Embedded Files
Mira Hennon '25
This year, Nardin high school students had the opportunity to travel to the land of fire and ice, Iceland, led by science teachers Ms. Kelly and Mr. Ladowski. This trip went from January 2nd through 6th, as students departed very early in the morning from Buffalo, NY and spent the whole first day in a whirlwind of travel from airport to airport. During the eight-hour layover in Boston, Nardin girls had the chance to explore the city and engage in the educational Boston Tea Party experience.
Arriving in Iceland bright and early the next day, the group immediately headed off to have breakfast at Viking World Museum, and then explore the Perlan Interactive Museum. After a bus tour around the beautiful town of Reykjavík, students had the chance to learn about one of the world’s largest geothermal power-plants, Hellisheiði. Students were falling asleep left and right from jet lag! The day finally ended with dinner at our hotel in Hvolsvöllur.
The next morning, we set off to hike the Sólheimajökull glacier, gearing up in crampons, harnesses, and helmets. The excellent tour guides led us up and down the stunning ice peaks with a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains at the top. After some good exercise, students traveled to see the Reynisfjara black sand beach and huge basalt rock pillars. We ate lunch near the beach while the sun began to set on day three in Iceland. Although the water was beautiful, we were instructed not to go anywhere near the dangerous and unpredictable waves. Later, the group saw the magnificent Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, a great spot for pictures. The day ended with a visit to the Lava Centre, where we learned about some of the main volcanoes in Iceland. There are about 130 volcanoes across the country!
Following breakfast the next day, the group drove to the Friðheimer greenhouse. We got to visit and pet the adorable Icelandic horses and see the special types of trots they are famous for. Inside the greenhouse, we tasted fresh tomatoes that are grown using geothermal heat and had the chance to taste some of the unique items in their cafe, like tomato ice cream and tomato cheesecake. Students bundled up to walk to the famous and spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, a must-see for anyone who travels to Iceland in the future, and then to watch the Strokkur geyser erupt. If you haven’t figured it out, geothermal heat is a very important part of Iceland and is used all over the country for many different things. In Laugarvatn, students got to taste the sweet rye bread that was cooked for them overnight - submersed in boiling geothermal water! Afterwards we visited the large fault line, marking the division between the American and European tectonic plates. Students then headed off to Reykjavík, where we would be staying for the final night in Iceland. We had some time to shop and explore before a delicious dinner together at a restaurant in the city.
On the last day in Iceland, we traveled to the Sky Lagoon, enjoying the beautiful warm water surrounded by a stunning view of the Atlantic ocean. Travelers also had the chance to participate in the seven-ritual process at the lagoon, which included a cold plunge, steamed sauna, sea salt body scrub, and more! We rinsed off and headed for the airport, flying back to Buffalo after an amazing Iceland experience.
Page updated
Report abuse