Over Winter Long Weekend, Tabor’s first-ever trip to Iceland was a wild success. A group of sixteen students and three chaperones departed for Boston after the last block on Friday, February 7. Despite the short timeframe, Iceland’s breathtaking scenery and abundance of outdoor activities ensured Tabor’s agenda was packed from start to finish.
Reykjavik, Hallgrimskirkja, and the Perlan Museum
Upon arriving in Reykjavik, students settled into the hostel and enjoyed breakfast before heading into the city center to explore Iceland’s iconic Lutheran church, Hallgrimskirkja. As the largest church in Iceland, its striking Gothic-Scandinavian architecture makes it a popular landmark. In downtown Reykjavik, students stopped at the Sun Voyager statue, enjoyed cinnamon rolls at a local cafe, and took photos in front of the picturesque Faxaflói Bay. The Perlan museum features exhibits on Iceland’s natural wonders and a rotating observation deck that provides spectacular views of Reykjavik. Students explored Perlan’s replica ice cave, geyser, and northern lights film before catching the sunset on the observation deck.
Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and the Secret Lagoon
Located on the Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park is a popular geological and historical site. The park is situated in a rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, creating unique landscapes and impressive geological features. Students spent time hiking through the park, pausing at lookouts, and taking plenty of photos. Geysir, roughly an hour from Thingvellier, is a geothermal area that includes geysers, boiling mud pits, and plenty of opportunities to observe eruptions. Strokkur, the largest and most famous hot spring at Geysir, captivated students and offered excellent photo opportunities. The Secret Lagoon, a thermal bath in the Golden Circle, was a student favorite. Students enjoyed the relaxing, natural bath at the end of a long day.
Þorlákshöfn, the Lava Centre, and the Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls
Due to popular demand and last-minute schedule changes, the group decided to explore Þorlákshöfn’s black sand beaches. The jaw-dropping beauty of the black sand dunes left students stunned and excited to explore one of Iceland’s iconic geographical features. While the Lava Centre was not part of the original plan, the museum provided a detailed history and current overview of the country’s volcanic activity. Through replica earthquakes and interactive exhibits, students left the museum with a deeper understanding of Icelandic volcanic activity. The Seljalandsfoss, a famous Icelandic waterfall, allows visitors to follow a path behind the waterfall. The Gljúfrabúi waterfall, however, was less accessible. Students waded through a small stream and entered a miniature cave to view the waterfall. Despite getting soaked, they enjoyed the adventure and the chance to experience one of Iceland’s natural wonders.
The Blue Lagoon
It is impossible to visit Iceland without stopping at the Blue Lagoon. The pools are tranquil and rejuvenating, and the water’s silica and algae content provide natural skin care benefits. Along with the main hot spring, the attraction includes saunas, steam rooms, waterfalls, a smoothie bar, and a skincare bar. Students enjoyed a complementary face mask treatment and beverage while lounging in the milky blue water. Though the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions, the experience was well worth it.
Overall, student reviews were overwhelmingly positive. Despite being the first Tabor group to travel to Iceland, the trip ran smoothly and successfully. Students had a wonderful experience and made lasting memories.
Photos courtesy of the author unless otherwise attributed.
