After arriving in Iceland, our first stop was exploring historical sites, memorials, and strolling through the vibrant streets of Reykjavik. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Hallgrimskirkja, an architectural marvel I had seen in photos before, but seeing it in person was a whole new experience. The intricate details and beauty of the church were truly remarkable. We also visited The Einar Jónsson Museum, where we admired a collection of sculptures inspired by Norse mythology, all created by Jónsson. While some pieces were… unconventional, others were stunningly crafted and conveyed powerful messages.
We then had the chance to explore some of Reykjavik’s popular attractions, like the Parliament building, the Rainbow Road, and the Concert Hall. Each of these sites was impressive in its own way, adding to the charm of the city. I was also excited to visit a store that sold authentic Icelandic wool sweaters, hoping to pick up a special one for both my mom and myself.
My first impression of Iceland was how resourceful and sustainable its people are. A visit to a geothermal power plant gave us an inside look at how Iceland harnesses its unique geological position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. By using convection currents from underground water to produce steam, the country generates clean energy. The best part? Any excess water not used in energy production is recycled, flowing downhill to be absorbed by the basalt formations beneath. I found this approach fascinating and inspiring, as it reflects Iceland’s commitment to preserving natural resources and maintaining sustainable practices for the future. I believe these forward-thinking decisions position Iceland well to meet global climate goals set by the UN.
Swanson School of Engineering 