Iceland Highland Summer Wellness Retreat
A 6-day women-only summer wellness retreat in the Icelandic highlands, combining gentle movement, nature, geothermal bathing, and time to slow down and reconnect.
Tour Overview
This women-only Summer Wellness Retreat in Iceland is designed to restore body and mind while exploring Iceland’s landscapes under long daylight and the gentle rhythm of the summer season.
With warmer temperatures and extended daylight hours, summer offers the perfect setting to slow down, move mindfully, and experience nature at an unhurried pace.
The retreat begins in Reykjavík with a guided city walk before continuing into nature. Entering Iceland’s highlands, we explore geothermal valleys, hike gentle trails, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy quiet moments to simply be present in Iceland’s summer landscapes.
Wellness is woven into the retreat through a guided yoga session, nourishing meals, and time to rest and reconnect.
Traveling as a small, women-only group creates space for meaningful connection, shared experiences, and a supportive atmosphere.
This summer wellness retreat for women is about balance, combining nature, movement, rest, and community, Leaving you feeling refreshed, grounded, and deeply connected to both Iceland and yourself.
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Duration
6 days
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Group Size
Maximum 14 women
Small-group format for safety, connection, and a supportive hiking experience.
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Difficulty
Moderate with few challenging parts.
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Season
June – September
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Hiking Distance & Terrain
The longest hike on the tour is a 12 km loop across some uneven terrain that includes rocky terrain, mud and steep slopes.
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Weather & Conditions
The weather in the Icelandic highlands can change quickly. Expect a mix of sun, wind, rain, and cool temperatures, typically ranging from 5–15°C (40–60°F)
What’s Included
Transportation
Travel comfortably in our Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, featuring leather seats, a high-quality sound system for music and guide commentary, USB charging ports, and Webasto heating to keep you warm throughout the journey.
Airport drop off included.
Accommodation
Throughout the retreat, we stay in a collection of high-quality hotels.
The first night is spent at Exeter Hotel, a stylish boutique hotel in central Reykjavík.
We then enjoy two nights at Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll, a contemporary mountain lodge deep in the highlands.
The final two nights are spent at ION Adventure Hotel, an iconic design hotel set within a geothermal landscape.
Meals
All meals are included, from the welcome dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 6. Dining throughout the retreat highlights elevated Nordic cuisine, crafted with high-quality, seasonal ingredients and inspired by Icelandic flavors. Meals are enjoyed in carefully selected settings, with attention given to dietary preferences and allergies, ensuring a quality dining experience from start to finish.
Snorkleing
A deeply grounding and meditative experience; snorkeling in the Silfra fissure takes place in Þingvellir National Park. Floating effortlessly in crystal-clear glacial water, filtered naturally through lava rock, you’ll drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in near-silence.
All necessary equipment is provided, including a drysuit to keep you warm and comfortable.
Local Viking Women Guide
Our Viking Women guides are experts in their field. Are safety-focused, and calm under pressure; but they also know when to laugh, share stories, and make the journey memorable.
Guided Yoga Session
Enjoy a one-hour guided yoga session led by a certified yoga teacher designed to gently release tension, restore balance, and support the body after days of exploration. The session focuses on mindful movement, breath, and relaxation, creating space to slow down and reconnect.
Yoga mats are provided.
Itinerary
day 01
Arrival in Reykjavík & Guided City Walk
Reykjavík is the starting point of your women-only winter wellness retreat. Upon arrival, guests make their own way from Keflavík International Airport to the hotel. Check-in begins at 14:00, with luggage storage available.
At 15:30, we meet at the hotel reception for introductions before setting out on a guided walking tour of Reykjavík. We will stroll through the city center, explore Icelandic history, culture, and local traditions; an ideal way to settle in and connect with the group. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner, marking the official start of the retreat.
day 02
Brúarfoss Hike, Golden Circle & Journey into the Highlands
We will explore some of South Iceland’s most beautiful summer landscapes. We begin with a scenic hike to Brúarfoss, a lesser-known waterfall famous for its striking blue color.
After the hike, we continue along the Golden Circle, visiting the Geysir geothermal area, where hot springs bubble and steam, followed by Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural sights. Lunch is enjoyed at Gullfoss Café, where we have time to warm up and enjoy local Icelandic flavors.
In the afternoon, we travel through the scenic Kerlingarfjöll “Lady Mountains”, marking our entrance into the Icelandic Highlands, where wide-open landscapes and mountain views set the tone for the days ahead.
Distance: 6 km (3,7 mi)
Walking time: 2 – 3 hrs
Elevation: Flat
DAY 03
Kerlingarfjöll Highlands & Hveradalir Hike
We spend the day in the Kerlingarfjöll Highlands, one of Iceland’s most dramatic geothermal regions. Today’s guided hike will take us through Hveradalir, known for its steaming vents, colorful rhyolite hills, and volcanic terrain.
The hike covers approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) with an elevation gain of 400 m (1,300 ft) and takes around 5 hours, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. After the hike, we return to the lodge to relax in the natural highland baths before enjoying dinner in the evening.
Distance: 12 km (7,4 mi)
Walking time: 5 hrs
Elevation: 400 m (1300 ft)
DAY 04
Snorkeling Between Continents & Greenhouse Lunch
After breakfast, we leave the highlands and head south to Friðheimar Greenhouse, where we enjoy lunch surrounded by tomato plants grown using geothermal energy.
In the afternoon, we visit Þingvellir National Park for a guided snorkeling tour in the Silfra fissure. Floating in crystal-clear glacial water, you’ll snorkel between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, one of the few places in the world where this is possible. All equipment is provided, making the experience comfortable and accessible, even for first-time snorkelers.
day 05
Mindful Moments, Nature Walk & Farewell Dinner
The day will begin with a gentle, guided yoga session, creating space to move mindfully and reconnect. We then head out for a nature hike, following a 7 km loop trail through open landscapes with sweeping views. The hike takes around three hours at a relaxed pace.
In the afternoon, we return to ION Adventure Hotel to unwind in their geothermal spa, featuring a sauna and outdoor hot pool. In the evening, we will gather for a farewell dinner, sharing stories and reflecting on the journey and the connections made during this women-only summer wellness retreat.
Distance: 7 km (4,5 mi)
Walking time: 3 hrs
Elevation: 200 m (650 ft)
day 06
Departure from Iceland
After breakfast, we begin our journey home. The drive from ION Adventure Hotel to Keflavík International Airport takes approximately 1.5 hours. Guests flying out are advised to book afternoon departures, as the airport transfer makes one group stop.
For those extending their stay, there is the option to return to Reykjavík with the guide after the airport drop-off. We say farewell with shared memories from a truly special Iceland winter wellness retreat.
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