ICELAND
There’s nothing quite like a good road trip, especially when it takes you past active volcanoes, bright blue icebergs, roaring waterfalls, and towns where elves are respected. Iceland is a country of sharp contrasts, where fire and ice coexist along with the summer’s midnight sun. From Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park and the idyllic Friðheimar Greenhouse Cultivation Center and everywhere in between, we see all that this magical country has to offer.
Our 14-day Nordic Elements program balances backcountry trekking with an adventurous road trip down the southern coast. Participants will hit Iceland's highlights, camp beneath the midnight sun, and test their backcountry skills on our 4-day Landmannalaugur trek through Iceland’s remote highlands. Those interested in a longer backpacking program should check out our 21-day Iceland. Don’t forget your camera on this scenic journey!
WHERE WE GO
A geothermal spa, filled with seawater, which is believed to have natural healing powers.
A black sand beach, surrounded by roaring surf, and the hexagonal basalt columns of Reynisfjall mountain.
Colossal cliffside peaks, providing the perfect habitat for one of the greatest seafowl colonies.
National park in southwest Iceland, part of the Golden Circle.
Awaits travellers who thirst for spiritual fulfilment through tranquilly experiencing natural splendour.
Skaftafell is home to some of the strangest and most surreal landscapes on the planet.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Students prepare and eat breakfast as a group
Pack up and participate in a therapy group
Personal time to work
Group begins their hike through the wilderness
Break for lunch, sometimes have another informal or formal group session
Arrive at campspot, students set up
Participate in an active group game
Personal time or one-on-one therapy session
Students prepare and cook dinner together
Enjoy campfire or retire for the night
ACTIVITIES
Adventure therapy is an active, experiential approach to group psychotherapy or counseling. In this Journey we will utilize an activity base, such as, cooperative group games, ropes courses, trust activities, adventures, outdoor pursuits, wilderness expeditions, etc. These activities will employ real and/or perceived risk as a clinically significant agent to bring about desired change. After an activity experience there will be a debriefing/discussion to help to make meaning through insights that are expressed verbally/nonverbally that lead to behavioral change.
In Iceland, depending on the season, some other activities might include: dog sledding, snowmobiling, exploring a volcano from the inside, horseback riding, hot springs hike, glacier hiking, northern lights, visit natural ice caves, dive into the Golden Circle, dip into the Blue Lagoon, walk behind a waterfall, river rafting, kayaking, backpacking, etc.
SAFETY & GEAR
At Elysian, creating a safe environment for our students is our greatest priority. We maintain the highest standards of safety by: following industry-standard best practices in operations and training, using state-of-the-art equipment for communications and wilderness living, requiring ongoing professional risk-management training for all field and operations staff, and providing 24-hour on-call personnel for any emergency need.
Elysian will provide state-of-the-art gear for all our participants. You only need to bring yourself, suitable clothing and a toothbrush. You will be emailed beforehand with a simple checklist that will help you pack for your specific experience. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
SIGN UP
Sign for this immersion experience taking place for 14 days beginning July 1st returning July 14th. If you want to participate in this immersion,
but are unable to be there during the entire duration of the experience, we are able to work with you schedule. Just let us know when you sign up and one
of our wonderful staff members will respond to you with more information on how we can adjust your trip.
Sign Up