Iceland
A Long Weekend in Iceland: From Reykjavik to the Golden Circle
Program No. 22981RJ
Think you don’t have time to discover the natural wonders of Iceland? Think again! Experience the best of Iceland as you explore from Reykjavik to the countryside.
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
At a Glance
There’s more than enough time to discover the natural beauty of this incredible island during this exciting learning adventure! Beginning in Reykjavik, soak in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon — Iceland’s most famous geothermal gem. Then, venture into the countryside to explore the Golden Circle, home to the historic Thingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall and active Strokkur geyser. Walk along the black sand beach below the Myrdalsjokull glacier, and learn about the creation of Iceland at the Lava Centre. Depending on the time of year, search for the magical northern lights or enjoy the calming stillness of a late night sunset in the countryside.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to two miles on uneven, hilly terrain.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Learn about Iceland's past and present, from the legends of Iceland's ancient parliament to the refreshing waters of the Blue Lagoon.
- Savor a greenhouse-fresh lunch while learning how geothermal energy is used to grow vegetables in Iceland's short summer season.
- Marvel at the many natural wonders of Iceland, including a geyser, glacier and waterfalls.
Suggested Reading List
(20 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
A Long Weekend in Iceland: From Reykjavik to the Golden Circle
Program Number: 22981
Jar City
Indridason's first moody police procedural finds Reykjavik detective Erlendur Sveinsson investigating the brutal murder of a lonely pensioner and the man's connection to the deaths of a number of young women. Made into a darkly superb film.
Lonely Planet Pocket Reykjavik
With a section of not-to-be-missed highlights, pullout map, and a calendar of annual events.
The Windows of Brimnes, An American in Iceland
In these provocative essays, Minnesotan Bill Holm writes about the fate of America from his fisherman's cottage on the shore of a creek in northern Iceland.
The Sagas of Icelanders
Nine sagas and six tales composed between the years 1000 and 1500, including an account of Leif Eriksson's voyage to North America, all newly translated.
The Control of Nature
In the classic McPhee tradition, these sparkling essays explore our generally feeble attempts to combat all-powerful nature, including valiant efforts by Icelanders to control the flow of a volcano across the harbor at Heimaey in the Westman Islands.
Iceland, Land of the Sagas
Krakauer and colleague Roberts hike and climb around Iceland in this classic travel narrative, reissued as a paperback and featuring Krakauer's color photographs. The book interweaves the natural and cultural history of the island with the authors' own adventures.
Independent People, An Epic
Rich in local color, this great mock-epic by the Icelandic Nobel Prize-winner features the indelible Bjartur of Summerhouses, a hard-headed, independent-minded sheep farmer.
Ring of Seasons, Iceland, Its Culture and History
A longtime resident of Reykjavik, Lacy weaves tales of family life, anecdote, lore and history into this illuminating personal portrait of Iceland.
Butterflies in November
Scorned by love, a quirky, unapologetically independent 33-year-old woman takes a spontaneous trip along Iceland’s Ring Road, her best friend’s 4-year-old deaf-mute son in tow. Evocative of the Icelandic spirit.
The Almost Nearly Perfect People, Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia
Guardian journalist Booth writes with laugh-out-loud humor and brutal candor about the Scandinavians, mixing history and his own experiences in Nordic regions in this searing cultural portrait.
The Prose Edda
A new translation of one of the most influential and entertaining medieval Icelandic sagas, the source for much of what we know of Norse mythology.
Last Places, A Journey in the North
Millman explores the culture and history of the Faroes, Iceland and Greenland in this hilarious account of his travels in the wake of the ancient Vikings.
Island on Fire: The Extraordinary Story of a Forgotten Volcano That Changed the World
Two science writers discuss the political and natural ramifications of the 1783 eruption of Iceland’s largest volcano, Laki, which led to global death, famine and even revolution. Great for the geologically minded but accessible to all with an interest in volcanoes.
The Northern Lights, Celestial Performances of the Aurora Borealis
Shot in Alaska, one of the best places to watch the northern lights, these images capture the natural phenomenon in all its splendor and majesty. Hall and Pederson’s 160 photographs were taken with ultra-HD cameras during a period of unusually high solar activity.
North: The New Nordic Cuisine of Iceland
Catering to a rising interest in Nordic cuisine, this cookbook celebrates Iceland’s food alongside its haunting landscapes, portrayed in starkly beautiful, full-color photos.
Hrafnkel's Saga and Other Icelandic Stories
This collection of the most famous of Icelandic sagas includes stories with titles like Thorstein the Staff-Struck and Ale Hood. Dating from the 12th century, these tales vividly recreate the society of medieval Iceland.
The Northern Lights, The True Story of the Man Who Unlocked the Secrets of the Aurora Borealis
The compelling story of Kristian Birkeland, the turn-of-the-century Norwegian scientist who devoted his career to understanding the aurora borealis, this book also covers the science, history, myth and romance of the phenomenon.
Iceland Adventure Map
A detailed map at a scale of 1:465,000, printed on handy tear- and water-resistant paper.
A Naturalist's Guide to the Arctic
A primer on Arctic climate, geography, plants, birds, mammals and insects in a single nicely written book. It's a highly recommended, enthusiastic guide to natural history throughout the Circumpolar North.
Iceland Imagined
This cultural and environmental history explores the geography, literature, language, culture, politics and symbolism of Iceland, Greenland, northern Norway and the Faroe Islands.
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