sheep on a hill
New tour

South Iceland Knitting & Wellness Retreat

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)

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

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.

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

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

You’ll spend your first night in Reykjavík at the Exeter Hotel or similar, before heading into the South Iceland countryside. For four nights, the colourful, antique-filled Hotel Brú on a farm is your home base, perfectly placed for wool, waterfalls and well-earned soaks in the hot tub. On the last night, we return to Reykjavík and the Exeter Hotel or similar.

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 in Reykjavík to celebrate your handmade projects and new friendships. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy ceremonial cacao or herbal tea with homemade treats after our yurt session. 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.

Itinerary

Arrive in Iceland and transfer independently to Reykjavík via Flybus. After settling your luggage, enjoy breakfast at your leisure before meeting your host, renowned Icelandic textile designer and guide, Ásdís Birgis.

Your journey begins with a leisurely introduction to Reykjavík and Iceland’s rich knitting heritage. Together, we’ll visit the Icelandic Handknitting Association, where shelves of authentic Icelandic wool invite you to select yarn for the week ahead.

Following check-in at our boutique hotel, enjoy time to unwind before gathering for a welcome dinner featuring seasonal Icelandic cuisine. This relaxed evening offers the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers and begin your creative journey together.

Included

  • Private transportation in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter throughout the trip
  • Accommodation at Exeter Hotel (or similar) in Reykjavík and the charming Hotel Brú in the South Iceland countryside, all with private bathrooms
  • All breakfasts, a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner
  • Entrance fees for all curated visits
  • Local knitting workshops & expert guide (Ásdís)
  • Wellness experiences: Laugarás Lagoon, a guided sauna ritual at Sveita Sauna, and Yoga Nidra with a gong sound journey in a yurt

Not included

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

Your knitting 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.

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.

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.