Knitting & Riding Retreat

with Toni Carr (aka Joan of Dark)

June 12-18, 2025

Come join Hestaland’s Knitting & Riding Retreat! This all-inclusive seven-day retreat combines two hobbies that run deep in Icelandic culture. Knitters and riders of all levels will be in for an unforgettable experience of knitting under the midnight sun and delightful horseback riding through the Borgarfjordur area, which is known for its beautiful and extensive trail options.

You’ll gain insight into old and new Icelandic knitting traditions with a focus on the newest and most famous Icelandic lopapeysa sweater, receive expert knitting instruction in daily workshops, visit a sheep farm and wool mill, local knitting hot spots, go on a full-day tour of Iceland’s “Woolen Circle,” and visit a geothermal hot spring, among other destinations. Last but not least, you’ll have the opportunity to ride at least once a day.

Whether you want to learn to knit or are an advanced knitter, this retreat’s dual class schedule will cater to your goals and skillset. Joan will have complete beginners knitting by the end of the week, and she’ll help advanced knitters further their skill sets. Joan will even be creating an original lopapeysa pattern for this retreat. Similarly, the week is suitable for riders of all levels and will include plenty of scenic riding. Hestaland staff will match riders with horses to suit their skill and comfort level.

You’ll be led by Toni Carr (aka Joan of Dark), knitter and author of four books: Knockdown Knits, Knits for Nerds, Geek Knits, and the Lopapeysa Sweater: A Journey North in Search of Iceland’s Iconic Knitwear. Joan’s designs have been featured in several other publications, she’s been a guest on the TV shows Uncommon Threads and Knitty Gritty, and has taught classes for many years.

Please contact [email protected] to reserve your spot!

All-Inclusive

  • Daily knitting workshops and trail rides
  • Ground transportation in Iceland
  • Accommodation based on double occupancy
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (wine and beer is included)
  • Trip to Krauma Spa
  • Expert knitting and riding instruction
Price – $3,975 (airfare and travel insurance not included)

This sample itinerary below is subject to change due to weather & other contingencies.

Remember, Þetta reddast! (It will all work out.)

THURSDAY, JUNE 12—DAY 1: Arrival Day!

  • 10:30 Meet Joan at BSI Bus Station in Reykjavik for pick up and transfer to Hestaland
  • 11:45 Yarn shopping stop at Ullarselið in Hvanneyri
  • 13:00 LUNCH at Hestaland and settle in
  • 14:30 Intro to Hestaland Horse farm and live demonstration by Guðmar
  • 16:00 Introductions & stitch and sip
  • 18:00 Free time: Knitting, reading, writing, relaxing, or nature walks around the farm
  • 19:00 DINNER at Hestaland

FRIDAY, JUNE 13—Day 2

  • 8-10 BREAKFAST at Hestaland
  • 10:00 Beginner knitting/riding time for advanced knitters
  • 12:30 LUNCH at Hestaland
  • 13:30 Sheep farm tour
  • 14:30 Introduction to the Lopapeysa (all)/Introduction to colorwork (beginner)
  • 16:30 Ride time for beginner knitters/knitting time for advanced knitters
  • 18:00 Free time: Knitting, reading/writing time, relaxing, or nature walks
  • 19:00 DINNER at Hestaland

SATURDAY, JUNE 14—Day 3

  • 8-10 BREAKFAST at Hestaland
  • 10:00 Group ride
  • 12:30 LUNCH at Hestaland
  • 13:30 Knitting in the round
  • 15:00 Drive to Deildar-tunga hot spring & Krauma Geothermal Hot Springs (stay 2 hours), stop by Barnafoss waterfall, time-permitting on way back to Hestaland
  • 19:00 DINNER at Hestaland

SUNDAY, JUNE 15—Day 4

  • 8-10 BREAKFAST at Hestaland
  • 10:00 Knitting time
  • Sweater construction class
  • Basics class
  • Sleeve workshop
  • How to chart for Lopi
  • 12:30 LUNCH at Hestaland
  • 14:00 Trail Riding (split groups)
  • 16:00 Stitch and sip at Hestaland with instruction and support
  • 19:00 DINNER at Hestaland

MONDAY, JUNE 16—Day 5

  • 8-9 BREAKFAST at Hestaland
  • 9:00 Depart for Full-Day “Woolen Circle” Excursion to the South
  • 11:00 Hespuhúsið (Guðrún Bjarnadóttir, 865-2910) Árbæjarvegi vestri 816 Ölfusi
  • 12:30 LUNCH at Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant Olfussi Efstalandi, 816 Ölfusi 662 3400
  • 14:00 Þingborg wool shop (Magga, 846-9287) Gamla Þingborg, 801 Selfoss
  • 15:00 Uppspuni Mini Mill (Hulda, 846-7199) Lækjartúni, 851 Hella
  • Pit/coffee stop on way back to Hestaland: Gróðurhúsið
  • 19:00 DINNER at Hestaland

TUESDAY, JUNE 17—Day 6

  • 8-10 BREAKFAST at Hestaland
  • 10:00 Yoke workshop (all knitters)
  • 12:30 LUNCH at Hestaland
  • 13:30 Blocking and finishing tutorial
  • 15:30 Closing group ride
  • 17:30 Free time: Knitting, reading/writing time, relaxing, or nature walks around the farm
  • 19:00 DINNER at Hestaland

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18—Day 7: Departure Day

  • 8-10 BREAKFAST at Hestaland
  • 10:00 Pack for home!
  • 10:30 Depart Hestaland; option to stop at Ljómalind in Borgarnes
  • 12:00 Drop off at BSÍ in Reykjavík
  • Note: Joan will be available every evening after dinner for anyone who would like one on one instruction with their project!