Writes Suraj D. (5ths)
This year, we were lucky enough to take part in an unforgettable school trip to Iceland, a country where glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and geothermal energy all come together to create some truly spectacular scenery.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was going to be much more than an ordinary geography trip. Iceland gave us the chance to see the things we learn about in the classroom happening in front of us.
One of the highlights for me was visiting the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and seeing the basalt formed by Iceland’s volcanic activity. It was fascinating to learn about the geographical processes behind the landscape and to see evidence of plate tectonics in real life. It made some of those geography lessons feel a lot more real!
Of course, Iceland isn’t all about standing around looking at rocks. We also had the opportunity to swim in geothermal heated pools, which was absolutely amazing. After spending time exploring the Icelandic landscape, getting into warm geothermal water was a perfect way to relax.
We also explored the towns and cities, which gave us a brilliant taste of Icelandic culture. The churches, architecture and general atmosphere were completely different from what we are used to seeing at home, and it was great to experience a different side of the country beyond its natural landscapes.
The waterfalls were another unforgettable part of the trip. We didn’t just admire them from a distance; we went behind one! It was absolutely thrilling, although perhaps slightly less thrilling when we realised just how wet we were getting. By the end, we were essentially part of the waterfall ourselves. At least nobody could complain that we hadn’t experienced the weather properly!
For me, one of my favourite moments was walking up towards the glacier. Being able to see such an enormous natural feature up close was incredible, and we even got to break and destroy some of the ice along the way. It was great fun but also gave us a chance to appreciate just how powerful and constantly changing Iceland’s glaciers are.
We also visited a geothermal power plant, where we learned how Iceland uses its natural heat to produce energy. It was genuinely fascinating to see the technology behind it and understand how geothermal resources can be used in everyday life. There was, however, one small downside: the constant smell of sulphur. Let’s just say that Iceland’s geothermal energy may be renewable, but its smell certainly wasn’t refreshing!
Another particularly memorable visit was to a greenhouse where tomatoes are grown using Iceland’s geothermal resources. Seeing how crops can be grown indoors despite Iceland’s climate was fascinating, and we even got to see the bees helping with pollination. And, of course, the fresh tomato soup was delicious, probably the best geography-related lunch I’ve ever had.
The enormous geyser was another highlight. Watching the water erupt from the ground was both thrilling and strangely satisfying, especially knowing that the spectacular display was caused by the natural geothermal activity beneath our feet.
We also got to see the remains of a collapsed and destroyed volcano from high above, giving us an incredible view of the landscape and another opportunity to understand how Iceland has been shaped by volcanic activity over thousands of years.
Finally, we experienced the Lava Show, which was a really exciting way to see molten rock up close and learn more about Iceland’s volcanic history. Seeing the power of lava in front of us was certainly a memorable way to round off a trip filled with fire and ice.
None of this would have been possible without the fantastic staff who accompanied us. A huge thank you goes to Mr Simmonds, Mrs Burnham, Mrs Clarke and Mr Brennan for making the trip so enjoyable, organised and memorable. Their enthusiasm and support throughout the trip made a huge difference, and they helped create an experience that we will remember for a long time.
We would also like to thank Flooglebinder and our guides for their excellent organisation, knowledge and enthusiasm. They made sure that we not only saw some incredible places but actually understood what we were looking at and why Iceland’s landscape is the way it is.
Overall, Iceland was an incredible experience. From glaciers and geysers to geothermal pools, volcanoes and waterfalls, every day brought something completely different. What made the trip particularly special was being able to experience geography rather than simply reading about it in a textbook. I came back with plenty of great memories, a much better understanding of Iceland’s geography, and, after the geothermal plant, a newfound appreciation for fresh air!
