Iceland: Climate, Conservation & Adventure

Arrive at Reykjavík Airport (RKV), where you’ll be greeted by your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders. Explore Reykjavík with a sightseeing city tour. See Harpa concert hall, Hallgrímskirkja church, sun voyager, and more. In the afternoon, head out onto the sea for epic Whale Watching. In the evening, have an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture.

Enjoy the well-known Golden Circle tour. Visit Strokkur and Iceland’s legendary geyser. Near Geysir (or The Great Geyser) is the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall. Enjoy the view from above and walk down the path to walk close to the powerful waterfall. Head over to Thingvellir National Park, which is characterized by a tectonic rift valley and marks the rifting of the Eurasian and North American plates from each other. Afterward, visit the wonderful Efstidalur ice cream farm, where you get a chance to taste organic and home-made ice cream. Made from the farm’s own cows, the ice cream is as fresh as it gets. The farm is run by four siblings and their families who recently took over from their parents, and it has been in the same family for 7 generations. Return to Reykjavík in the evening for a well-deserved rest.

Experience first-hand how green, sustainable energy is produced at one of the largest single-site geothermal power plants on the planet, Hellisheiði power plant, located in a stunning setting surrounded by lava and moss. You will experience first-hand how they produce electricity for the national grid and hot water for the capital region. Afterward, visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, two of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. Complete your afternoon with a visit to Eyjafjallajökull – now famous for its 2010 volcanic eruption that disrupted air traffic in Europe – and the Black Sand beach near Vík village. Overnight in Vík.

This day will be spent in the National Park of Vatnajökull, with Skaftafell National Park situated near the largest glacier in Iceland and Europe, Vatnajökull. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is a beautiful lagoon in front of a calving glacier. Enjoy amazing views of floating icebergs in the lagoon and walk between them at the black beach, which is sometimes referred to as Diamond Beach.

Spend two days contributing to organized volunteer activities in Icelandic protected areas. You will be involved in various activities and tasks that will be determined closer to the trip date, but are likely to include things like more beach cleanups, workshops on climate change, research, and innovation, volunteering in Húsdýragarðurinn Reykjavík park and zoo, trail maintenance, and contributing at local farms.

Pack your bags and say farewell to this incredible place. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.