PAC Students Embark on an Unforgettable Icelandic Adventure

Our High School and Middle School students from PAC have officially arrived in the Land of Fire and Ice, kicking off an expansive journey through Iceland’s rich history and breathtaking natural landscapes. The adventure began in the capital region with visits to the Viking museum and the Whales of Iceland museum, offering the group a deep dive into the nation's heritage and marine life. The students even made a quick stop at the President’s house for a group photo opportunity in front of the iconic white-and-red-roofed buildings.

From Reykjavik to the Northern Highlands On the second day, the group began their trek from Reykjavik toward Akureyri. The journey was filled with outdoor exploration, including a hike to a volcano crater and a stop at a scenic waterfall. A cultural highlight of the day was visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site: an old turf church renowned as one of the most beautiful examples of traditional Icelandic architecture in the country.

Exploring the Diamond Circle and Holiday Folklore Day three was dedicated to the famous Diamond Circle, where students marveled at the Goðafoss waterfall and the volcanic wonders of the Krafla range. The group explored diverse geological formations, from the Hverfjall crater and Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters to the dramatic lava structures at Dimmuborgir and the bubbling mud pots at Hverir. To wrap up the day, the group made a surprise stop at the Christmas house near Akureyri. While enjoying tasty waffle treats, the students explored the gardens and shops, and one brave student, Hannah, even posed by the cave of Grýla, the legendary mother of the Yule Lads.

Northern Traditions and Wildlife Encounters The journey continued to Siglufjörður, one of Iceland’s northernmost towns, nestled at the end of a large fjord. There, students learned about the historic "herring boom" at a museum dedicated to the "herring girls" and the tools of their trade. A local signpost highlighted just how far north they had traveled, pointing the way toward the North Pole and other global destinations.

In the small village of Hauganes, the group received a firsthand lesson on the fishing industry from a family-owned business—which included a daring taste test of fermented shark. The day culminated in a spectacular whale watching tour. Suited up in protective gear, the students boarded a vessel and were treated to sightings of humpback whales, at least eight entertaining dolphins, and puffins nesting on a nearby island. Before returning to the docks, the students tried their hand at sea fishing, with two lucky teams successfully landing a catch.

With the adventure just beginning, our PAC students are already bringing home a lifetime of memories from the Icelandic countryside! Follow more adventures with the POKY Travel Club Here