When women gather, magic happens. Join us for a knitting tour in Iceland! Embark on a learning journey through rural north west Iceland that stitches together  knitting workshops, cultural experiences, and opportunities to see the northern lights! 

During the knitting tour, you will have daily knitting workshops led by your instructor Bergrós Kjartansdóttir. Bergrós is known all over Iceland for her beautiful knitting designs and we are excited to share a week learning from her while we knit and explore north west Iceland. 

Bergrós will give you her beautiful knitting book, Shawls of Myth & Magic that is an ode to Icelandic wool, Icelandic nature and Norse mythology. From that book you will knit the shawl called SEIÐUR*, or the sorcerer. In Norse mythology, women weavers were sorcerers called seeress, and through magic could obtain knowledge of the future of natural phenomena, and the fates of people. Bergrós will help you create your own beautiful SEIÐUR shawl, and between stitches entertain you with stories from her book, and personal journey as designer, artist, and author.

When not under the guiding eye of Bergrós in our knitting circle, she and your local guide Inga will lead you on fun and informative field trips to in the countryside. Where visits to local farms, museums, and interactions with inspiring local women will give participants insight about Icelandic sheep, sheep farms, and wool production. Through Informal discussions with inspiring Icelandic women, and educational exhibits, participants will learn how women have been the foundation of Icelandic culture, and instrumental to the survival the nation through their contributions in sheep farming and textile production for more than a century.

In the evenings we have time to sit around, enjoy each other's company, look at the sky for dancing northern lights, and knit.

The timing of this retreat is no coincidence. September brings réttir—the nationwide roundup where people on foot, ATVs, and horses retrieve their flocks from the mountains and valleys, aided by eager sheepdogs. It is a huge community event, and a countrywide party that you can be part of!

This retreat is in partnership with our friends at Becoming an Outdoors-Woman. Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) is a non-profit, educational program offering hands-on workshops to adult women. BOW encourages a supportive environment conducive to learning, making friends, and having fun. No experience is necessary and BOW is for women of all ages and fitness levels.

*Crocheters will knit a different pattern called Sunneva.

Join us online to learn more about this tour and to ask questions from the team. Pre-register using the link below. If you cannot make the live event, a link to the recording will be emailed to you.

When: Feb 9, 2024

Time: 12PM CST

Location: Zoom

Click here to watch a recording of the live info session on YouTube.

• Daily workshops and guided field trips throughout the retreat led by renowned Icelandic knitting designer & author Bergrós Kjartansdóttiron.
• Receive a gift set that includes Icelandic wool to make your shawl and a copy of Bergrós Kjartansdóttiron beautiful knitting book Shawls of Myth & Magic  
• Learn to knit the shawl SEIÐUR from Bergrós book.
• Learn how to knit a doll-sized sample of the iconic Icelandic Lopapesya sweater. 
• Ample opportunities for shopping for wool handcrafts.
• Enjoy sightseeing and informative walks with Ingibjörg G. Guðjónsdóttir, your expert Icelandic guide who will teach you about Iceland history, nature, and culture through stories and informative walks.
• Explore a woman-owned and operated farm to learn about Icelandic sheep and learn what makes this breed so special. 
• Meet the champion of Icelandic goats and learn how she saved the breed from extinction.
• Take part in Iceland's réttir, the sheep round up and countrywide party.
• Welcome and introduction to the  Icelandic textile center in Blöndsós and then we meander through the center in and see textile tools, and national costumes that can only be found there.
• Take a hike at Thingvellir National Park for an Icelandic history and geology lesson. 
• Visit with Guðrún at Hespuhúsið and learn how she uses plants to naturally dye yarn.
• Presentations by women from Ullarsel about the Icelandic Drop Spindel Halasnælda
• Presentation by  Helga Thoroddsen an Icelandic textiles experts. 
• Opportunities to eat a variety of delicious Icelandic foods at restaurants and at family farms.
• Look up! There is a very good chance you will see northern lights dancing across the sky.
• Experience the healing waters of Iceland's geothermal energy and soak in hot tubs.

Ages: Women 18-88 and beyond.

Basic skills knitting using the garter stitch. Crocheters are welcome, too. 

Any women who is interested in:

• Learning to knit a lace shawl
• Group learning and the camaraderie of a shared learning experience.
• Visiting farms and homes of Icelandic rural residents to learn about modern farms, livestock, and textile production.
• Getting out in nature on short walks for sightseeing and light exercise. 
• Hearing stories about mythology, paganism, and folklore.
• Discussing women’s issues historically and in the present day as part of cultural exchange and fellowship. 
• Participating in the sheep round up at the sheep corrals either as a spectator or on-the-ground participant.

Package Price  $5565

Deposit $750 USD

Prices are subject to change at any time and can only be locked in after deposits are made.

Service Fees & Payment Methods

Green Edventures does not charge a service fee. We use a third party merchant service called WeTravel and they use the credit card processor Stripe. 

Credit Card

WeTravel will add a service fee to the total amount of your trip if you pay with a credit card. Credit Cards fees: 2.9% (Amex: 3.9%). This is a bank fee not Green Edventures. 

ACH / Checking Account 

If you set up your payment method to be withdrawn from your checking account there are no fees. 

You can change your payment method at any time in your WeTravel Account. 

Minium 8 / Maximum 12  

To facilitate the most intimate and authentic experience of our adventure together, the group size is limited to no more than 12 participants. 

Environment: Rural, countryside. Variable Icelandic weather.

Physical Activity Level: Easy

Lodging: Comfort

Skill Level: Beginner

This adventure is suitable for any healthy person that can walk at least 1-2 hours unassisted. With that said, the more active you are before this trip, the more you will enjoy the overall experience including walks in Reykjavik, the countryside and at farms. 

For those who have mobility issues, contact us to discuss. There are many ways to adapt this program for those need it. Email contact@greenedventures.com 

Required Supplies: 

1) Knitting needles (regular and double-pointed). 4.5mm or 5mm circular needle, 80cm. 

Gauge 14 its = 10cm.

2) Usual knitting supplies, including sharp-pointed sewing (chenille) needle with eye large enough for yarn.

A detailed packing list will be provided.

 Click on link to review:

Terms & Conditions

Cancellation Policy

Bergrós Kjartansdóttir will be your knitting instructor and will guide you in making a lace shawl from one of her designs, and a Lopapeysa sweater.

Bergrós an acclaimed, but down to earth, knitting designer and poet from the West Fjords of Iceland. She is also a published author, goldsmith, and scholar of old Icelandic Literature. 

The program package includes Icelandic yarn for your shawl, and a copy (in English) of Bergrós beautiful knitting book, Shawls of Myth & Magic  an ode to Icelandic wool, Icelandic nature and Norse mythology. 

Inspired by her mother, who is also a talented knitter, Bergrós has been knitting since she was in primary school. Her passion for the tradition continued into adulthood where she has weaved together her love of art, nature, and mythology into a profession aligned with two centuries old Scandinavia traditions of knitting and storytelling. 

**Bio of Ingibjörg Guðjónsdóttir, Your Guide to an Icelandic Knitting Adventure**

Ingibjörg Guðjónsdóttir, affectionately known as Inga, is an experienced guide poised to lead an extraordinary knitting tour in Iceland's rural northwest. With over 30 years in the tourism industry and a deep-rooted passion for Icelandic culture, Inga is the perfect complement to the renowned knitting instructor, Bergrós Kjartansdóttir. Her extensive knowledge of Icelandic traditions, folklore, and rural landscapes will enrich the knitting workshops and cultural experiences on this unique journey.

Inga's expertise extends beyond guiding; she has a profound understanding of Iceland's history, particularly the role of women in sheep farming and textile production. As participants engage in knitting the SEIÐUR shawl under Bergrós's guidance, Inga will lead explorations through the countryside, visiting local farms and museums. These excursions are designed to provide insights into the traditional Icelandic way of life, connecting the craft of knitting to the nation's cultural heritage.

The tour, set against the backdrop of the réttir, Iceland's nationwide sheep roundup, offers a unique opportunity to immerse in local customs and festivities. Inga ensures that each participant experiences this cultural event as an integral part of the community. Her commitment to creating a supportive and enriching environment aligns seamlessly with the ethos of Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, making this retreat not just a knitting workshop but a celebration of Icelandic culture, women's heritage, and the natural beauty of the land.

Tara is the CEO and Founder of Green Edventures Tours. She has created trips for women in over 10 countries, and Iceland is still her favorite. -- Shhh, don't tell that to the places. :)

Tara fell in love with Iceland in May 2017 after her first visit to the tiny island of fire and ice. Since then, Tara spends at least a month in Iceland each summer and is always dreaming of new ways to help people experience it. 

 Iceland wrapped its hands around her heart and inspired itineraries that evolved as Tara became more and more familiar with the people and places of Iceland. It started with multi-sport tours that sampled a variety of outdoor adventures, to multi-day thru hiking in the southern highlands, and now a knitting tours, and hot springs retreats. 

Tara is a fun and enthusiastic story teller and environmental educator. Tara's knitting experience starts and ends with a hat she started but never finished 20 years ago. However, she is excited to be picking up her knitting needles again to prepare for this adventure. 

Arrival at Keflavik airport anytime. Transfer to Reykjavik on your own.. Drop your luggage off at the hotel, and have breakfast on your own, or with new friends.

12:30pm Meet at the hotel for introductions. Walk 20 minutes to the National Museum of Iceland as a group (taxi optional for an additional fee). At the museum we will explore some of the exhibits and have a guided tour that will focus on Icelandic history.

3:00 pm Return to hotel. Check in. Relax before dinner. 

6:00 pm Dinner at a local restaurant (included)

Overnight at 3-star hotel in Reykjavik. 

Meals: D

Note: Group airport transfer on day one is not included because it is so easy to take the Flybus.is to Reykjavik and allows people to arrive at time the is convenient and economical for them. Detailed instructions on how to get to the hotel will be provided.

Morning: We will take a short walk to the Handknitting Association of Iceland with our local guide. The shop has many hand knitted products made from Lopi,  wool yarn made from the fleece of Icelandic Sheep. Sweaters, cardigans, socks, hats, and gloves for gifts or for yourself.  Here, participants will pick out Lopi to make their Icelandic lace shawls. 

After shopping at the Handknitting Association,  we will drive toward the north west of Iceland. As we leave the city, we begin to notice the fall colors of the vast moss covered glacier swept fjords, and flattop volcanic mountains of the countryside. Along the way, your guide will share stories and information about the landscape, history, and culture of Iceland.

Our first stop is Hvalfjörður to visit the farm Bjarteyjarsandur, where we will get to know Arnheiður, a sheep farmer. As we tour her sheep barns she will introduce us her life as a sheep farmer and teach about what is special about Icelandic Sheep.

As one of the world's purest and oldest sheep breeds, Icelandic sheep are strong and sturdy animals with beautiful, thick coats. Long-used in Iceland for their meat and wool, the sheep that exist in Iceland today are direct descendants of the sheep brought to the island nation by early Viking settlers. Sheep and sheep farming is as old as Iceland's culture. 

The conversation continues over a light lunch at the farm before heading to our hotel about one hour north of Borgarnes. 

After checking into the hotel and getting settled, which may include a dip in the hot tub, we will meet in our first knitting circle. Bergrós will introduce you to her work as a knitter and designer and go through some of her work. She will go over the project that we are going to start on in the workshop, as we take our first step in making the knitting examples of the Seiður shawl. Then if you are an experienced knitter then of course you can also start today with your full-size shawls.

Overnight and dinner at hotel Hamar or similar (2 nights).

Meals: BL

After breakfast, we will continue under the instruction of Bergrós with our shawl. You can ask all the questions for different techniques and get Bergrós help with details you need more help with.  

In the afternoon we drive to Ullarselið in Hvanneyri “wool center” where the University of Agriculture in cooperation with the women association of the south west has made it possible for the women in the region to experiment and work with handspun wool. 

Short walk in Borgarnes along the shores of Borgarfjörður. Participants can stop for lunch at the bakery and visit the grocery store for snacks and shop for wine, beer, and spirits at the vinbuðin.

After a short rest back at the hotel, we will meet again in our Icelandic “sewing circle." You will be able to work on your projects while enjoying drinks and sharing stories together.

Evening hot tubs and looking toward the sky for northern lights.

Second night at Hotel Hamar, or same category.

Dinner at Borgarnes Englendingavík

Meals: B

This will be the last official workshop on the shawl, by now you should have a doll-size example with all the small details you need to make your full-size shawl, and if you haven't started your full-sized one then it is time to start that. Today you can also use the time with Bergrós to get an explanation of another shawl that you might be interested in from her book.

Afternoon: We visit the champion of Icelandic Goats, Jóhanna Bergmann Þorvaldsdóttir, a former nurse, who currently owns and operates Háafell, an Icelandic farm that has been in her family for generations. Jóhanna was born and raised on this land as were her six children!  This incredible woman has been fighting to save the Icelandic goat breed from extinction since 1989. She will share her story, her joys and challenges as a goat farmer, and her mission to promote goat products (cheese, meat, cashmere) in Iceland. 

Later, we will make a lunch stop on route, and then visit the Grenigerdi farm workshop where we will meet with the owners Rita and Pall. They make and sell buttons made from natural materials like birch trees and reindeer horns. 

Late afternoon we will arrive at the village of Hvammstangi on the Vatnes Peninsula.

Overnight and dinner at the  Hótel Laugabakki. Enjoy hot tubs at the hotel before or after dinner. Don't forget to look outside for chance to see the northern lights!

Meals: B

Today we go from shawls to work on our Lopi sweater by knitting a doll-size sweater, with all the elements of an adult one. We will also explain the secret of the color yoke.

In the afternoon we visit the Icelandic Textile Center in Blönduós. The

museum exhibits beautiful Icelandic national costumes, and artistic embroideries along with many of the tools and equipment used to produce them. Founded by the Women's Union in East Hunavatnssysla, it is the only one of its kind in Iceland. Spend some time at the museum and shop at the store on site.

Second Night at Hotel Laugabakki , Dinner at Víðihlíð, Inga's all-time favorite for Fish & Chips.  

In the evening we will socialize, knit, and gaze for northern lights.

Meals: B

In the morning we meet in our sewing circle with Bergrós and share how are projects are coming along. We continued knitting our doll-size traditional Lopi sweater and we talk about all the small details that there is to think about when finishing the sweater.

In the morning we will drive to Ægissíða, Inga's farmhouse, and spend the day there enjoying the countryside where the land and the sea meet between the mountains.  You will instantly feel at home at her home.

 If there is interest and time, we can take a walk down to the beach through the barley fields and look for swans and seals. In the afternoon, Inga will serve traditional homemade soup in her kitchen. 

On the way back to the hotel, we go around Vatnsnes Peninsula to Hvítserkur Rock. Hvítserkur, otherwise known as the Troll of Northwest Iceland, is a 49ft tall basalt rock stack protruding from Húnaflói Bay. The rock is a seal sanctuary, and nesting ground for seagulls, shag and fulmar, making it appear constantly in motion, further enforcing the idea that Hvítserkur is, in some way, very much alive. Your guide will tell you about trolls and elves and associated folklore.

Dinner at Sjávarborg restaurant at Hvammstangi

Third Night at Hotel Laugabakki.

Meals: BL

In the morning we meet in our knitting circle with Bergrós and share how are projects are coming along. We continued knitting our doll-size traditional Lopi sweater and we talk about all the small details that there is to think about when finishing the sweater.

After lunch, we go to Þverárétt sheep corrals, for the roundup to experience Réttir - the Icelandic sheep roundup. This is a national holiday in Iceland where the sheep that have been roaming free in the wild during the summer are brought in for the winter with the help of people from all around.  This is a unique exciting opportunity to be part of a community event. Participants can choose to observe the excitement of people, dogs, and horses during the roundup, or get involved (and dirty) by helping to sort the sheep when they reach are brought to the sheep park. 

Overnight at Hotel Laugabakki and dinner at the hotel.

Meals B

Note: Like all outdoor activities, the sheep roundup can be affected by the bad weather resulting it being cancelled for safety purposes. 

After breakfast we  head back towards the south and we stop to visit Þingvellir National Park for a short hike and history lesson. Þingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its culture and scientific significance. Historically it is where the first parliament of Iceland was founded by the Viking Chieftain and the place were laws were made and disputes were settled. It is also a place where plate tectonics can be studied. In the park you will stand on the North American plate and look across the valley at the Eurasian plate as you walk through the fissures caused by the movement of the plates. 

We will stop for lunch as we continue on to Selfoss to meet Guðrún at Hespuhúsið. Here, we visit Guðrún in home and workshop. Guðrún is an expert in plant dye yarn and a fascinating and passionate woman who loves to share her work.  

Finally, we drive back to Reykjavík in the early evening. 

Overnight at Hótel Leif Ericsson or Guesthouse Freyja or same category.

Farwell dinner.

Meals: B

After breakfast enjoy Reykjavik on your own. Visit museums, shops, local pool, or the Sky Lagoon. Group transfer to the airport at 12:30pm from the hotel. 

Meals: B