Sólheimajökull glacier walk - a sunlit trek equipped with ice axes and crampons, offering breath-taking views.
  • A quick visit to the majestic Skógafoss waterfall.
Capping off day 3 with another mesmerising display of the northern lights in the evening.
 
 
Day 4 unfolded with another series of captivating experiences:
  • Kerid Crater, a volcanic crater filled with a serene lake.
  • The Hveradalir Geothermal area, where the earth's energy bubbles to the surface.
  • A fascinating guided tour of the Hellisheidi geothermal power station, packed with insightful information on the carbon cycle and climate change.
  • Free time to wander and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Reykjavik.
  • A splash of fun at Reykjavik's open-air swimming pool, complete with a thrilling slide and relaxing hot tubs.

Before travelling home on day 5, ready to share their exciting adventures with their peers this week!