The phrase ‘there’s nowhere else like it,’ is so overused, but is true when used to describe Iceland. Geographically, it is the land of snow and ice. A country with a vastly different landscape from anywhere else in the world — full of waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, and wide, wide, open spaces. Engaging with a Game of Thrones landscape that is visibly changing before you really inspired the Sevenoaks Lower Sixth Geographers over the Easter break.
A topographical and geological tour of the North West from Reykjavik to Akureyri via Husavik had stunning waterfalls (Dettifoss and Hraunfossar) and amazing coastlines but alas no whales to watch. Husavik will live on in our memories, the geothermal water slides, Eurovision museum and amazing food – we placed the largest pizza order (34) the town had seen since pre-covid times. The short but spectacular flight back to Reykjavik brought us back to the South coast and the popular Golden Circle sites of Gulfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir.
Across the 10 days of the trip we scaled glaciers, scrambled up smoking craters, watched for whales, sank into hot springs, gazed at molten lava, strutted on black sand, snorkelled in the crystal clear waters between the North American and Eurasian plates and supplied the supporting cast of 25 for a marriage proposal at the Secret Waterfall.
A heartfelt thanks to Miss Harris, Mr Willis and Mr Woodroofe for their expert teaching, guided revision and extreme patience.
Katie Willis, Lower Sixth
