2024 GEST Field Trip: Exploring the South East Iceland
After submitting their final assignments, the GEST cohort embarked on a four-day field trip across the southern region of Iceland. This annual journey served as both a celebration of the fellows' completion of their written assignments and a learning opportunity tied to their final academic module on Gender, Environment, and Climate Change. The field visit was led by GEST project managers Védís and Anna Guðrún.
The trip started with an early departure from the University of Iceland. The first leg of the journey led the cohort to Hvolsvöllur, followed by stops at the picturesque waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi. After exploring these popular sites, the group proceeded to Skógarfoss, where they enjoyed a picnic lunch beside the waterfall. The day's itinerary continued with a visit to Reynisfjara, the famed black sand beach, and a brief stop at the Vatnajökull National Park visitor centre at Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where the group received an introduction to the area’s unique geography and cultural history—the evening concluded with dinner at Freysnes and a visit to a local sheep shed, as this was in the middle of the lambing season.
After breakfast at Hótel Skaftafell, the cohort set out on an optional morning hike to the glacier moraines of Svínafellsjökull. This glacier, like many others in Iceland, has been significantly affected by climate change, a fact underscored during the hike through the ridges of gravel left behind by the retreating ice. The group then visited the Skaftafell Visitor Centre, where they attended a presentation on the management and conservation efforts in the region. The afternoon was filled with further exploration, including a hike to Svartifoss waterfall, and a boat ride at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The day was concluded with a dinner at Hótel Smyrlabjörg before driving to the accommodation in the town Höfn.
The third day was relaxed, allowing the fellows to explore Höfn. The fellows had options of visiting the local swimming pool, walking around town, or visiting museums. In the afternoon, the beautiful weather encouraged the group to visit Vestrahorn, where they spent the afternoon walking around before heading back to dinner at Höfn.
The group woke up to grey skis on the fourth day, clearly indicating that it was time to head back to Reykjavík. After nearly six hours drive, the fellows returned to Reykjavik in the late afternoon, ending their memorable exploration of southern Iceland.
This field trip is an integral part of the GEST programme’s commitment to understanding the Icelandic culture and environmental challenges, but also an opportunity to explore Iceland, relax after the challenging last days of studying and reflect on their five months in Iceland.
