Sagas and Waterfalls: NSCD Students Take On Iceland

By Maxwell Copans and Colin Wiercinski

For weeks leading up to our Interim trip to Iceland, all our group could think about was our chance to see the northern lights. But it turns out the Aurora Borealis would just be the beginning of our Icelandic adventure.

After landing at Keflavik International Airport, our first stop was a traditional Icelandic breakfast enjoyed beneath a Viking ship. From there, we visited one of Iceland’s oldest geothermal pools, where we soaked in the warm waters surrounded by landscapes steeped in folklore. Later, we explored one of the country’s oldest churches and gained insight into Iceland’s religious and political heritage.

That night, our hopes became reality as we witnessed the northern lights. Seeing the vibrant colors dance across the sky was surreal. Ben Rodzynek, like many in the group, described the moment as movie-like. “I made sure to take a lot of pictures to really capture the moment,” he said. “I never would have imagined I’d be able to see them in person.”

The next day, we embarked on the Golden Circle Tour, a route showcasing Iceland’s breathtaking geology. We visited Geysir, where we watched geothermal eruptions, and then marveled at the powerful cascades of Gullfoss waterfall.

“It was a surreal experience,” said junior Matthew Shelley. “I had never seen a geyser before, and what made the experience even better was how unexpected it was.”

Between stops, we sampled traditional geothermal-baked lava bread, which turned out to be surprisingly delicious. The day concluded with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland’s parliament was established over a thousand years ago.

On day four, we traveled from Skalholt to Vik, stopping at Skogafoss, a towering waterfall that once marked Iceland’s southern coastline. Our journey led us to the dramatic black sands and basalt formations of Reynisfjara Beach before settling into our accommodations in Vik.

Day five brought an exciting visit to the Lava Show, where molten rock was heated to over 2,000°F, giving us a firsthand look at volcanic activity. Afterward, we had lunch at the Soup Company and met with locals to learn how Vik and the nearby Katla GeoPark have been shaped by eruptions.

On day six, we hiked the Solheimajokull Glacier, an unforgettable experience that highlighted the effects of climate change on Iceland’s ice caps. “I loved the scenic views of the hike, as well as talking with my friends,” Matthew said. “Taking photos of the scenery was also very enjoyable, and the experience almost didn’t feel real.”

On our return to Reykjavik, we stopped at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where we walked behind the cascading water—an exhilarating, albeit very wet, experience. Once back in the capital, we explored the Settlement Exhibition, which features archaeological discoveries from Iceland’s early settlers, before wrapping up the day with dinner at Cafe Loki.

On our final day, we gathered for a group reflection before boarding our afternoon flight to Chicago. As we looked back on our time in Iceland, it was clear that this trip was about more than just breathtaking landscapes and sustainable energy — it was about connection. Some students who had never spoken before the trip left as close friends.

Reflecting on the experience, senior Nolan Darnieder summed it up best: “A wild adventure with unpredictable weather, once-in-a-lifetime sights and a fun exploration of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik.”