Iceland Highland Winter Wellness Retreat
A 6-day women-only winter retreat in the Icelandic highlands, combining gentle movement, nature, geothermal bathing, and time to slow down and reconnect.
Tour Overview
This women-only Winter Wellness Retreat in Iceland is designed to restore both body and mind while experiencing Iceland’s winter landscapes at a relaxed and intentional pace. The journey begins in Reykjavík with a guided city walk before heading into nature for unique experiences such as snorkeling between the tectonic plates in Þingvellir National Park, hiking to the kingdom of all geothermal areas, and exploring Iceland’s winter scenery. Wellness is woven thoughtfully into the retreat, with time set aside for rest, reflection, and connection. A guided yoga session, visits to natural hot springs and geothermal spas, and shared meals create space to slow down and recharge. The focus is on balance—combining outdoor activity with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the surroundings. This winter wellness retreat for women is centered around connection: with nature, with yourself, and with the women you share the journey with. Whether marveling at the Northern Lights dancing across the winter sky or gathering for a farewell dinner, each day is designed to leave you feeling grounded, refreshed, and part of the Viking Women community.
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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
October – May
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Hiking Distance & Terrain
The longest hike on the tour is a 12 km loop across winter terrain that may include snow, ice, and steeper slopes. To ensure safety and stability, hiking crampons are required.
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Weather & Conditions
Winter weather in the Icelandic highlands is cold and changeable, with snow, ice, wind, and rapidly shifting conditions. Access and daily plans may vary depending on weather and road conditions.
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.
Access to the highlands is provided by specialized Super Jeep transport, allowing us to travel safely and comfortably through winter conditions to and from remote highland areas.
Airport drop off incuded.
Accommodation
Throughout the retreat, we stay in a carefully selected 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. Recently awarded a Michelin Key.
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 thoughtful attention given to dietary preferences and allergies, ensuring a seamless and indulgent dining experience from start to finish.
Snorkleing
A deeply grounding and meditative experience, snorkeling in the Silfra fissure takes place in the heart of 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, 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.
What’s NOT included
Airfare
Flights to and from Iceland are not included. This gives you the flexibility to choose the best routes and travel dates for your schedule.
Travel Insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended to cover hiking activities, medical care, trip interruptions, and luggage.
Accommodation Before & After the Retreat
Accommodation in Reykjavík or elsewhere before Day 1 and after Day 6 is not included. We’re happy to share recommendations if you’d like help planning extra nights.
Airport Pick-Up
Airport pick-up is not included. This allows guests the flexibility to choose arrival time that best suit their travel plans. We’re happy to share recommendations for airport transfer if needed.
Gratuities (optional)
Tips for your guide are not included and are entirely optional. They are always appreciated but never expected.
Itinerary
day 01
Arrival in Reykjavík & Guided City Walk
Welcome to Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital and 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. Strolling through the city center, we’ll 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
Geysir Geothermal area & Kerlingarfjöll Highlands
Today we begin our journey into Iceland’s natural wonders, starting with the Golden Circle. We visit the Geysir Geothermal Area, where hot springs bubble and steam rises.
At 11:00, we continue by Super Jeep into the Icelandic Highlands, traveling toward Kerlingarfjöll, often referred to as the “Lady Mountains.” Upon arrival, we settle into our deluxe rooms, enjoy lunch, and spend the afternoon either hiking in the surrounding highland landscape or relaxing in the Highland Baths—the choice is yours. The evening is spent unwinding in this remote and striking mountain environment.
DAY 03
Kerlingarfjöll Highlands & Hveradalir Hike
We spend the day immersed in the Kerlingarfjöll Highlands, one of Iceland’s most dramatic geothermal regions. Today’s guided hike takes 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
Gullfoss to Nesjavellir
After breakfast, we enjoy a slower morning in the highlands before departing around midday. Our afternoon begins with a visit to the magnificent Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. We then travel south toward Nesjavellir, arriving at the ION Adventure Hotel, beautifully set within a geothermal landscape.
The evening is spent relaxing at the hotel, soak in the hot tub and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
day 05
Yoga & Snorkeling in Þingvellir National Park
The day begins with a one-hour guided yoga session, led by a certified yoga teacher and designed to promote relaxation and balance.
Later, we head to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 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 Iceland’s most unique natural experiences. All necessary equipment is provided, including drysuits for warmth and comfort.
The evening is spent back at the hotel, with time to relax and, weather permitting, watch for the Northern Lights.
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.
