Volcanoes, glaciers, river rafting, Vikings, horseback riding! Iceland is the active family’s perfect holiday destination with varied landscapes and outdoor activities to engage youth and adults alike. Perched on the rift between North America and Europe, it is a constantly changing land of fire and ice where cooled lava in the shape of trolls and fairies has spawned a lively folklore.
It is an ideal place for budding scientists: young naturalists delight in the many species of birds nesting in summer, the whales swimming off the coast, and the unique, gentle Icelandic horse suitable for even inexperienced riders. View numerous marshland and ocean birds on a kayak excursion and hike over the surface of Solheimajokull Glacier. During a whale watching trip, spot Minke whales and playful harbor porpoises that frequent the area during the summer.
Youngsters and adults alike learn about plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and glacial formations as they explore many of Iceland’s geologic wonders. Watch the world’s most reliable geyser, Strokkur, blast up to 100 feet in the air every few minutes and hear the thundering rush of Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfalls, before a thrilling ride down the icy Hvita River. Visit the Nesjavellir geothermal plant that turns heat from Hengill volcano into electricity.
Swim in a geothermally heated swimming pool and listen to fireside stories about Icelandic trolls. Join a treasure hunt for relics of the Viking culture that thrived here over a thousand years ago.
"Who You Travel With Makes A World of Difference" AMNH Expeditions, Central Park West at 79th Street, NY, NY 10024-5192 1-800-462-8687 •
expeditions@amnh.org