Even with frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, Iceland tops the list of the safest places in the world. Iceland consistently ranks as the world’s safest country, making it an ideal destination for student travelers and educational groups. According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland has topped the list for 14 years, and it’s easy to see why. With no military, low crime, and a strong sense of community, Iceland offers a peaceful environment for both locals and visitors. This is why GeoCamp Iceland is thrilled to welcome students from around the world to experience the unique combination of safety and natural wonder that our country offers.

Community built on trust and low crime

The core components of Iceland’s safety are its low crime rate, strong social cohesion, and community support systems. Iceland’s crime rate is among the lowest globally, and the close-knit society means that locals feel they can depend on one another. This extends to visitors, as Icelanders take pride in looking out for guests and creating a welcoming atmosphere. At 

Another reason why Iceland is so safe, especially for young visitors, is the freedom available to children and youth. Iceland’s low crime and small communities allow children to enjoy a level of independence that’s rare elsewhere. At GeoCamp Iceland, we ensure that students experience this freedom in a safe, structured way, guiding them through outdoor activities, whether exploring volcanic landscapes or studying coastal biodiversity. By providing hands-on, real-world learning experiences, GeoCamp Iceland encourages students to interact confidently with Iceland’s stunning landscapes while emphasizing responsibility and safety.

Leader in gender equality and life quality

An additional aspect contributing to Iceland’s safety is the nation’s strong stance on gender equality. Iceland ranks first worldwide in gender equality, making it a particularly reassuring destination for young women and diverse groups. This commitment to fairness and inclusivity is evident in Iceland’s societal attitudes, and GeoCamp Iceland reflects these values in our programs. We aim to create a supportive environment where students of all backgrounds feel welcome and empowered to explore and learn.

Iceland also offers an exceptional quality of life, ranking high in areas such as clean air and water, community support, and life satisfaction. This quality of life fosters a society that values mutual respect, responsibility, and well-being, all of which contribute to Iceland’s reputation as a safe destination. GeoCamp Iceland emphasizes these values in our programs, inviting students not only to learn about Iceland’s landscapes but also to experience the social values that make Iceland unique. By immersing students in this environment, we aim to provide an unforgettable, holistic educational experience.

Staying safe in Iceland’s beautiful but challenging nature
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While Iceland’s natural beauty is a major draw, it does come with its own set of hazards. Rapidly changing weather and challenging terrains require visitors to take precautions. Icelanders are well aware of this and operate a highly organized volunteer-based search and rescue network to support those exploring the wilder parts of the country. GeoCamp Iceland collaborates with local rescue teams and uses resources like the SafeTravel website to prepare students for their activities. Through these partnerships, we ensure students learn safe travel practices and gain an understanding of responsible outdoor exploration.

In short, Iceland’s unparalleled safety record, welcoming culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes make it the perfect place for educational travel. GeoCamp Iceland is proud to offer students a gateway to this remarkable country, where they can learn, explore, and experience Iceland in a secure and supportive setting. For those considering a study trip to Iceland, GeoCamp Iceland provides a unique opportunity to engage with the natural world in one of the safest places on Earth.

This year GeoCamp Iceland took part in a series of workshops in Denmark for science teachers focusing on STEM subjects and outdoor education in Geoparks. The project was managed by the Association of Municipalities of Suðurnes (SSS) and funded by the Erasmus+ Education Programme of the European Union, and enabled teachers to travel to Denmark on a week-long trip, where they gained ideas on how to use outdoor learning within the Reykjanes Geopark to make science education more engaging and integrate additional STEM projects into their teaching.

“What I am taking home with me are the connections I made with colleagues in the area, which will definitely benefit our work. I came back inspired and excited, and I’m already talking more about science in my classes.” Guðrún Kristín Ragnarsdóttir, Stóru-Vogaskóli in Vogar
 
As part of the study trips, the groups visited schools and educational institutions in Denmark, and gained insight into the educational work within two different geoparks: Odsherred Geopark and Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav. In addition to learning how teaching can take place in connection with geoparks, the participants gained insight into the role of geoparks in the local community. Odsherred Geopark, for example, is known for its strong collaboration with residents and schools, offering robust outdoor learning and a variety of STEM projects.

“My impression is that students and their families often travel far to experience Iceland and the beauty and wonders our country has to offer. I believe that with targeted education and promotion aimed at families in Reykjanes and the capital area, we could attract more families for day trips around Reykjanes or to specific sites within it.” Haraldur Haraldsson, Akurskóli in Reykjanesbær
 
The first trip took place in March 2024 and began with a visit to the Experimentarium museum in Copenhagen, where teachers tried a wide range of interactive projects designed to spark young people’s curiosity in science. The group then visited the University of Southern Denmark in Odense, where they were introduced to the Natural Science Research Centre (FNUG) and how it supports schools and teachers in implementing STEM teaching practices. The group also visited Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav and explored their methods for connecting with local residents and schools in southern Funen. The main visit was to Odsherred Geopark, where the park’s geologists explained and demonstrated how they engage students with practical outdoor learning. The trip concluded with the group’s participation in the Big Bang conference in Odense, an annual conference for science, outdoor learning, and STEM teachers in Denmark.

"On the final day, we participated in the Big Bang conference, which featured a large exhibition where companies and institutions showcased their educational materials. There was also a wide variety of presentations and discussion groups to choose from. The conference was the cherry on top; we returned home with our heads and suitcases full of new ideas, teaching methods, and tools that will influence my teaching in the future." Hildur Sigfúsdóttir, Heiðarskóli in Reykjanesbær
 
The second trip took place in August 2024, starting with the group’s participation in the Knowledge Forum at the Suðurnes Knowledge Centre. As before, the main visit was to Odsherred Geopark, where the group received an in-depth introduction to field trips and sites within the geopark suited to outdoor teaching in subjects such as geology, history, and natural science. Near the geopark is Holbæks Grønne Lunge, a green area that is used extensively by schools for science education.

Spend nine magical days developing geographic inquiry skills in Iceland June 28 - July 8, 2022. NCGE - The National Council for Geographic Education offers - in partnership with GeoCamp Iceland - a graduate-level equivalent, short course in geographic inquiry and field methods for in-service teachers and education professionals. Iceland’s extraordinary and unique landscapes will be our classroom and laboratory.

For more information please visit: https://ncge.org/professional-development/geocamp-iceland