Milton Abbey students brought their best selves on our six-day journey through Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes. We are immensely proud of their enthusiasm, positivity and team spirit. Iceland delivered, but it was the determined, resilient and kind character of our students which made every experience joyful and memorable.

Our first full day began with a visit to Hveragerði, known as the “Greenhouse Town” for its use of geothermal energy. Our good fortune began as we drove up and out of the fog into blazing sunshine to explore bubbling hot springs and steaming vents in Reykjadalur Valley, followed by a walk through the dramatic Lava Tunnel at Raufarholshellir. Every day, Iceland treated us to a bit of magic, just before dinner the skies cleared, and the season’s best display of Northern Lights danced above our heads. This unexpected treat united us all with shared awe and happiness which stayed with us for the rest of the trip.

The following day we travelled along Iceland’s south coast, stopping at the flood plains of Eyjafjallajökull to learn about the 2010 eruption. Students were awed by the towering Seljalandsfoss waterfalls where we walked around the natural amphitheatre behind the falls. At Reynisfjara, Iceland’s iconic black sand beach, we explored basalt columns and sea caves while learning about coastal hazards. The highlight of the day was a glacier walk on Sólheimajökull, where students used crampons and ice axes to explore the ice. The views were mind blowing, shaped by the active nature of volcanoes of glaciers.

The next day began with a relaxing soak in the Secret Lagoon, surrounded by rising steam and bubbling geothermal features. From there, we visited the mighty Gullfoss waterfall and the erupting geysers at Geysir geothermal area. In the afternoon, we explored Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where students walked between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The site’s historical significance as Iceland’s first parliament added a powerful cultural dimension to the day followed by a relocation to Reykjavik where students still had energy to go for a walk into town.

On our final full day, we set off for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: snorkelling in the Silfra fissure at Þingvellir. Students rose to the challenge and floated between tectonic plates in crystal-clear glacial water, some confidently diving down into the depths. After warming up, we headed into Reykjavík for two immersive experiences. First, FlyOver Iceland, a virtual flight ride that gave us a bird’s-eye view of the country’s dramatic terrain. Then, at the Icelandic Lava Show, students watched real molten lava flow indoors and learned how lava interacts with ice, an explosive combination unique to Iceland. We wrapped up the day with a celebratory dinner at the Hard Rock Café, and time to explore the City Centre.

We arrived back to the UK all feeling that our lives had been enriched by the memories we now share – a truly once in a lifetime experience, that we all feel thankful for.

Mrs Cavallaro | Geography Subject Lead