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Iceland Knitting & Northern Lights
+ Réttir T
our For Women 2025

Immerse yourself in Icelandic knitting culture…

When women gather, magic happens. Join us for a one-of-a-kind Iceland knitting tour that weaves together daily knitting workshops, guided sightseeing, and cultural experiences. As an added bonus, this tour is perfectly timed for the réttir (annual sheep roundup) and gives you a great chance to witness the enchanting northern lights.

Overview

  • Group Size: 10 – 12
  • Activity Level: Easy
  • Tour Length: 9 days / 8 nights
  • Lodging: 3-star hotels
  • Single Room Option: Limited availability
  • Pre-Tour: US-Based support
  • On Tour: 24/7 Tour Leader

Includes

  • Driver guide
  • Knitting designer guide
  • Project materials
  • Activities described + entrance fees
  • Some meals
  • Lodging
  • Private Transportation
  • Group airport transfer day 9
  • Pre-departure meeting
  • Group WhatsApp chat
  • Detailed packing list
  • Photo sharing platform

Excludes

  • Airfare
  • Most Meals
  • Gratuity $300 USD
  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfer day 1

Tour Highlights

  • Daily workshops throughout the retreat led by renowned Icelandic knitting designer & author Bergrós Kjartansdóttiron.
  • Receive Kjartansdóttiron beautiful knitting book Shawls of Myth & Magic  
  • Learn to knit a sample shawl from Bergrós book.
  • Ample opportunities for shopping for wool handcrafts.
  • Enjoy sightseeing and informative walks with Ingibjörg G. Guðjónsdóttir, your expert Icelandic guide who will teach you about Iceland history, nature, and culture through stories and informative walks.
  • Guided behind the scenes tour of Istex Wool Factory.
  • Meet the champion of Icelandic goats and learn how she saved the breed from extinction.
  • Take part in Iceland’s réttir, the sheep round up and countrywide party.
  • Welcome and introduction to the  Icelandic textile center in Blöndsós and then we meander through the center in and see textile tools, and national costumes that can only be found there.
  • Take a hike at Thingvellir National Park for an Icelandic history and geology lesson.
  • Visit with Guðrún at Hespuhúsið and learn how she uses plants to naturally dye yarn.
  • Opportunities to eat a variety of delicious Icelandic foods at restaurants and at family farms.
  • Look up! There is a very good chance you will see northern lights dancing across the sky.
  • Experience the healing waters of Iceland’s geothermal energy with a relaxing afternoon at Hvammsvík Nature Spa.

Available Tour Dates

September 7 – 15, 2025

Limited Spots Available
Tour Leader: Inga Guðjonsdóttier

Immerse yourself in the magic of Iceland with this extraordinary knitting tour, guided by two remarkable Icelandic women who will take you far beyond Reykjavík into the heart of the country’s breathtaking, less-traveled northwest.

Mornings: A Journey of Craft and Myth
Each morning, from 9 AM to 12 PM, you’ll gather with fellow knitters in cozy workshops led by the talented Bergrós Kjartansdóttir. Renowned for her stunning designs featured in Istex and Icewear catalogs, Bergrós invites you to dive into her enchanting book, Shawls of Myth & Magic. This beautiful collection of lace shawl patterns weaves together Icelandic wool, Norse mythology, and the rugged splendor of Iceland’s nature.

With her expert guidance, you’ll bring to life one of her shawls, like SEIÐUR, meaning “the sorcerer.” Inspired by Norse mythology, this shawl channels the legacy of women weavers who were believed to hold the power to foresee destinies and natural phenomena. As you knit, Bergrós will share captivating stories of her journey as a designer and artist, bringing the spirit of Iceland’s heritage to your fingertips.

Afternoons: Explore Nature, Handcraft Shops, & Studios
Once your needles are set aside, the adventure begins. Guided by the incomparable Ingibjörg G. Guðjónsdóttir—known to everyone as Inga—you’ll explore the wonders of Iceland. With 30 years of experience, Inga is a treasure trove of sagas, folk songs, and local lore.

From vibrant walking tours through nature and historical sites to exclusive visits to farms, textile factories, and the homes of local textile artists, each afternoon will deepen your connection to Icelandic culture. One highlight is a day spent at Inga’s own farmhouse on the stunning Vatnsnes Peninsula, where her warm hospitality will make you feel like family.

A Community Event: Join the Réttir
September brings Iceland’s annual réttir—the nationwide sheep roundup. Imagine standing among locals as they guide their flocks down from the highlands, a tradition passed through generations. Feel the energy of the moment as you lend a hand sorting sheep in the corrals, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this cherished community event.

Evenings: Relaxation and Northern Lights
As the sun sets, unwind with a hearty dinner before settling into evenings filled with tranquility and camaraderie. Knit by the fire, soak in rejuvenating hot tubs, and gaze skyward for the shimmering northern lights.

This one-of-a-kind tour is more than a trip—it’s an invitation to step into the rhythms of Icelandic life, surrounded by creativity, tradition, and natural beauty. With the guidance of Bergrós and Inga, this journey promises inspiration, connection, and memories to last a lifetime.

Experienced intermediate crocheters are warmly welcome! You’ll create the exquisite Sunneva pattern, a unique design to complement your skills.

Spaces are limited for this once-a-year experience. Will you join us for this unforgettable adventure?

Meet Your Team

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Inga Guðjonsdóttier

Tour Leader

Bergrós Kjartansdóttir

Bergrós Kjartansdóttir

Knitting Instructor

Meet Your Guides: An Unforgettable Icelandic Knitting Adventure
On this special journey through Iceland’s rural northwest, you’ll be guided by two incredible women whose expertise and passion bring the tour to life.

Ingibjörg Guðjónsdóttir (Inga) – Your Cultural Guide
With over 30 years in the tourism industry, Inga is a storyteller, historian, former fashion designer, and cultural expert. She offers deep insights into Icelandic traditions, particularly the role of women in sheep farming and textile production. As you explore the countryside, visit local farms, and uncover the stories woven into Icelandic life, Inga ensures that every moment connects knitting to the nation’s rich heritage.

Bergrós Kjartansdóttir – Your Knitting Instructor
A renowned knitting designer, poet, and author from the Westfjords, Bergrós brings a creative and scholarly approach to the craft. Inspired by Icelandic nature, Norse mythology, and centuries-old traditions, she will guide you in knitting a lace shawl, using Icelandic yarn included in the program. You’ll also receive an English copy of her book, Shawls of Myth & Magic, a tribute to Icelandic wool and storytelling.

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Available Tour Dates

September 7 – 15, 2025

Limited Spots Available
Tour Leader: Inga Guðjonsdóttier

Tour Map

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at the Keflavik International Airport (KEF) – Reykjavik

Arrival at Keflavik airport before 10:30AM. Transfer to Reykjavik on your own via Flybys. Drop your luggage off at the hotel, and have breakfast on your own, or with new friends.

12:30 Meet at the hotel and walk to the National Museum for a tour about Icelandic history and textiles. (*Walk 20 min, 1 mile)

3:00 pm Return to hotel. Check in. Relax before dinner.

6:00 pm Dinner at a local restaurant (included)

Overnight at 3-star hotel,(Hotel Leifur Eiriksson) in downtown Reykjavik.

Meals: D

Note: Group airport transfer on day one is not included because it is so easy to take the Flybus.is to Reykjavik and allows people to arrive at time the is convenient and economical for them. Detailed instructions on how to get to the hotel will be provided.

*If you would rather not walk to the museum and need to take a taxi, one can be arranged for approximately 12 USD each way.

Day 2: Introduction to Icelandic Wool & Nature Spa

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Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, you will start the day shopping at a local yarn store. Here participants will pick out yarn to make their shawl and be able to stock up on all sorts of Lopi, wool yarn made from the fleece of Icelandic Sheep. Over the next few days there will be opportunities to buy many handmade wool products in both Reykjavik and the countryside.

As we leave the city, we begin to notice the fall colors of the vast moss covered glacier swept fjords, and flattop volcanic mountains of the countryside. Along the way, your guide will share stories and information about the landscape, history, and culture of Iceland.

Our first stop is the Istex Wool Factory for a guided behind the scenes tour. Participants will learn how yarn is manufactured in Iceland and see how wool purchased directly from local farms is processed into to skeins sold on store shelves throughout the country, and the world.

Afternoon:

We continue the scenic drive north and enter the break taking Hvalfjörður. Participants will enjoy a soup and bread lunch in bistro of Hvammsvík Nature Spa, followed by a 2-hour soak in the mineral waters. Purchase a beverage from a swim up bar, and enjoy the sounds of lapping ocean wave and sea birds while soaking in one of the several hot spring pools.

Evening:

After checking into the hotel and getting settled, we will meet in our first knitting circle. Bergrós will introduce you to her work as a knitter and designer and go through some of her work. She will go over the project that we are going to start on in the workshop, as we take our first step in making the knitting examples of the shawl. Tonight, Bergrós will assess each participant’s abilities and stitch tightness for recommendations on needle size for each person’s project.

Overnight and dinner at Hotel Hamar or similar (2 nights).

Meals: BL

Day 3: Shawl Workshop 1 & Women & Wool

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After breakfast, we will continue under the instruction of Bergrós with our shawl. You can ask all the questions for different techniques and get Bergrós help with details you need more help with.

In the afternoon we drive to Ullarselið in Hvanneyri “wool center” where the University of Agriculture in cooperation with the women’s association of the south west has made it possible for the women in the region to experiment and work with handspun wool. After an educational introduction by one of the associates, participants can support the initiative. The shop has so many beautiful products made by local women for purchase.

We then take a short walk in Borgarnes along the shores of Borgarfjörður.

Evening hot tubs and looking toward the sky for northern lights.

Second night at Hotel Hamar, or same category.

Dinner at Borgarnes Englendingavík

Meals: B

Day 4: Shall Workshop 2 & The Champion of Goats

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After breakfast we meet for our knitting workshop. By now you should have a doll-size example with all the small details you need to make your full-size shawl, and if you haven’t started your full-sized one then it is time to start that. Today you can also use the time with Bergrós to get an explanation of another shawl that you might be interested in from her book.

Afternoon: We visit the champion of Icelandic Goats, Jóhanna Bergmann Þorvaldsdóttir, a former nurse, who currently owns and operates Háafell, an Icelandic farm that has been in her family for generations. Jóhanna was born and raised on this land as were her six children! This incredible woman has been fighting to save the Icelandic goat breed from extinction since 1989. She will share her story, her joys and challenges as a goat farmer, and her mission to promote goat products (cheese, meat, cashmere) in Iceland.

Later, we will make a lunch stop on route, and then visit the Grenigerdi farm workshop where we will meet with the owners, a charming couple, Rita and Páll. They make and sell buttons made from natural materials like birch trees and reindeer horns.

Late afternoon we will arrive at the village of Hvammstangi on the Vatnsnes Peninsula.

Overnight and dinner at the Hótel Laugabakki. Enjoy hot tubs at the hotel before or after dinner. Don’t forget to look outside for chance to see the northern lights!

Meals: B

Day 5: Knitting Workshop 3 & Textile Center

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Morning: After breakfast we meet again to work on our shawls and listen to Bergrós stories about her art, family, and book.

In the afternoon we visit the Icelandic Textile Center in Blönduós. The

museum exhibits beautiful Icelandic national costumes, and artistic embroideries along with many of the tools and equipment used to produce them. Founded by the Women’s Union in East Hunavatnssysla, it is the only one of its kind in Iceland. Spend some time at the museum and shop at the store on site.

Second Night at Hotel Laugabakki , Dinner at Víðihlíð, Inga’s all-time favorite for Fish & Chips.

In the evening we will socialize, knit, and gaze for northern lights.

Meals: B

Day 6: A Day at Inga's Farmhouse Knitting, Sheep & Seals

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In the morning we will drive to Ægissíða, Inga’s farmhouse, and spend the day there enjoying the countryside where the land and the sea meet between the mountains. You will instantly feel at home at her home.

Bergrós will continue her workshop in the cozy living room of the farmhouse. Participants will enjoy Inga’s homemade Icelandic meat soup. Wanna learn from the expert? She won’t mind you shadowing her process.

Weather permitting, we can take our needles outside to knit in the sunshine and take in the golden light of autumn. Depending on interest and time, other activities include meeting the farm’s sheep, or walk in the countryside.

On the way back to the hotel, we go around Vatnsnes Peninsula to Hvítserkur Rock. Hvítserkur, otherwise known as the Troll of Northwest Iceland, is a 49ft tall basalt rock stack protruding from Húnaflói Bay. The rock is a seal sanctuary, and nesting ground for seagulls, shag and fulmar. Your guide will tell you about trolls and elves and associated folklore.

Dinner at Sjávarborg restaurant at Hvammstangi

Third Night at Hotel Laugabakki.

Meals: BL

Day 7: Rettír Sheep Round Up Day

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In the morning we meet in our knitting circle with Bergrós and share how are projects are coming along.

After lunch, we go to Þverárétt sheep corrals, for the roundup to experience Rettír – the Icelandic sheep roundup. This is a national treasure in Iceland. In September each community designates a day where the sheep that have been roaming free in the wild during the summer are brought in for the winter. This is a VERY unique exciting opportunity to be part of a community event. Participants will observe the excitement of people, dogs, and horses during the roundup. With special permission from farmers, participants may also be able to get involved (and dirty) by helping to sort the sheep when they are brought to the sheep park.

Overnight at Hotel Laugabakki and dinner at the hotel.

Meals BL

Note: Like all outdoor activities, the sheep roundup can be affected by the bad weather resulting it being cancelled for safety purposes.

Day 8: Wool Dyeing With Plants Past & Present

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After breakfast we head back towards the south and we stop to visit Þingvellir National Park for a short hike and history lesson. Þingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its culture and scientific significance. Historically it is where the first parliament of Iceland was founded by the Viking Chieftain and the place were laws were made and disputes were settled. It is also a place where plate tectonics can be studied. In the park you will stand on the North American plate and look across the valley at the Eurasian plate as you walk through the fissures caused by the movement of the plates.

We will stop for lunch as we continue on to Selfoss to meet Guðrún at Hespuhúsið. Here, we visit Guðrún in home and workshop. Guðrún is an expert in plant dye yarn and a fascinating and passionate woman who loves to share her work.

Finally, we drive back to Reykjavík in the early evening.

Overnight at Hótel Leif Ericsson or Guesthouse Freyja or same category.

Farwell dinner.

Meals: B

Day 9: Reykjavik & Transfer to Keflavik for Flights Home

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After breakfast enjoy Reykjavik on your own. Visit museums, shops, local pool, or the Sky Lagoon. Group transfer to the airport at 12:30pm from the hotel.

Meals: B

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Reviews

What our adventurers say about the Iceland Women’s Knitting & Northern Lights Tour

 

  • Avatar Susan Sie
    Women’s Iceland Knitting and Northern Lights Tour was a well planned, informative and delightful trip. In addition to the beautiful scenery, we were immersed in Icelandic culture and history. As a bonus, … More I learned to knit and learn about Icelandic wool and hand dying. It felt like such a privilege to be included!
    ★★★★★ 7 months ago
  • Avatar Jana Shultz
    ✨ Magic!*A balance of activities and knitting fellowship.*The must-see-&-do Iceland with meeting local artists and craftspeople.*Learning and sharing with one another--a knitter's joy*Northern … More lights, sheep roundup with the community and delicious meals*Childlike play, furry animals and tasty hotdogs......Come to Iceland and be a kid again with Green Edventures.
    ★★★★★ 6 months ago
  • Avatar Cathie Faust
    I attended the first Knitting themed tour of Iceland. It was a great trip; well planned, personable and knowledgeable trip leader Tara. Our local guide Inga was funny, great driver and knows the history … More of her island. Bergros, knitwear designer, traveled with us, she generously gave each of us her shawl book. We had knitting “class” with her each morning. She was very encouraging and inspiring. Overall it was a great trip and I would recommend a trip with Green Edventures.
    ★★★★★ 6 months ago
  • Avatar Fran Poodry
    I have been on two trips with Green Edventures and both have been awesome! The first was a through hike in Iceland, the Laugavegur trail; and the second was the Iceland Knitting and Northern Lights tour.The … More knitting tour finished just over a week ago. I met awesome women who were also on the tour, and I also got to meet some awesome Icelandic women. We had time for knitting, time for viewing the northern lights, and excursions. The excursions included visiting people on their farms and in their homes and workshops to learn about sheep, goats, wool, and yarn.Green Edventures did a great job making sure we had fun things to do and an excellent knitting experience. Somehow they also contrived to have perfect clear nights for aurora-watching! The sky was amazing!I plan to make time for more Green Edventures tours in the future!
    ★★★★★ 6 months ago
  • Avatar Jane Kohlwey
    Pure magic! Iceland - The Magic Knitting & Northern Lights tour exceeds all expectations. We had the best of two worlds - leisurely time knitting and learning with one of Iceland’s premiere knitting … More designers balanced with more active time touring fiber studios and museums and hiking in the glorious Icelandic landscape. This isn’t one of those touristy trips - we were in artisans’ homes and studios, got to participate in the local rettir (sheep roundup) and eat what Icelanders eat.And the Northern Lights!!!! This is a magical trip whether or not you knit (they’ll teach you!). Go to Iceland with Green Edventures - you’ll be glad you did!
    ★★★★★ 6 months ago

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F.A.Q.

I have more questions. Who can I talk to?

Call or email us! A real person will answer the phone (or call you back).
(888) 622-4911
info@3.17.200.177

What is the average age of the participants?

The average age range of hikers is 45-55 years. Our groups tend to be multi-generational, so there may be participants ranging from their 30s to their 70s. This trip is open to any woman who is healthy, active, and resonates with the itinerary.

Do women travel solo or with friends?

Both! There is usually a 60/40 split between solo travelers and those traveling with friends. By day 3, we all become good friends, and it’s hard to tell who is solo and who isn’t.

I am a solo traveler. Do I get charged more for a single room?

No. Solo travelers are paired with other solo travelers. There are no forced single supplements. Upgrade to a single room to guarantee your own room, based on availability. 

Do I need any vaccinations?

None are required, currently.

What happens after I sign up?

You will receive an automatic email confirmation indicating your deposit was received. Within 24-48 hours, someone from Green Edventures will follow up with a personal email welcoming you to the trip! We are excited to meet you.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes! Pay a small deposit to secure your spot. Then, pay the balance in interest-free installments using a credit card or checking account. There is no bank transaction fees when you use your checking account. If you want the convenience of using a credit card, the bank will charge 3%. You can switch between two payment options at any time.

What is the cutoff date to confirm the trip?

The trip will need critical mass within 90 days of departure. In the unlikely event we don’t reach this minimum, a full refund will be issued.

Is airfare included in the price?

The package price covers land fees only. Participants need to book their own flights to Iceland. We can offer guidance, and once we have confirmed the tour, we will provide travel parameters for booking your flight.

How do I arrange transportation from the airport to the hotel?

It’s easy peasy to get from the airport to the rendezvous hotel in Reykjavik. The cost is about $35 USD. Details will be provided to you in the travel parameters.

What do we eat on the tour?

Breakfasts (included)
Breakfast are provided by the hotels. Most are European continental. A European continental breakfast is light and simple, featuring fresh breads, croissants, jams, cheeses, cold cuts, yogurt, fruit, and muesli.
Drinks include coffee, tea, and juices, with occasional hard-boiled eggs but few hot items. Some hotels will have scrambled eggs, beans, and bacon.

Lunches ( 3 included)
Examples hearty soups with bread, fish and chips, open-faced sandwiches, burgers, andskyr. Popular
options on the go includepylsur (hot dogs).  Price for lunch is about $20 -30 USD

Dinners ( 1 included)
Dinners in Iceland at most tourist locations feature fresh, local ingredients, often highlighting seafood
and lamb. Common menu items include:

Fresh Fish: Cod, haddock, Arctic char, or salmon, often grilled or baked, served with vegetables and potatoes.
Lamb: Icelandic lamb is tender and flavorful, usually prepared as lamb chops, roasted lamb, or lamb stew.
Seafood Soup: A creamy soup made with shrimp, mussels, or local fish, often served with bread.
Plokkfiskur: A traditional dish of mashed fish, potatoes, and béchamel sauce, served with rye bread.
Vegetarian Options: Dishes featuring root vegetables, barley, and local greens, often in the form of salads, vegetable stews, or grain bowls.Skyr Desserts: Icelandic yogurt-like skyr served with berries, honey, or in cheesecakes.
Dinners cost $30-50 USD per main entree. Starters, desserts, and beverages are additional.

Where do we stay?

We stay 3-star hotels throughout the tour.  All rooms are double occupancy with two beds, and ensuite bathrooms.

Should I get travel insurance?

Yes, we recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect you and your investment.
You can get more information and purchase travel insurance here:

https://greenedventures.com/travel-insurance/

What is your cancelation policy?

You may cancel your reservation and receive a full refund if written notice is provided within 48 hours of submitting your deposit. After this period, the cancellation policy applies.

Green Edventures Cancellation Policy

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