With the pandemic stopping international travel for so long there has been a surge in a new type of travel, virtual travel. People still want to see and learn about their dream locations even if travel isn’t possible for them now. For some, these seminars are purely educational and for others they act as inspiration for future travel. So if you are looking to learn more about your future holiday destination or just want to see Iceland from the comfort of your own home then these seminars are just for you!
The travel industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, that’s for sure! Many people are confined to their local areas. And yet, people still want to travel. There’s something hidden in our nature that requires us to seek out new lands and explore the unknown. During normal times, this desire can be achieved by jumping on a plane and joining Hidden Iceland’s small group tours, private & package trips or using self-drive itineraries. The great thing is, for many that time has come again. Especially if you have received a double dose vaccination or have antibodies present.
However, for others, travel is still a future plan rather than an immediate one. But the yearning for travel is still there. That’s where our virtual educational seminars come in. And since each seminar is a private online zoom call your host presenter will be able to answer literally every question you have about your future travel after showing you their favourite spots.
What is a Virtual Educational Seminar?
With the help of our expert guides, trip planning team, local photographers and a lot of research, we believe we have come up with some great content for you to get excited about.
Each standard seminar lasts around 60 minutes with around 30 minutes of questions afterwards. The virtual educational seminar is conducted via a private zoom call with your host. It is a slide show presentation focused on one aspect of Iceland. This could be volcanoes, glaciers, northern lights or a chosen location.
The host will share their screen so you can follow them around the chosen area of the country. They will share their local knowledge with you while showing you jaw dropping pictures and videos. At the end you will then have plenty of time to ask more detailed and specific questions. This is especially useful for those using the seminar to plan their future travels.
By the end of the seminar you will have learned so much about your topic of interest as well as hopefully being inspired to visit it for real one day too. If you are hoping to plan a private/ package tour with us then this is a great way to get an in depth consultation too.
What topics do you cover on the Virtual Educational Seminar?
Iceland is vast. Far bigger than most people believe. And within this country there is so much to see. To simply offer an ‘overview’ of the entire country would be a disservice to the rich and changing landscape. Therefore, we decided to provide a deep dive into some of the most exciting locations with one particular natural attraction as the main topic of discussion. Read on to learn about each virtual educational seminar.
Oh and if you are really excited by multiple virtual educational seminars then just let us know and we may be able to provide a bespoke version covering the main points. Just let us know in the form at the bottom.
Vatnajökull National Park | Glaciers, Ice Caves and Historic Eruptions
On our small group 2 day tour and many private trips we spend a lot of our time in the Vatnajökull National Park in the south east of Iceland. This area was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019 and is said to emulate conditions of early Earth or the icy moons of Jupiter or Saturn.
On this exciting virtual educational seminar we visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond beach, Falljökull glacier and discover blue ice caves. Despite all the ice, the area is also just as well known for its volcanic activity, so we spend some time learning about the areas past volcanic eruptions too.
This seminar will leave you walking away truly understanding why we call Iceland ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’.
The Bárðarbunga eruption. By Helen Maria Björnsdóttir. Local Guide of Vatnajokull.
Ice cave on Svinafellsjökull 2016. Ice Cave Tour. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Mark Hoey
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Jonny Livorti
Northern Lights and the Golden Circle
As soon as September arrives so many travellers have one thing on their mind, seeing the Northern Lights! Understandably so. The Northern Lights are truly incredible. However, seeing the Northern Lights is by no means guaranteed. So at Hidden Iceland we always encourage you to fill your days with exciting adventures and views like on our Golden Circle with Northern Lights Add On. This means if you get to see the Northern Lights, great! If you don’t then you’ll have had an amazing time anyway.
On this virtual educational seminar we take you on virtual trip around the Golden Circle. Along the way we’ll stop at Iceland’s oldest hot pool, visit the Friðheimar tomato farm, check out the Gullfoss waterfall from above, witness an erupting geyser and travel between the tectonic plates at the Thingvellir National Park. Then once night comes we focus the rest of the seminar on the Northern Lights. We discuss the science behind the aurora and give hints and tips on how to see them. Don’t worry, we have many pictures and videos to share with you throughout too.
This seminar will get you excited to hunt for the northern lights by night and explore the Golden Circle by day.
Northern Lights over Reykjavik
Gullfoss waterfall at sunset by Simon Svensson
An erupting geyser in the Golden Circle. Photo taken by Dennis Stever.
The Volcanic Eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula
On the 19th of March 2021 a volcanic fissure opened up in the Reykjanes Peninsula. This was following weeks of earthquakes and excitement. Questions of a new Eyjafjallajökull eruption were looming. Thankfully, the eruption took place in a secluded and dry part of the country (no ice or water above the crater). This mean the eruption was effusive (mainly lava). It was also quite small too. With the help of the Icelandic Authorities the area was opened up to the public to visit the site in person. Volcanic eruptions are commonplace in Iceland, happening every few years. However, to have an accessible and small eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula, on the doorstep of the capital is quite unique.
On this virtual educational seminar we visit the volcano site via pictures, videos and a live stream. You will learn about the type of eruption and the unique characteristics of the Geldingadalsgos volcano. While the eruption is temporary the volcanically active Reykjanes Peninsula is not. So we will spend time travelling around some of the geothermal hot spots in this often overlooked part of the country. We’ll visit geothermal rivers, a 5200 year old lava tunnel and witness an ever erupting geyser and much more.
By the end of this seminar you’ll understand why Iceland is so volcanically active! You’ll also have gained a deeper understanding as to why Iceland is so volcanically active. Oh and you’ll be dizzy from all the pictures and videos of the volcano itself.
The Gerlingadalur Volcano by Dr. Holly Spice. Hidden Iceland (9).
The Lava Tunnel. Photo taken by Norris Niman. Featured.
Reykjanesviti Island by Norris Niman.
How do I book a virtual educational seminar?
So if the topics above have got you excited and you want to book a private virtual educational seminar then you can simply fill out the form below with your details and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours at the latest. If you can’t be bother filling in a form then feel free to simply send us an email (info@hiddeniceland.is) and we’ll provide you with a quote.
Hi, I am Ryan Connolly; Co-Founder and Marketing Manager of Hidden Iceland.
I’ve guided in multiple countries around the world and stepped foot on all 7 continents. My passion for the outdoors, science, nature, glaciers and volcanoes has led me to study and write about Iceland. I have been interviewed in Forbes, Conde Nast Traveller and Travel Pulse on various subjects.
