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Iceland Knitting Tour 2026

Shawls, sheep round up, and the northern lights…

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 immersive 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

  • Icelandic Guide
  • Icelandic Knitting Designer 
  • 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 to Iceland
  • Meals not indicated
  • Gratuity $300 USD
  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfer day 1

Tour Highlights

  • Guided by two Icelandic women, discover authentic Northwest Iceland through local stories and knitting traditions passed down for generations.
  • 5 morning workshops led by renowned Icelandic knitting designer & author Bergrós Kjartansdóttiron.
  • Receive Bergrós beautiful pattern book Shawls of Myth & Magic  
  • Learn to knit a shawl from Bergrós book.
  • Ample opportunities for shopping for wool and handcrafts.
  • Enjoy sightseeing and informative walks with Ingibjörg G. your expert Icelandic guide who will teach you about Iceland history, nature, and culture through stories and informative walks.
  • Educational behind the scenes tour of Istex Wool Factory.
  • Explore the farm champion of Icelandic goats and learn how the breed was saved from extinction.
  • Experience a community réttir, the sheep round up and countrywide party.
  • Visit 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.
  • Follow the path of Vikings, learn about Iceland’s history, at Thingvellir National Park.
  • Visit with Guðrún at Hespuhúsið and see 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 6 – 14, 2026

Limited Spots Available!
Tour Leader: Tara Short

This Iceland knitting tour is the real deal. Experience Iceland like a local. Travel with a local knitting designer and a professional tour guide beyond Reykjavík into the remote, less-traveled countryside of northwest Iceland.

Mornings are for knitting.  From 9 AM to 12 PM, we gather in a dedicated space for knitting workshops led by your instructor, Bergrós Kjartansdóttir.

Bergrós is renowned across Iceland for her knitting designs, featured in the Istex and Icewear catalogs. Each participant will receive her book Shawls of Myth & Magic, a collection of lace shawl patterns that also celebrates Icelandic wool, nature, and Norse mythology. From this book, you will knit the SEIÐUR shawl (meaning “the sorcerer”). In Norse mythology, women weavers were sorceresses, or seeresses, who could foresee natural phenomena and the fates of people. Bergrós will guide you in creating a shawl, while sharing stories from her book and insights into her journey as a designer, artist, and author.

Afternoons are for exploring. Ingibjörg G. Guðjónsdóttir, aka Inga, is one of Iceland’s best guides, with over 30 years of experience. She will lead the group on informative and fun walking tours through nature and historical sites, sharing Icelandic sagas and folk songs. Inga has also arranged visits to farms, historic landmarks, textile factories, and the homes of local textile artists. One special day will be spent at her farmhouse on the Vatnsnes Peninsula.

The timing of this retreat is intentional. September marks réttir—Iceland’s nationwide sheep roundup, where locals on foot, ATVs, and horseback, along with their trusty sheepdogs, retrieve sheep from the mountains and valleys. It’s a huge community event, and you’ll have the chance to experience it! Participants may be able to help sort sheep in the corals with permission from the famers.

In the evenings, after dinner, you’ll have time to relax, knit, soak in hot tubs, and if the weather permits, stay up late watching the skies for the northern lights.

We hope you’ll join us for this special Iceland knitting tour. This is not just any tour—it’s a truly unique adventure that happens only once a year and may not be offered every year.

Meet Your Team

Bergrós Kjartansdóttir

Bergrós Kjartansdóttir

Knitting Instructor

Inga-Gudjonsdottier-Tour-Leader

Inga Guðjonsdóttier

Tour Guide

Tara-Short-Tour-Leader-CEO-Green-Edventures

Tara Short

Tour Leader

Let us introduce you to your new friends in Iceland. Guided by an all-women team in the lesser-traveled Northwest, this boutique experience offers rare insight into knitting traditions, family stories, and life in Iceland—seen through the eyes of locals born and raised in its rich knitting culture.

Ingibjörg Guðjónsdóttir (Inga) – Your Cultural Guide
With over 30 years as a local guide in Iceland, 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 Icelandic 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.

Tara Short – Tour Leader
CEO / Founder of Green Edventures Tours and environmental educator adventurer, who ensures a seamless pre-trip experience, and provides logics assistant along side Inga and Bergrós. 

Together they create a dynamic team that blends cultural discovery, hands-on creativity, and adventure whose expertise and passion bring the tour to life.

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Available Tour Dates

September 6 – 14, 2026

Limited Spots Available!
Tour Leader: Tara Short

Tour Map

Itinerary

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

Arrival at Keflavik airport before 10:00AM. 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: Dinner (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: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

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 Háafell, the farm of the “champion of Icelandic Goats”, Jóhanna Bergmann Þorvaldsdóttir. Johanna is 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. You will learn about the 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. 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. She might even give you her recipe.

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.

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 Réttir – 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. Invitation to participate in the corals is strictly up to the Sheep King. Participants are asked to remain flexible as weather and circumstances are variables outside our control for this event.

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 until meeting back at the hotel at 12pm. Visit museums, shops, local pool, or the Sky Lagoon.

Group airport drop off is at 1:30/1:45Pm at Keflavik International Airport (KEF)

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!
    ★★★★★ a year 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.
    ★★★★★ a year 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.
    ★★★★★ a year 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!
    ★★★★★ a year 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!
    ★★★★★ a year 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 knitting tours is 65-70 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 interested in a learning about Iceland’s wool, history, nature under the theme of knitting. 

Do I have to know how to knit to join the tour?

You don’t need to be an expert—beginners through advanced knitters are welcome. If you can cast on and knit the basic garter stitch, you’ll get the most out of the tour. Our small group size (12–13 participants) ensures Inga and Begrós can support different skill levels in a friendly, non-competitive environment. Beginners should focus on learning and fun, while experienced knitters won’t be held back and often enjoy sharing their knowledge.

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.

Can I bring my husband?

This tour is for women, only. If you are interested in organizing a private group of 8-12 of your friends and/or family with men and women please contact us.

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 before 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 $35-40 USD using the FlyBus. Details will be provided to you in the travel parameters.

What do we eat on the tour?

Download the brochure for details on meals. In general breakfasts are provided by the hotels. Lunches that are included are soup and bread. One welcome dinner is included. Where meals are not included, participants order off of a menu and then pay for their meals with a credit card. There is no need to split checks or worry about gratuity. 

Where do we stay?

We stay 3-star hotels throughout the tour.  All rooms are double occupancy with two beds, and ensuite bathrooms. Details can be found on the brochure.

Should I get travel insurance?

Yes, we recommend purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation and medical coverage 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?

Watch Our Iceland Women’s Knitting Tours Video

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