ICELAND - LOCATION GUIDE

GEOGRAPHY & GEOLOGYExceptional Tours Expertly Delivered

Our location guide offers you information on the range of visits available in Iceland. All visits are selected with your subject and the curriculum in mind, along with the most popular choices for sightseeing, culture and leisure in the area.

The information in your location guide has been provided by our partners in the Bay of Naples who have expert on the ground knowledge of the area, combined with advice from education professionals so that the visits and information recommended are the most relevant to meet your learning objectives.

Making Life Easier for You

This location guide is not a catalogue of opening times. Our Tour Experts will design your itinerary with opening times and location in mind so that you can really maximise your time on tour.

Our location guides are designed to give you the information that you really need, including what are the highlights of the visit, location, suitability and educational resources. We’ll give you top tips like when is the best time to go, dress code and extra local knowledge.

Peace of Mind So that you don’t need to carry additional money around with you we will state in your initial quote letter, which visits are included within your inclusive tour price and if there is anything that can’t be pre-paid we will advise you of the entrance fees so that you know how much money to take along.

You also have the added reassurance that FHT is a member of the STF and our featured visits are all covered as part of our externally verified Safety Management System.

www.fhtgrouptours.com 01279 883532 info@fhtgrouptours.com

EDUCATIONAL EXCURSIONS AND VISITS

Blue Lagoon

This stunning lagoon is pleasantly warm (38°C) with mineral-rich geothermal water in a middle of a black lava field. The high natural levels of silica and minerals give the Lagoon its rich blue colour. The water originates 2,000 metres below the surface, where freshwater and seawater combines at extreme temperatures. It is then harnessed via drilling holes at a nearby geothermal power plant. Groups often choose to stop for a swim here en-route to your hotel from the airport, after you have met your guide in the airport arrival hall, and boarded set off on your private coach.

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle includes some Iceland’s most stunning sights. You guide will escort you to see the famous ‘Strokkur’ Geysir shoot a column of water up to 30 metres into the air every 4-8 minutes! After witnessing the Geysirs, groups can visit this modern multimedia museum displaying the inexplicable natural wonders of Iceland, and even feel it with the earthquake simulator.

You’ll also visit the magnificent Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall, created where the river Hvítá tumbles and plunges into a crevice some 32 m deep. This full day also includes the historical and geological wonder that is Þingvellir National Park where you can make a unique walk between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates which are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimetres per year.

Additionally you will visit the idyllic Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation centre, where students will learn about the magic behind growing delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes which are cultivated all year round using the latest technology, in an environmentally-friendly way: green energy, pure water and organic pest controls combine to produce fresh, healthful tomatoes.

Complete the day with a quick stop at the impressive Kerid Volcanic crater believed to be a cone volcano which erupted and emptied its magma reserve.

You can also choose to add a tour of Hellisheidi Power Plant

Hellisheidi Power Plant (can be added to the Golden Circle Day)The largest geothermal plant in the world, with the purpose of meeting increasing demand for electricity and hot water for space heating in the industrial and domestic sectors. Grous can take a tour and visit the Energy exhibition with its multimedia displays.

South Shore Adventure

With your guide, drive along the south coast of Iceland, one of the country´s most scenic regions. Along the way you will stop at the majestic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which is unique in that you can walk behind it and through to the other side (if it’s not icy). You’ll also stop and compare with the dramatic and much-photographed Skógafoss waterfall, with its 60m drop. See the stunning Mýrdalsjökull glacier, and approach its glacial snout Solheimajokull providing an excellent group opportunity to discuss the processes ongoing here.

Students love paying a visit to Reynisfjara, a black volcanic beach with its dramatic Basalt columns rising up from the shore. There is a great view of the stunning Reynisdrangar rock formations rising up from the sea just off shore.

You can also choose to add a visit the Skógar folk museum, to get a taste of how Icelanders lived in centuries past, or Eyjafallajokull Volcano Museum dedicated to the eruption and resulting ash cloud in 2010.

Eyjafjallajökull Erupts: Visitors’ Centre (can be added to the South Shore Day)

Situated at the foot of the volcano, the Þorvaldseyri Visitor Centre on April 14th, 2011 exactly one year after the start of the Eyjafjallajokull eruption. It contains clear, colourful graphics and dramatic photos that both explain the volcanic and geologic forces and summarize major volcanic and historical events. The highlight of the visit, is a 60-seat theatre where you will see a 20-minute film about the volcano eruption and focuses on the experiences and emotions of the family living on Thorvaldseyri Farm, the farm directly below the volcano. The film covers the timeline of events and portrays the spectacular natural event, and the incredible challenges met by the family farm of Þorvaldseyri.

Skogar Folk Museum (can be added to the South Shore Day)

If you want to get to know the Icelandic society and how the Icelandic people used to live and work, you should definitely make a stop at the museum at Skógar. The museum focusses on the 4 areas of Fisheries, Agriculture, Handcrafts and also Transport.

The Wonders of Reykjanes

Get a little bit of true Iceland on this varied tour which includes volcanic landforms, two geothermal sites, dramatic coastlines and quaint, historic towns. You will really get a feeling of the life and power of this young land. Half of the attraction is the beautiful scenery you pass, starting with the endless lava fields and then the quaint historic town Eyrarbakki, en route to the legendary Strandakirkja church. You can see and hear the hot steam leaving the ground’ at two different geothermal areas: Krýsuvík and Gunnuhver, where there are mud pools and hot springs.

You’ll also make a stop off at the 97m deep Lake Kleifarvatn that has no visible surface drainage, and there are also nearby pillow lava to see. Take in the magnificent coastline and dramatic breaking waves by the Reykjanesviti lighthouse perched on a volcanic cone, and finally step out on the “Bridge Between the Continents” which connects the American and Eurasian tectonic plates - all while surrounded with the breath-taking scenery of the Reykjanes peninsula. You can also visit the Perlan Centre with is massive tanks of geothermally heated water and outstanding viewing platform over Reykjavik. The Magma House exhibition can easily be added to this day too.

Magma a House of culture and natural resources (can be added to the Wonders of Reykjanes Day)This centre in Grindavík houses two very attractive and interesting exhibitions:The Saltfish Museum: The exhibition is very interesting for students, who can study the most important profession of the country. The exhibition looks at Iceland‘s history in the processing and sales of dried salted cod.Earth Energy: Considers Iceland’s unique possibilities to see and investigate most of earth's dynamic processes, such as volcanism and geothermal heat, which is the result of the young age of the island. From the Island’s birth t ongoing activity in the area though to energy provision.

Westman Islands - Visiting Heimay

The Westman Islands came to international attention in 1973 with the eruption from a fissure that opened, destroying many buildings, and forced a months-long evacuation of the entire population to mainland Iceland. The eruption officially lasted 5 months and by that time, more than 400 buildings had been buried and collapsed under the weight of tephra, burned by bombs or crushed by lava. A new scoria-crater had formed soon to be named Eldfel (Fire Mountain).

Your guide will escort you on the short ferry ride to Heimay where you will be able to explore the island consider the 1973 and previous eruptions, the effect on the land, the people and the future. The excellent new Eldheimar museum focuses particularly on one cottage, where elements of

everyday life coexist with petrified ash forming dramatic waterfalls around the building. In the cottage that houses the museum, each item was painstaking removed as ash and lava were cleaned

away, then placed back in the exact spot where they were found - to give the impression the home was completely frozen in time. The area is being called the ‘Pompeii of the North’.

Thorsmork Valley & The ‘Ash Cloud’ Volcano (April to October only)

Board your 4 x 4 coach and head for Thorsmork, a beautiful nature reserve situated between three glaciers including Eyjafjallajökull whose same-named volcano beneath erupted in 2010 and produced the Ash cloud that brought Europe to a stand-still. To get there you drive on rough mountain tracks and cross unbridged glacial rivers, unpassable by ordinary vehicles. You will be able to see remnants of the 2010 eruption, and even some of the ash from the 2011 Grimsvotn eruptions. Thorsmork is like an oasis in the midst of the barren landscape – trees, shrubs, heather, flowers and other plants along with abundant moss and lichen. The final viewpoint is Hrunagil canyon– where the lava flow from Eyjafjallajokull threatened the whole valley. A fantastic day in a really special location allowing consideration of glaciation and volcanic activity.

Skaftafell National Park & Jökulsárlón

Surrounded by glaciers on three sides, Skaftafell is a place where you are able to see the highest mountain in Iceland, Hvannadalshnjúkur at 2110 m, visit Skaftafell National Park and take a guided walk up to the picturesque ‘Black’ waterfall, Svartifoss, surrounded by basalt columns. The walk affords fantastic views out across the region.Afterwards, continue on along the coastal road to see one of Iceland’s most spectacular sites, Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Jökulsarlón was formed by melting ice from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and has many small floating ice bergs, and there are seals swimming in the water. You can also see the point where the fresh water lagoon meets the salty sea water. On the way back to Skaftafell admire the fascinating glacial landscape as well as the dramatic coast line made of black, volcanic sands and grit.

We highly recommended staying over in this area to allow ample time see the visit here and there are accommodation options used to taking school groups.

Northern Lights Tour (September – March)

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis are a spectacular natural phenomenon, often seen dancing around in fantastic colours across the Icelandic sky. The lights are caused by the interaction of particles from the sun with the upper atmosphere near the North Pole creating this wonderful light effect. Your driver and guide will take you out to find the best possible location that evening to view this once in a life time event.

Reykjavik Sightseeing tour

Reykjavík is the world's most northerly capital, with more than one third of Iceland's population. This guided tour is a detailed and comprehensive introduction to Reykjavik's past and present.Visit the Pearlan Centre, with its six enormous tanks, each containing 4 million litres of geothermally water which provides much of the city with hot water. The observation platform offers fantastic panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. You’ll also see Reykjavík City Hall, visit the famous Hallgrímskirkja church with its striking raised-relief map of Iceland (when available). You’ll also drive through the city centre, the harbour area, the University of Iceland campus, past the Elliðaár River, and through Laugardalur valley. Your expert guide provides all the essential information about Reykjavík´s rich culture, history and natural environment.

Volcano House: Cinema and Geology Exhibition

The Volcano House cinema presents two unique documentaries featuring Emmy-nominated footage covering two of the most powerful eruptions to rock Iceland over the last 40 years - the 1973 eruption on the Westman Islands, and the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in South Iceland. The films are shown ever hour together and last just 60 mins total.

The Volcano House Geology Exhibition is a hands-on geological exhibition where you can examine various pieces of pumice, ash and lava from Icelandic volcanoes. The exhibition gives a brief overview of Iceland’s geological history and volcanic systems.

LOCAL GUIDES AND SPECIALIST GEOGRAPHY & GEOLOGY GUIDES

All our tours include one of our local Icelandic guides as standard who have geographical knowledge of the sites as well as detailed Icelandic culture and history knowledge. If you want to maximise the geographical content of your trip, we highly recommend using the services of one of our specialist Geography & Geology Guides instead. With their curriculum knowledge combined with their first hand experiences of leading student groups in Iceland, they can deliver a high level of educational content at each site in line with you learning objectives for the trip.

CULTURAL VISITS

Whale Watching

Whale watching tours are operated from the old harbour in Reykjavik. The whales most frequently seen on our tours are the Minke whales, Humpback whales, Dolphins and Porpoises.The boat’s guide will tell you about your trip which usually lasts around 3 hours and describe what you can see and where to look, together with an introduction and safety guide, as well as answer any questions.

There are indoor and outdoor viewing areas so anyone feeling cold can still get a great view.

Exploring Reykjavik

Aside from our Reykjavik Sightseeing tour, you may want to spend a little time exploring Reykjavik yourselves, whether you fancy a spot of shopping, visiting the harbour area, or seeing some of the capital’s historic buildings.

Evening Activities

BowlingReykjavik has an 18-lane bowling-hall with arcade games and pool tables to entertain your group. It’s a little further than a walk so its likely you’ll need a coach transfer.

Ice-skatingFor groups based in Reykjavik, there is an ice-skating rink within walking distance of the Hotel Cabin, and Reykjavik City Hostel. A coach transfer can be provided for groups staying in other Reykjavik accommodation.

Sundhöll Geothermal Swimming Baths: SelfossFree for under 18’s and ideal for groups staying in the hotel Selfoss as it is only a short walk away. T

Laugardalslaug Geothermal Baths: ReykjavikThe pool is located in Laugardalur Valley, close to the Hotel Cabin and Reykjavik City Youth Hostel. Its facilities include a 50m outdoor pool, outdoor children’s pool and paddling pool, two waterslides, numerous “hot pots“ and a steam bath.

Evening meeting roomsWhere available you can use meeting rooms in your accommodation in an evening to gather your group. Why not use the room to re-cap the day’s events or deliver a briefing about the next day. A quiz is also a good option.

Eating Options

We highly recommend staying on a Half Board or Full Board Basis at your accommodation, especially if staying outside of Reykjavik. We do have a few restaurant options in Reykjavik for those groups wanting a meal out.

We can either provide packed lunches each day or we have recommended eating options available during each day which we can pre-arrange for you.