Hestaland Knitting Retreat
Tour features
Dates
May 13–19, 2026 (SOLD OUT)
August 30–Sept. 5, 2026 (SOLD OUT)
September 20–26, 2026 (SOLD OUT)
*More 2026 dates coming soon, let us know at info@hestaland.net if you’d like to be added to our notification list!
Highlights
Trail rides or lessons. Daily knitting workshops. Excursions to Krauma Geothermal Spa. Hestaland Guesthouse. Full board meals. Full-day excursion to Iceland’s Woollen Circle. Expert knitting and riding instruction.
Connect with culture, creativity, and the Icelandic horse—one stitch at a time—during 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 curated knitting sessions 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 knitting instruction in daily workshops, visit a sheep farm, wool mill, and 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 either trail ride or take a riding lesson at least once per 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 skill set. Beginner knitters will get their first project well off the ground, while advanced knitters will be able to further their skill sets. Similarly, the week is suitable for riders of all levels and will include plenty of scenic riding. Hestaland’s qualified staff will match riders with horses to suit their skill and comfort level.
About your guide
Kirsti fell in love with knitting when she first came to Iceland, and it quickly became one of her greatest passions. While she enjoys working on many different projects with a variety of wools, her favorite will always be the traditional Icelandic sweater—the Lopapeysa. Icelandic wool holds a special place in her heart for its beauty, warmth, and rich tradition.
For years, she has been custom-making Lopapeysa sweaters for guests at Hestaland, where her sweaters are on sale at the guesthouse. Teaching others how to knit brings her much joy—she believes it’s always more fun to knit together, share stories, and watch beautiful projects come to life.
In addition to her love of knitting, she is also the barn manager at Hestaland, so she has you covered both in the saddle and with knitting needles in hand.
- Daily knitting workshops and trail rides or lessons (you choose!)
- Ground transportation in Iceland, including pick-up and drop-off at BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik
- Accommodation based on double occupancy
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (wine and beer is included)
- Trip to Krauma Spa
- Full-day excursion to Iceland’s Woollen Circle
- Expert knitting and riding instruction
This sample itinerary below is subject to change due to weather & other contingencies.
Remember, Þetta reddast! (It will all work out.)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13—DAY 1: Arrival Day!
- 10:30 Meet 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
THURSDAY, MAY 14—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
FRIDAY, MAY 15—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
SATURDAY, MAY 16—Day 4
- 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
SUNDAY, MAY 17—Day 5
- 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, MAY 18—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
TUESDAY, MAY 19—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: Kirsti will be available every evening after dinner for anyone who would like one on one instruction with their project!
Price – $4,400 USD (airfare and travel insurance not included).
Retreat takes place from May 13–19, 2026 and August 30–September 5, 2026
Limited to 14 guests. Spots fill quickly, email info@hestaland.net to place a 50% deposit and reserve your spot!
Transportation
Pick-up and drop-off
Ground transportation in Iceland, including pick-up and drop-off at BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik
Accomodation
Hestaland Guesthouse
Accommodation at Hestaland Guesthouse based on double occupancy with private bathrooms and hot tub access
Location
West Iceland Countryside
Hestaland is located in West Iceland where you will be riding in the beautiful countryside in the Borgarfjordur area.