Changing places: Hveragerdi, Iceland

Last updated: 15/11/2023
Changing places: Hveragerdi
Main Subject
Key stage
Category
Urban environments and issues: Urban change in the developed world
Resource type
Teaching ideas
Video
Continents
Europe

Places are dynamic and always undergoing change. Changing places: Hveragerdi supports this key A-level geography theme by considering the factors that have influenced the development and characteristics of Hveragerdi, a small geothermal town in southern Iceland.

In the video, geographer Simon Ross gives an overview of the internal and external factors of change that have made Hveragerdi the place that it is today and have shaped its character.

The video is available here:

Changing Places: Hveragerdi, Iceland from DiscovertheWorldEducation on Vimeo.

The video is supported by classroom resources from Cross Academe’s JustTeach A-Level Geography: Changing Places. The resources can be downloaded in the zipped folder.

Hveragerdi is located on an area of naturally occurring hot springs, caused by geothermal activity that is linked to the constructive plate margin which passes through the centre of Iceland.

The video examines how Hveragerdi's hot springs and warm River Varma, which were formerly perceived by local people as a hostile environment, came to be seen as a useful resource for for cooking, washing clothes and producing electricity.

Geothermally heated greenhouses were constructed and used for horticulture, and in 1938 a warm outdoor swimming pool was built. In the mid 20th century, poets and artists were attracted to the town, and more recently Hveragerdi has seen a growth in the tourism industry. Tourists are attracted to the area for its unique geothermal activity, and by its restaurants, cafes and opportunities for horse riding and hiking.

The downloadable resources provide information on the town's location, the tectonic activity in the area, the influence of the River Varma and the historical development of the town, along with development data.

Lesson ideas include:

  • considering the endogenous and exogenous factors that have shaped the development of Hveragerdi
  • constructing a timeline of the changes
  • identifying visitor attractions
  • discussing the reasons for cultural migration
  • answering practice exam questions. 

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