Program Directed by
Julian Hartmann-Russell
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Set out on an unforgettable middle school adventure to Iceland, where tectonic plates burst from the earth and glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes abound. Explore Reykjavík’s climate leadership and green energy innovations, trek across glaciers, and spot whales off the northern coast. As you travel Iceland’s dramatic Ring Road, connect with local communities and learn firsthand about the culture, history, and natural wonders that make this island nation so unique.
- Program Highlights
• Get up close with Iceland’s glaciers, geysers, and volcanoes
• Don crampons and ice picks to traverse a glacier with guides
• Visit a geothermal power station and head into the field with naturalists
• Go rock climbing, horseback riding, whale watching, and swimming in hot springs
• Don crampons and ice picks to traverse a glacier with guides
• Visit a geothermal power station and head into the field with naturalists
• Go rock climbing, horseback riding, whale watching, and swimming in hot springs
“Every day was packed full of exciting new experiences, and she came home with wonderful stories, a group of fantastic new friends and all the confidence and feelings of accomplishment a parent could hope for!”
—Randall & Peter D., Brooklyn, NY
Itinerary
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Departure — Travel Day
Meet your fellow middle school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in New York, and fly together to Reykjavík, Iceland. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Reykjavík — 2 days
Arrive in Reykjavík, Iceland’s bustling capital, for your introduction to island life. Get to know your peers and program leaders during an in-depth group orientation. Soak in the famous Blue Lagoon, explore the ruins of a Viking household excavated beneath the city streets at the Settlement Museum, or stop in at the modern cathedral of Hallgrimskirkja, whose unique architecture was inspired by the natural basalt columns found throughout the country.
The Golden Circle — 1 day
Set out on the famous Golden Circle and experience some of the country’s most iconic geysers and waterfalls up close. Get a behind-the-scenes perspective of a modern geothermal power station, which generates enormous amounts of clean energy for Reykjavík, then enjoy a traditional Icelandic dinner at a local farmhouse.
The Southern Coast — 1 day
Travel along Iceland’s southern coast, and experience the stunning waterfall-studded landscape. Stop for a picnic lunch at the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall, go for a barefoot stroll on a black-sand beach, and take in the towering basalt columns.
Skaftafell & Höfn — 3 days
ontinue east along the idyllic southern coast and spend your days in the field with expert mountain instructors. Hike in Skaftafell National Park, go trekking on Falljökull glacier, and try your hand at rock climbing at Hnappavellir, one of Iceland’s most famous climbing areas. Take in impressive views of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and watch glittering ice formations flow through this lunar landscape outside of Höfn. Explore Höfn, a historic fishing village perched on a peninsula surveying the outflow of five glaciers, including Vatnajökull glacier, the world’s largest ice cap outside the Arctic and Antarctica. Take a dip in the town’s thermal pool or play a pick-up game of soccer or basketball with local youth at the community center.
Mývatn — 2 days
Head deep into the volcanic northern landscape to Lake Mývatn and hike on congealed lava flows from a series of massive eruptions that occurred in the late 1970s. Explore the trails along the canyon at Dettifoss, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls, then cap the day with a relaxing soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths, known for their blue mineral water and black-sand floors.
Dalvík & the Far North — 2 days
Arrive in Dalvík, a charming fishing village nestled on the edge of the Troll Peninsula, close to the Arctic Circle and bordered by majestic mountains where locals ski in the winter. Explore the village on foot, horseback ride on a family farm in the hills overlooking the sea, and go whale watching in Eyjafjörður. Share your independent project with your group on your final night in Dalvík.
Reykjavík — 1 day
Return to Reykjavík for your final day in Iceland, further explore the capital’s picturesque harborside neighborhoods, and enjoy a celebratory dinner with your group.
Return — Travel Day
Fly from Reykjavík, Iceland, to New York with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Featured
Program Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review specific program questions here. For more general information, visit our full FAQ:
What are the main focuses of this program?
Putney’s Middle School Iceland program blends Icelandic cultural immersion with outdoor adventure and an exploration of the country’s leadership in renewable energy and climate change. Students experience the wonders of Icelandic landscapes, from glaciers and fjords to geysers and volcanoes. Like all Putney programs, the focus of the program is on much more than sightseeing—students experience many aspects of Iceland’s culture, history, and natural world in order to broaden their perspectives and gain confidence as young travelers.
What is the technology and cell phone policy?
To help students fully engage and immerse themselves in the Putney travel experience, we do not allow use of cell phones, tablets, or laptops on our Middle School programs. Students may have their cell phones during travel to and from the program. During in-country orientation, leaders facilitate a call home, then collect and securely store all phones until departure day. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.
Will students have the opportunity to practice the local language?
Icelandic is the official language of Iceland; however, English is widely spoken throughout the country. Students will have the opportunity to learn some basic language skills as they interact with locals and community members.
What is an Independent Project?
All students on Putney programs pursue an independent project as a way to more deeply engage with aspects of local culture that are of particular interest to them—in Iceland, you might explore the country’s approach to green energy (over 85% of the country’s energy comes from renewable sources), become an expert on Viking folklore, create a recipe book filled with local dishes, document the training it takes to become a glacier guide, or interview a fisherman on the ways their livelihood is evolving with the warming waters and changing climates.
How physically active is this program?
This is a very physically active summer travel program. Life in Iceland is best experienced outdoors, and you will be moving about often throughout the program—there’s so much to see! Students glacier hike with guides, swim in hot springs, ride horseback, and more. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about being outside and trying all activities.
What are the accommodations for this program?
The group stays in comfortable, family-run guesthouses, hostels, and small hotels throughout our time in Iceland. Leaders reside with the students for the duration of the program.
What are meals like in Iceland?
Our Middle School Iceland program mixes picnics with dining out in Icelandic restaurants, along with traditional family-style dinners taken at our accommodations.
What type of student is most successful on this program?
This program is designed for middle school students (grades 7–8) who enjoy being outdoors and are excited to learn about the environment, as well as cultural and historical aspects of Iceland. The program is a good fit for students who like being active, enjoy being on the move, and are excited about trying new things.
What makes Iceland a good location for a Putney Student Travel program?
Putney has been offering programs in Iceland for many years and we have longstanding relationships with our contacts there, which gives us access to unique experiences. Iceland offers a mix of dramatic natural scenery and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Students can explore glaciers, volcanoes, and wildlife while at the same time learning about renewable energy, sustainability, and Icelandic culture.
How does the Iceland program compare to Putney’s other Exploration programs?
Our Middle School Iceland itinerary takes our students to off-the-beaten-path destinations in Iceland. It gives students the opportunity to explore the country’s advances in sustainability, and experience the diverse landscapes through hikes and experiential activities.
Do students need prior experience or specific skills to join this program?
No specific experience or skills are required for success on our Iceland middle school program, aside from coming with an open mind, willingness to try new things, and participating positively in a supportive, small-group environment.
What outcomes, skills, or growth can students expect to gain from this experience?
Students return home with greater confidence, independence, and resilience after traveling across Iceland and challenging themselves through glacier trekking, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and other outdoor adventures. Along the way, they gain a deeper understanding of geology, climate, renewable energy, and the relationship between Icelandic communities and their dramatic natural environment. Through shared challenges, daily group life, and an independent project, students strengthen their collaboration, curiosity, and communication skills while becoming more comfortable adapting to unfamiliar situations. They leave Iceland with a stronger sense of accomplishment, a closer connection to the natural world, and a more thoughtful understanding of how people and places respond to environmental change.
A Day in the Life: Höfn
Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Höfn.
- Morning
8:00am
Enjoy a traditional Icelandic breakfast at your guesthouse
9:00am
Join expert guides for glacier walking in Vatnajökull National Park
- Afternoon
12:00pm
Picnic lunch in the field with your group
1:00pm
Participate in an introductory rock climbing workshop with professional instructors
4:00pm
Relax with a late afternoon soak in a natural thermal pool
5:00pm
Journal, work on independent projects, or play a pick-up game of frisbee
- Evening
6:00pm
Have dinner as a group at a local restaurant
8:00pm
Group activity and nightly meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule
“I could not have asked for a better experience and will always remember it and the people I met.”
—Jack G., Riverdale Country School, Bronx, NY
