Iceland Science Study Trip

Key topics include plate tectonics (divergent margins), volcanism (eruption types and lava flows), glaciation and glacial erosion/deposition, hydrological processes (waterfalls and rivers), geothermal energy, and landscape evolution. In short, Iceland enables students to explore many of the core processes and landforms taught in the classroom, brought vividly to life in the field.

These topics directly align with the UK geography curriculum across all major exam boards. AQA covers tectonic hazards and glacial landscapes; Edexcel includes case studies on tectonic activity, rivers, and coasts; OCR emphasises distinctive landscapes and climate change; and Eduqas/WJEC focus on natural hazards, weather, and sustainability. At A-Level, exam boards expect detailed case studies of tectonics, glaciation, and human–environment interactions, all of which Iceland offers in abundance.

Costs vary depending on duration, group size, accommodation level, and included activities. Typically, you can expect to pay between £700 and £1,200 per student for a multi-day school trip to Iceland, covering flights, accommodation, a guide, transport, visits, and meals. Always request a fully itemised quote and be cautious of hidden fees. At Adaptable Travel, we make it very easy to understand what is included, covering:

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• Transport inclusions
• Airline luggage options
• Accommodation choices
• Meal (half-board as standard)
• Excursions and transport
• Travel insurance options

Iceland is distinctive in providing students with firsthand experience of real-world geological processes, from divergent plate boundaries and active volcanoes to geothermal fields and glacial landscapes. It essentially functions as a living geography lab where textbook concepts materialise physically. Additionally, Iceland is just a short flight from the UK, and once there, our school tours allow you to see a wide range of features within a few days. There truly is no other place in Europe that offers the same variety of geographical topics for a school trip as Iceland.

Yes - while Iceland offers the most comprehensive range of volcanic, glacial, and tectonic features, there are more budget-friendly options. The Bay of Naples provides world-class case studies on volcanism and tectonic hazards (Mount Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei). The Swiss Alps are ideal for studying glacial processes and mountain landscapes. Closer to home, Cornwall offers accessible fieldwork on coastal processes, geology, and tourism impacts. The Dutch Coast is another excellent choice for exploring coastal management and human interaction with physical geography. Each destination offers rich case studies, with Iceland remaining the most all-encompassing option when budgets allow.

Risks include sudden weather changes, slippery terrain, glacier crevasses, volcanic activity, and strong winds near cliffs. Mitigation measures involve using certified guides, safety equipment (where applicable), strict group protocols, and backup contingency plans in case weather conditions worsen. However, since Iceland is experienced with volcanic activity and extreme weather, a reliable backup plan is usually available.

Iceland works year-round. Winter trips are often more budget-friendly and offer students the chance to see frozen waterfalls and even the Northern Lights, experiences that can’t be found elsewhere on a school trip. Visiting in spring or summer (April to July) allows for whale watching trips, but you’ll miss out on the Northern Lights.

Weather can be unpredictable at any time, but that only adds to its charm: you don’t visit Iceland for sunshine, but to experience its landscape as a living geography lesson. Spring and summer provide longer daylight hours, yet winter trips can be equally rewarding and usually more affordable. If you can travel outside of half term, you’ll enjoy significant savings and a wider range of accommodation options.

We aim to make all our school trips as inclusive as possible, and Iceland offers a degree of inclusion. Many stops are accessible, such as museums, geothermal sites, and waterfalls. However, glacier walks, steep terrain, or remote areas may be unsuitable. You will need to customise the itinerary and check accessibility constraints.