Educational Programs and Field Trips in Reykjavík

When it comes to destinations for curious minds, Reykjavík stands out in Iceland. The capital is home to a wide range of museums, attractions, and hands-on experiences. From nature-based exhibits to historical centers, there are educational programs in Reykjavík to engage students across subjects and age groups. 

In Reykjavík, school field trips take students to immersive sites where the lessons come alive. Many venues provide guided tours, learning materials, and interactive sessions that transform complex topics into fun learning experiences. This guide is your essential resource for planning these Reykjavík itineraries.

10 Places for Student Tours and Educational Programs in Reykjavík, Iceland

1. Perlan – Wonders of Iceland

Explore the incredible natural world of Iceland, all under one roof at this nature exploratorium. It’s among the top educational programs in Reykjavík for a reason. Perlan educational tours offer immersive, interactive exhibitions that bring glaciers, volcanoes, auroras, and Iceland’s unique ecosystems to life.

• Ice Cave & Glaciers Exhibition: Step into a real indoor ice cave and learn how glaciers form, advance and retreat.
• Áróra Planetarium Show: Experience the northern lights in a state-of-the-art planetarium, complete with thrilling visuals and educational context.
• Forces of Nature: Interactive exhibits on volcanoes, earthquakes, and geothermal energy.
• Látrabjarg Cliff: A massive, life-like replica of Europe's largest seabird cliff.
• Water in Icelandic Nature: A deep dive into Iceland’s water cycle, from snow and glacial melt to rivers, lakes, and the sea.

Students can explore how glaciers form, how volcanoes shape the land, and how Iceland’s ecosystems adapt to change. Perlan is truly among the best museums for kids in Reykjavík, especially those focused on Earth science, environment, and sustainability.

The National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum is one of the top destinations for Reykjavík school field trips. It offers educational programs that trace Iceland’s history from the Settlement Era to modern times.

At the National Museum of Iceland, schools can bring students to enjoy learning experiences catered to every age group. The museum welcomes students of all ages, from pre-school to university, offering hands-on learning experiences. 

Groups can marvel at historic artifacts and join guided activities that bring Iceland's past to life. Specific class or curriculum goals can be incorporated into student tours of this Icelandic museum.

Aurora Reykjavík

After visiting Perlan’s planetarium, consider a stop at Aurora Reykjavík to deepen students’ understanding of Iceland’s most iconic natural spectacle. This immersive museum is dedicated entirely to the northern lights, an enlightening destination for student tours in Iceland.

At Aurora Reykjavík, learning combines the myth, science, and culture of the lights. Groups can walk through interactive exhibitions showing how the aurora forms, interacts with Earth’s magnetic field, and lights up the skies. The museum also explains how different cultures have viewed the aurora through time, then offers practical photo tips and viewing advice.

Whales of Iceland

The Whales of Iceland exhibition offers an immersive museum experience for student groups focused on marine life. Students walk among life-sized whale models and learn about marine biology, whale behavior, and ocean conservation. Dive underwater with the Whales of Iceland programs, including guided tours and interactive displays. The museum emphasizes marine science and conservation education, making it a truly excellent addition to Reykjavík school field trips.

Reykjavík Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum gives students a vital window into Iceland’s strong, historic connection to the sea. Among the notable educational programs in Reykjavík, it focuses on fishing traditions, marine vessels, and the evolution of Iceland’s coastal communities. Students can board the Óðinn ship, view maritime artifacts, and learn about the ocean’s role in Iceland’s economy and identity.

The Settlement Exhibition

At the Settlement Exhibition in Reykjavik, students step back in time to explore Iceland’s early settlement era. Built around an actual archaeological excavation, the museum features original artifacts and digital reconstructions revealing how the first settlers lived. School tours in this Icelandic museum teach students about Viking Age archaeology, daily life, and the development of Reykjavík’s early community.

For groups with extra time, Saga Museum offers a complementary experience, with life-size figures and scenes drawn from Icelandic sagas.

Reykjavík Art Museum

With multiple locations across the city (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, and Ásmundarsafn), this museum is excellent for Reykjavik school field trips. Here, students can explore both Icelandic and international contemporary art in dynamic, inspiring settings.

Guided tours are thoughtfully designed for school groups, while event-specific Reykjavík Art Museum workshops are occasionally staged. These programs encourage critical thinking and artistic expression, helping students connect art to culture and community.

Plan Educational Tours and School Field Trips in Reykjavík

Schools can easily organize educational visits to these venues, many of which offer discounted group rates and dedicated guides for students. When planning, consider combining locations for a full-day experience. For example, a morning at Perlan followed by an afternoon at the Settlement Exhibition.

These varied sites, from hands-on science centers to historical museums, ensure you find excellent educational programs in Reykjavík. Each destination helps students connect classroom learning to real-world Icelandic history, science, and culture. Indeed, these city stops make Reykjavík one of the best cities in the world for learning.

FAQs

Is Reykjavik worth visiting with kids?

Absolutely; Reykjavík is an excellent family destination due to its safe environment and abundance of interactive, nature-focused attractions.

Which are the best museums for kids in Reykjavík?

Perlan, Whales of Iceland, and the Settlement Exhibition are among the best museums for kids in Reykjavík for engaging, hands-on learning.

What is the best month to tour Iceland?

For mild weather and long daylight hours, July and August are ideal. For the best chance of viewing the Northern Lights, visit between October and March.

How do I arrange a Reykjavík school field trip?

Contact the museums directly through their websites to book and confirm group rates, specialized tours, and times for your Reykjavik school field trips.

Do Perlan educational tours cover all ages?

Yes, Perlan educational tours are designed to be engaging and relevant for students ranging from primary school to university level.