Most travel study programs mix their own content with locally inspired activities. We have put together five super one-day educational programs which appeal to students and other curious visitors. These suggested programs are specially designed to convey knowledge and awareness of rural Iceland, its history, culture, and potential. We can reserve these activities speedily and easily, saving you time and organizational headaches.

The Saga of Gísli Súrsson

Among the Icelandic sagas, the Saga of Gísli the Outlaw is the one with the closest ties to the Westfjords. After a two-hour lecture and discussion about the saga age and the Saga og Gísli specifically, a forty-minute drive brings students to Haukadalur, where Gísli lived before being made an outlaw. A hike through the valley ends at the former community centre where actor Elfar Logi Hannesson re-enacts events from the saga. On the way back we make a stop in the village Þingeyri for a visit to their viking area which is used for festive occations. There is also a possibility of taking a short sailing trip from here with viking ship 'Vésteinn', a replica of the well-known Norwegian Gokstad ship. Outdoor-oriented groups capable of an 5-6 hour hike can spend a second day visiting Gísli's hiding place in Geirþjófsfjörður where he spent much of his exile.

Witchcraft in Iceland

This program is especially appropriate for groups interested in the folklore and folk culture of Iceland, or in witchcraft in medieval societies. In Ísafjörður, Dr. Ólína Þorvarðardóttir, author of the book The Age of Sorcery, will explain the history of witchcraft in Iceland. The day before or after, typically on students' journey to or from Ísafjörður, they visit the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft in Hólmavík for a talk on the subject and a storytelling event.

Westfjords Naturally

 

[mynd 3 h]The ornithologist and environmental scientist from the Westfjords Institute of Natural History join us to talk about research on nature and wildlife in the Westfjords. Students make a field trip to the Natural History Museum in Bolungarvík and go for a hike in Önundarfjörður, the next fjord south from Ísafjörður. In springtime and early summer, a boat trip to visit breeding eider duck and puffin colonies can also be arranged. Visits to the magnificent cliffs of Látrabjarg in the southerly Westfjords are optimally arranged in connection with the travel to/from Ísafjörður. 

 

Icelandic Avalanche Defence Structures

In the Westfjords, steep slopes tower over fjord-side villages and winter snows sometimes bring avalanche danger. In 1995, two avalanches took many lives in the towns of Flateyri and Súðavík. Staff members from the Icelandic Avalanche Research Centre will explain how Icelanders have dealt with avalanche danger and will take students to visit the avalanche barriers in Flateyri and Ísafjörður. Students may also choose to watch the movie "Nói Albinói", which dramatizes the events of 1995.

Prices for accommodation and travel depend on the size and special needs of each group. Let us know your requirements and we will help you understand your options.