This story is inspired by the experiences of Lori Anderson, tour leader for the Green Edventures Women’s Knitting Tour: Shawls and Sheep Roundup. Our newest tour guides a group of adventurous women through Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes to experience its world-famous Icelandic wool, participate in exclusive shawl workshops, and join the thrilling sheep round-up (Réttir). Along the way, participants connect deeply with a vibrant women knitting community while learning traditional knitting techniques in Iceland.
If you’ve ever dreamed of an Iceland knitting tour that blends creativity, culture, and unforgettable experiences, this is the perfect journey to stitch memories that will last a lifetime.
Why Iceland Is a Knitter’s Paradise
Iceland is a dream destination for knitters and textile lovers. Its rugged landscapes and ancient traditions are deeply tied to the country’s iconic wool, known for its warmth, durability, and natural beauty. The Icelandic wool used to create Lopi yarn has a unique dual-layer structure — a sturdy outer layer for protection and a soft, insulating inner layer — making it ideal for crafting warm, functional garments like shawls, sweaters, and mittens.
But knitting here is about more than the yarn. It’s a cultural tradition that connects generations, with techniques and patterns passed down through families and local communities. On this Iceland knitting tour, participants don’t just buy yarn — they experience the heart of Icelandic fiber arts by learning from local designers, farmers, and artisans.
Day 1: Arrival & Culture in Reykjavík
The adventure began in Reykjavík, Iceland’s colorful capital city. Under the striking spires of Hallgrímskirkja, a church inspired by Iceland’s volcanic basalt columns, Lori and the group gathered for their first day of exploration.
After greeting one another and sharing their excitement for the week ahead, the group visited the statue of Leif Eiriksson before heading to the National Museum. There, they learned about Iceland’s history and discovered how vital Icelandic wool has been to the nation’s survival and culture for centuries.
The evening concluded with a cozy welcome dinner. Laughter filled the room as strangers became friends, setting the tone for the week ahead. In just a few hours, this group of travelers had begun to form a supportive women knitting community, united by their love of creativity and adventure.
Day 2: Yarn, Wool & Hot Springs Bliss
No Iceland knitting tour would be complete without a yarn shopping spree! On their second day, participants found themselves surrounded by walls of vibrant skeins, each one more tempting than the last. Decisions weren’t easy, but with some help from their new friends, everyone found the perfect yarn for their upcoming shawl projects.
The group then traveled to the Istex woolen mill, where they witnessed the incredible process of turning raw fleece into the iconic Lopi yarn. From washing and carding to spinning and dyeing, every step reflected Iceland’s dedication to preserving its wool-making heritage. Seeing the process firsthand gave participants a newfound appreciation for the material they would soon work with in their shawl workshops.
Later, they soaked in the geothermal waters of Hvammsvík Hot Springs, surrounded by stunning mountains and black sand beaches. The contrast of warm water and crisp sea air was exhilarating. Some adventurous souls even took a dip in the icy Atlantic before retreating to the steamy pools. That evening, Icelandic knitting designer Bergrós unveiled the exclusive shawl design the group would be creating throughout the week.
Day 3–4: Shawl Workshops & Knitting Traditions
The next two days were all about creativity and connection. Each morning, participants gathered for hands-on shawl workshops led by Bergrós. These sessions were more than just knitting lessons — they were opportunities to learn traditional Icelandic techniques, explore new patterns, and share tips and laughter with like-minded women.
These workshops celebrated the strength of the women knitting community. For many participants, the rhythm of knitting alongside new friends became a form of meditation, deepening their connection to the craft and to one another.
Afternoons were spent exploring Icelandic artistry and culture. The group met local craftspeople like Rita and Páll, who create beautiful buttons and jewelry from reindeer and sheep horns. A visit to a women’s cooperative highlighted the power of community-driven craft, featuring stunning garments made from Icelandic wool.
One highlight was visiting the Háafell Goat Farm, home to Iceland’s rare goat breed that was once nearly extinct. The goats’ dual-layer wool — long, protective outer strands with a luxuriously soft inner layer — was extraordinary. And for a fun twist, Lori shared that some of these goats had even appeared on Game of Thrones!
Day 5–7: Nature, Sheep, & the Thrill of Réttir
As the week progressed, the group ventured deeper into Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. They visited the Heimilisiðnaðarsafnið Textile Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of historical and contemporary textiles.
The pinnacle of the trip was the Réttir sheep round-up, an annual tradition that dates back centuries. Each September, Icelandic farmers and families gather to herd thousands of sheep down from the highlands, where they’ve been roaming freely all summer.
Lori and the participants joined locals in guiding sheep into circular sorting pens, identifying them by ear tags, and experiencing the vibrant energy of this cultural event. The sheep round-up was both exhilarating and deeply meaningful, connecting the group to Iceland’s farming heritage in a way that words can barely capture.
After a day of excitement, everyone gathered to celebrate with steaming mugs of hot chocolate and homemade desserts prepared by the local women’s group. It was a sweet and heartwarming end to an unforgettable day.
Day 8: Dyeing Wool & Þingvellir National Park
After breakfast, the group headed back toward southern Iceland for a morning visit to Þingvellir National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for both its cultural and scientific significance. Participants took a short hike while learning about Iceland’s Viking history — here, the first parliament was founded, laws were made, and disputes were settled. Walking through the fissures, everyone stood on the North American plate and looked across the valley at the Eurasian plate, witnessing firsthand the dramatic evidence of plate tectonics.
After exploring the park, the group continued to Selfoss for lunch before meeting Guðrún at Hespuhúsið, her home and workshop. Guðrún, an expert in plant-dyed yarn, shared her passion and techniques for natural wool dyeing techniques. Participants were fascinated as she demonstrated how Icelandic plants, roots, and other natural materials are transformed into vibrant colors for knitting.
This visit was a perfect capstone to the week’s creative journey, allowing everyone to see the full cycle of Icelandic wool — from sheep round-up to shawl workshop, and finally to beautifully dyed yarn ready for new projects.
Day 9: Farewell & Lasting Memories
On their final day, the group reflected on the week’s adventures and the connections they had made. They spent time revisiting favorite spots, sharing laughter and stories, and admiring the beautiful shawls they had completed. By the end of the day, everyone departed with more than just finished projects — they carried home cherished memories, a deeper appreciation for Icelandic wool, and the friendships formed within a vibrant women knitting community. This final day was a quiet celebration of creativity, culture, and the bonds that had grown throughout the journey.
Why You’ll Love the 2026 Green Edventures Women’s Knitting Tour: Shawls and Sheep Roundup
- Daily shawl workshops led by Icelandic designers
- A front-row seat to the centuries-old Réttir sheep round-up
- Hands-on learning about knitting traditions in Iceland and natural wool dyeing techniques
- Visits to farms, artisan studios, and the famous Lopi yarn mill
- Unforgettable outdoor adventures, including waterfalls, hot springs, and national parks
- A safe, welcoming space to connect with like-minded women
Spots for the 2026 tour are limited, and this unique journey sells out quickly every year. If you’ve been dreaming of an Iceland knitting tour, now is the time to join the waitlist and secure your place in this unforgettable adventure.
Click to see more about our 2026 Iceland Knitting Shawls & Sheep Round Tour
See what our participants are saying about this tour:
