Costumed interpreter Diane Engle knitting
New tour

South Iceland Knitting Retreat

From 620.000 ISK

Escape to Iceland for a beautifully curated retreat where exceptional landscapes, Icelandic craftsmanship and restorative wellness come together.

Hosted by Icelandic textile designer and guide Ásdís Birgis, this intimate seven-day experience offers a privileged introduction to the world of Icelandic wool, combined with carefully selected cultural encounters, creative workshops and moments of profound relaxation.

Stay in distinctive countryside surroundings, meet local artisans and wool producers, discover the heritage behind Iceland’s iconic wool, and develop your own knitting project with personal guidance from Ásdís. Beyond the craft, immerse yourself in Iceland’s natural wellness traditions—from geothermal bathing and a private-style sánagús sauna ritual to Yoga Nidra, sound healing and ceremonial cacao.

Explore Þingvellir and the dramatic South Coast, but at a pace that allows time to pause, breathe and truly experience your surroundings.

This is not simply a knitting tour. It is an intimate, immersive retreat created for discerning travellers who value authentic experiences, beautiful surroundings, craftsmanship and meaningful wellbeing.

Come for the wool. Stay for the stillness. Leave inspired by Iceland.

Duration

7 Days

Season

August

Weather

11–14°C (52–57°F)

Information icon
August is late summer in South Iceland: green, lush and still beautifully bright. Days are typically around 11–14°C (52–57°F), with cooler nights closer to 7°C (45°F), and you can expect a bit of everything: sunshine, a breeze and the occasional shower. The days are still long, with around 17 hours of daylight in early August, and as the nights slowly return towards the end of the month, so does the first chance of spotting the northern lights.

Group

Max 14 women

Difficulty

Easy

Information icon
Easy and accessible — this is a relaxed tour built around knitting workshops, culture, and sightseeing, not hiking. No experience needed.
crop artisan pulling thread while knitting clothes at home
Hands busy, mind at ease

From sheep to sweater: a whole day devoted to Icelandic wool

Get hands-on with fleece, spinning and yarn at Icelandic Wool Works, then discover the ancient art of plant dyeing at Hespa Studio, where Icelandic plants become the most beautiful colours. Wool lovers, this is your trip.

Waterfalls, black sand beaches & a Sauna Ritual on the South Coast

Waterfalls, glaciers and black sand beaches along the South Coast, finished with a guided sauna ritual at Sveita Sauna, complete with a gus master, hot stones and essential oils.

Stylish indoor sauna with wooden benches and modern LED lighting.

Sweating it out like true Vikings

A person holding a brass singing bowl while sitting on a green cloth
Om’d so hard we scared the sheep outside.

Yoga Nidra & a Gong Sound Journey in a traditional Yurt

Sink into deep rest with Yoga Nidra and a soothing gong sound journey, followed by ceremonial cacao or herbal tea. Pure bliss, no knitting needles required.

Group of women waving on a black sand beach with sea stacks behind

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

Smiling woman with grey hair

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

Smiling woman in a knitted hat in winter

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

Smiling woman with grey hair

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

Smiling woman in a knitted hat in winter

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

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 building with a red-brick facade
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.

Included

  • Private transportation in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter throughout the trip
  • Accommodation at hotels with a private bathroom
  • All breakfasts, a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner
  • 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

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

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