Knitfest in North Iceland – 7-Day Knitting Tour

From 620.000 ISK

Our Iceland Knitfest tour is a small-group summer journey designed for women who love yarn, culture, and meaningful travel. Led by Ásdís, a designer, knitter, and experienced guide.

In June 2027, travel with renowned Icelandic textile designer and certified guide Ásdís Birgis to Blönduós in North Iceland for Prjónagleði, Iceland’s annual celebration of knitting and textile arts.

Since its launch in 2016, Prjónagleði has grown into an international gathering for knitters, fibre artists and textile enthusiasts. Across the festival, discover inspiring workshops, lectures, exhibitions, local textile traditions, contemporary design and a lively programme of social events—all surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of North Iceland.

At the heart of the festival is Garntorgið – the Yarn Market, bringing together Icelandic yarn producers, independent dyers, designers and makers. Browse beautiful Icelandic wool and unique hand-dyed yarns, find special supplies for your next project, and share the joy of knitting over coffee with fellow enthusiasts.
The experience extends beyond the festival, with opportunities to discover local crafts, farm products, food and the people who make North Iceland so distinctive. Carefully selected sightseeing and cultural experiences reveal a side of Iceland that lies beyond the traditional tourist route.
Hosted by Ásdís, this is more than a festival visit—it is an opportunity to connect with Icelandic textile culture, meet fellow knitters from around the world, learn, create and experience the landscapes and traditions that inspire Icelandic design.
Come for the knitting. Stay for the community. Discover North Iceland.

Duration

7 Days

Season

June

Weather

9–13°C (48–55°F)

Group

Max 14 women

Difficulty

Easy

crop artisan pulling thread while knitting clothes at home — *Hands busy, mind at ease*

Knitfest in Blönduós, Where Knitters Gather

Spend two days at the heart of Iceland’s knitting community, with festival workshops, lectures, exhibitions and social gatherings. Meet fellow knitters from around the world and browse beautiful Icelandic yarns.

Exclusive workshops with Ásdís Birgis

Knit alongside Icelandic textile designer Ásdís, who guides projects for every experience level. Explore traditional techniques, pattern motifs and the remarkable qualities of Icelandic wool, all at your own pace.

Women looking at handwoven textiles in a craft workshop

Learn from the best, knit at your own pace

Group standing on top of a natural rock arch above the sea — **Standing on a sea arch like it’s no big deal**

Snæfellsnes, Iceland in Miniature

Take the scenic route through glaciers, lava fields, black sand beaches and fishing villages. Stop at the black church at Búðir, climb Saxhóll Crater and snap the famous Kirkjufell mountain.

Group of women lying on a black pebble beach by the sea

You might arrive alone. You won’t feel that way for long.

Most of our travelers book solo. By the end of day one — usually over shared knitting needles and a welcome dinner — that changes. The women you meet on this trip tend to stay in your life. Small group, shared stitches, real friendships.

From our guestbook

I did the Wool week tour 2026 and it was fabulous!! The tour included both scenic stops that are common on the “to do” lists for all travelers, and also specific knitting related stops at private studios with seasoned crafters. Our guide, Asdis, is really top notch-she has extensive personal connections in the fiber arts/crafting communities and was able to provide access to truly unique experiences. I also appreciated her flexibility and ability to adjust on the go as conditions changed. Really, this was a trip of a lifetime and will remember it for years to come.

Jennifer Dolan, Oct ‘26

Smiling woman in a black beanie outside Harpa concert hall

We had an amazing time in Iceland on our knitting tour. Asdis was an amazing tour guide, filled with knowledge, helpful tips, and inspiring projects. Our tour was the perfect balance of scenery, knitting, and making new friends. Would highly recommend Viking Women.

Amy, Oct ‘26

Smiling woman in a scarf outside Harpa concert hall

As I sit here searching for the right words to capture my week with Viking Women Tours, I find myself reliving every moment of my journey through Iceland and wishing I could turn around and do it all over again. The care, passion, and attention to detail that this team brings to every excursion is truly remarkable. Their goal is not simply to show you Iceland, but to help you fall in love with it as deeply as they have. They want you to experience its history, immerse yourself in its folklore, marvel at its breathtaking landscapes, and connect with the culture and people who make it so special.

I could spend pages describing the pristine beauty, dramatic scenery, and unforgettable encounters that filled each day, but the truth is that no description can fully prepare you for the experience. Iceland is a place that must be seen, felt, and lived. If you’re considering a trip, don’t hesitate. Book with Viking Women Tours, pack your bags, and get yourself to Iceland. You’ll leave with memories that stay with you forever.

Tracy Oct´26

I had the best experience of my life on this trip. I connected with the energy of the natural world and stunning beauty.
I chose this tour because it involved some element of walking every day, which ranged from some easy strolls to a challenging hike. Perfect.
Traveling with women was cathartic and empowering. We started as strangers, but parted friends.
Our guide might have spoiled me from all other guides in the future. Caring, encouraging, knowledgeable, a great driver, energetic, fun and kind. She also knew the best places to have our meals. The food was great. Tried all the local cuisine.

Bertha Oct´26

Jennifer Dolan, Oct ‘26

Amy, Oct ‘26

Tracy Oct´26

Bertha Oct´26

Where You’ll Sleep And What You’ll Eat.

You’ll spend your first night in Reykjavík at the Exeter Hotel or similar, then stay in the harbour town of Stykkishólmur on the way north. For three nights, Blönduós is your home base, right in the heart of Iceland’s knitting community, so you can stay close to the Knitfest action. On the last night, we return to Reykjavík.”

We have single and twin room options. If you choose a twin room option we’ll match you with someone from our group.

Breakfast is included every morning from Day 2 to Day 7, so you can start each day well fed (and ready to knit). We kick things off with a welcome dinner featuring seasonal Icelandic cuisine, and finish the week with a farewell dinner to celebrate your handmade projects and new friendships. For the remaining lunches and dinners, Ásdís will pick cozy cafés and charming local restaurants, so you can choose what suits you best.

Dietary restrictions? Let us know when you book.

Hotel Exeter in Downtwon Reykjavík

Light green wooden hotel building with a sign in front

Hotel Blönduós (or similar)

Breakfast plates with fruit, pastries and coffee

Typical breakfast

Small coastal village with white houses by the sea

Overnight in cosy Stykkishólmur.

Itinerary

Welcome to Iceland!

Arrive in Iceland and transfer independently to Reykjavík via Flybus. Drop your luggage at the hotel, enjoy some free time before meeting your host, Icelandic textile designer and guide Ásdís Birgis.

Our journey begins with a leisurely introduction to Reykjavík and Iceland’s rich knitting heritage. Together we visit the Icelandic Handknitting Association, where shelves lined with authentic Icelandic wool provide the perfect opportunity to select yarn for the projects you will create throughout the week.

After hotel check-in, enjoy time to relax before gathering for a welcome dinner featuring seasonal Icelandic cuisine. This relaxed evening is the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and begin a week filled with creativity, inspiration, and new friendships.

Group of women on the rainbow-painted street in Reykjavík

Included

Private transportation in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter throughout the trip
Accommodation with private bathrooms: Exeter Hotel (or similar) in Reykjavík, one night in Stykkishólmur and three nights in Blönduós
All breakfasts, a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner
A carefully selected Knitfest programme of workshops, lectures, exhibitions and social gatherings
Entrance fees for all curated visits
Local knitting workshops & expert guide (Ásdís)

Not included

Flights to/from Iceland
Some lunches and dinners
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Gratuities (optional)
Everything not specified in “What’s Included”.

Knitting supplies list with needles, scissors and yarn

Your knittin equipment

Ásdís provides the yarn for your swatches and a doll-size sweater, so just bring your tools. We’ll knit with LéttLopi (Lopi light), Fjallalopi and 2-ply unspun Lopi. Her optional designs use silk/wool Einrum (needles 4), so pack more supplies rather than fewer. The Knitfest programme may call for other needle sizes, so stay tuned.

What to wear during the summer in Iceland

Icelandic weather can bring sun, wind and rain all in one afternoon, so layers are your best friend. Start with a base layer, add a warm sweater or fleece, and top it with a waterproof, windproof jacket. Comfortable shoes are enough for our scenic stops (waterproof is a bonus), and a hat and gloves are handy even in summer. A small daypack is perfect for your knitting project, a water bottle and your extra layers, so keep your rain gear within easy reach.

Packing list illustration with boots, base layers, sweater, jacket and backpack

Packing list of clothing and travel items with a photo of an open suitcase

What to pack

Pack for changeable weather, relaxed evenings and a few unforgettable moments in the geothermal water. The list covers the everyday essentials, from comfy clothes and a swimsuit to your phone charger and passport. Bring a few extra pairs of socks, sunscreen and sunglasses (yes, really, the summer sun is strong), and leave room in your bag for souvenirs. Travel light, and you’ll thank yourself later.

FAQ

What knitting experience do I need to join the tour?

What is Knitfest?

Prjónagleði is an annual knitting festival in Blönduós, Northwest Iceland, organised by the Icelandic Textile Center. It brings together knitters, textile artists and wool lovers for workshops, lectures, exhibitions, a yarn market and plenty of good company. Our June 2027 knitting tour is built around the festival, with time to explore Iceland’s landscapes and textile heritage along the way.

What knitting projects will we make during the tour?

Do I need to know how to knit already?

Is there time for sightseeing as well as knitting?

Can I travel solo?

Is this trip good for solo travelers over/under a certain age?

Is admission to Knitfest included?

What makes this knitting tour different from a regular sightseeing tour?

This journey offers a more personal way to experience Iceland, combining the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage with the creativity of knitting and textile traditions. Hosted by Icelandic textile designer and guide Ásdís Birgis, the tour provides opportunities to meet local makers, discover Icelandic wool traditions and share meaningful experiences with a small group of fellow travellers.

Have more questions? Please read our Terms & conditions or get in touch.