2026 Kent Denver Iceland Explorers Program

Blog 5

We started the morning in Reykjavik with good weather and set off on our journey. We went to Perlan: Wonders of Iceland, a museum with ice caves where ice from a glacier has been placed inside a cave. We also saw a lava exhibit and a Northern Lights exhibit. After that, we took a long bus ride to the North American tectonic plates, where we took a couple of pictures. Next, we went to the small town of Borgarnes, where we saw our beautiful hotel and visited the recreation center with multiple hot tubs and a pool, but sadly had to say goodbye to our tour guide, Katharina.

The group then decided to split up, with some members going back to the hotel and others taking the scenic route, looking at the coastline and mountains. Once both groups returned to the hotel, we went to eat dinner, where we had, as the British like to say, “fish and chips.” After eating, the group held an award show where everyone received an award and gave a speech. Afterwards, we took a walk around the town to get some ice cream. On the way back, the group stopped at a park where thee AlleyCows performed. Once we got back to the hotel, we played a couple of games, and that was the end of the day. What a great day!!!

– Ian 

Blog 4

Today we woke up at the Hellishólar Cottages and reflected on our viewing of the Northern Lights over a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and sausage. After a short bus ride, we braved the strong sulfur smell at Iceland’s largest geothermal plant and learned all about how the island’s unique geology allows for widespread use of renewable energy. We continued our learning in an ancient lava tunnel where we saw unique ice formations and the effects of multiple lava rivers, and, after dropping our bags off at our next hotel, at the lava show in Reykjavik, where we saw up close how molten lava acts in a controlled environment.

After a quick stop at Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland’s largest church, we had about two hours to explore Reykjavik and eat dinner in smaller groups. Some of us went souvenir shopping and stopped for ice cream on the famous Rainbow Road. Following a ride on a public bus, we had a short but hectic walk through a snowstorm back to our hotel, where we dried off and played games in the lobby, ending off a long and adventurous day.

– Desi

Blog 3

This morning, we awoke at the wonderful Örk hotel and headed down for breakfast at 7:30. There is arguably nothing better than an early start to the day (especially in Iceland). We enjoyed a splendid breakfast and packed our lunches for the day ahead. Students were innovative, crafting a new sandwich titled the “PB&N” entailing Peanut Butter and Nutella.

After we quickly packed and boarded the bus for our first adventure! Shout out to JP for meticulously placing everyone’s suitcase in the back of the bus! Our first stop was a beautiful waterfall. The water heard the Kent Denver Students were coming, so it worked perfectly with the sun to project a beautiful rainbow for us all to enjoy. After the view, we headed to a very cool museum that depicted the Icelandic history of the Southern Coast. There were historically accurate houses of the last centuries, one of which was a Turf house. It was very interactive and educational. Then we made the journey to another set of waterfalls. After viewing the large first one, we continued onward to voyage along a creek-like body of water over rocks to reveal a beautiful, hidden waterfall.

A man resembling Batman was standing on the large rock that obscured many photos; however, we quickly digested as he stepped down, and we could proceed taking photos. A little damp and a little cold, we got back onto the bus to head to the lava center. There we watched a movie seated comfortably on beanbag chairs (a highlight of the day), it was very educational and fulfilling. Then we headed out to the lobby to experience a 3-D map of all of the volcanoes. Some are a little overdue to erupt… but do not worry, we were reassured of the extensive safety measures in case of an explosion. Following that, we went to a traditional Icelandic grocery store where we all hauled up on many different snacks (parents don’t check those credit card bills).

After our bellies were full and our spirits were high, we headed to the cottages for the night. After some downtime, we went to lunch and enjoyed some potatoes and lamb meatballs. Following dinner, we borrowed some cards from the front desk and played many different card games. The game of “BS” experienced some major cheaters, so we moved on to play a “War” bracket, to which Imara won! Falling, we decided to call it a night, and all retreated to our cabins.

After a few minutes of us all tucked in bed, we received a phone call from Delina telling us the Northern Lights were out. What a pleasant surprise!!! We all geared up and went outside to experience some of the rarest forms of the northern lights. It was spectacular and a great team bonding experience. We took so many photos and had so many laughs. Altogether a great day.

– Kylie Jenkins

Blog 2

Today was wow… just wow. We slowly arose after yesterday’s jampactfulness to a wonderful Icelandic breakfast. After we finished eating, the snow started; it came in hard, giving us the perfect opportunity to grow closer together as a group through conversation and games. Although some got heated in competition, all heat is welcome in the land of ice.

In the afternoon, we departed our first hotel for an awesome tomato farm/restaurant where we saw… You guessed it, horses and a cat. After we made a few stops to see some geysers, waterfalls, and craters!

Lastly, we had a wonderful dinner at Hotel Örk to prepare ourselves for another awesome day!

– JP Schneiter

Blog 1

Yesterday in Iceland, we arrived early in the morning, so we had a whole day ahead of us! We started by going to a nice breakfast place with a traditional Icelandic breakfast consisting of Skyr and herring. We then went to the Blue Lagoon, which was amazing! After we explored a town that is now abandoned due to a fissure volcano (which is very much active and could erupt anytime).

Finally, we arrived at our hotel for the night!

– Poppy

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