Waterfalls, active volcanoes, expansive lakes, winding rivers, bursting geysers, and vast, uninhabited, mountainous terrain make Iceland a geologist’s playground. In the “land of fire and ice,” massive ice-blue glaciers contrast sharply with bright green meadows and black lava fields to create dramatic, captivating landscapes.
Thanks to its geological characteristics, Iceland is ideal for studying plate tectonics, volcanic systems, rock formation, geological history, and human geography, not to mention environmental science and alternative energy production: The country is a pioneer in geothermal energy and hydropower, with almost 100 percent of its electricity coming from renewable sources. Viking heritage and the Icelandic language make Iceland an incredible classroom to study folkloric sagas, considered to be some of the world’s greatest literature. Explore city life in Reykjavik, visit museums, sample Icelandic cuisine, and enjoy cultural festivals. Iceland’s urban centers offer the historical and modern vibrancy of a bustling city along with stunning architecture. The cities in Iceland are contrasted with quaint coastal fishing communities dotted with idyllic churches and small farms that raise sheep and sturdy Icelandic horses. Birders will appreciate the chance to see a unique mixture of American and European migratory bird species thanks to the country’s location at the crossroads of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes can be found numbering in the millions along coastal cliffs, and the gyrfalcon, Iceland’s national bird, may be spotted soaring in the sky or perched on a roadside post. Opportunities for whale watching are among the best in the world, and adventurous types can go hiking, boating, and horseback riding. An Iceland expedition highlights the magic of the land, its wildlife, its mysterious northern lights and the never-ending days of summer.

Trips to Plan

From $10,775

Birding

Iceland | Birding in the Land of Fire and Ice

11 Days | Choose your dates
From $9,325

Natural History

Epic Iceland: Dynamic Lands and Enduring People

10 Days | Choose your dates
From $3,295

Student Travel

Iceland | Discovering Iceland in Hella and Reykjavík

7 Days | Choose your dates

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