Powerful women in Iceland – August 2021
An all womens trip around North Iceland where you will feel empowered by participating in fun activites and through stories of strong Icelandic women at every footstep.
Iceland is known for its strong women — and we would like you to become one of them! Travel in the footsteps of powerful Icelandic women throughout the country’s history, getting to know figures from the time of settlement in the 9th century until modern times. Amidst leisurely outdoor activities, you’ll hear women’s stories every step of the way. Over the course of just 10 days, you’ll meet contemporary entrepreneurs, learn about the hardship and determination of settlement-era women, gain insight into the feminine side of the medieval era, witness the skill and expertise of fisherwomen and follow Agnes Magnúsdóttir — the last Icelander to be executed — in her last steps.
What’s more, you’ll eat delicious local food, enjoy Icelandic beer and chocolate, have fun, laugh, bond and make new friends. Get ready to become a dóttir * in Iceland!
Please send us an email for further information.
Highlights:
● Go horseback riding in the valley of Skagafjörður, home to countless Icelandic horses
● Meet a medieval prophetess and fortune-teller
● Watch for whales in a fjord in North Iceland
● Visit Siglufjörður, the town from the TV series Trapped
● Hear the story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir — the last Icelander to be executed — and visit
the area where she lived and died
● Visit entrepreneurs who make beauty products from Icelandic herbs and plants
● See local workshops, handicraft museums and exhibitions
● Eat scrumptious meals at local restaurants, try local beer and snack on loads of
chocolate
● Meet Icelanders and get a better understanding of their culture
● Stroll through Reykjavík, visiting the capital city’s sights on your own time
● Take a trip to the famous Blue Lagoon (optional)
An all womens trip around North Iceland where you will feel empowered by participating in fun activites and through stories of strong Icelandic women at every footstep.
Day 1
Take it easy! Travelers arrive very early at the airport in Keflavik (KEF) and meet the tour leader and local guide. After collecting luggage, the group will enjoy breakfast at the Viking Museum in Keflavik. There you will have a short lecture on the settlement of Iceland where your local guide will focus on the settelment of women in Iceland. Travel via coach into Reykjavik where we will visit the Perlan for a beautiful view of the city and lunch. After checking into our guesthouse, we’ll enjoy a stroll around town. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 2
Sagas and Textile Museum After enjoying breakfast at the guesthouse, we will head north towards Borgarnes where we will learn about Icelandic history at the Settlement Center. After lunch, our journey continues north to the town of Blönduós where we will visit the textile museum and learn about womens handicraft. Dinner in a local restaurant and settle into our guesthouse in rural North Iceland.
Day 3
Blöndós - Fortune tellers and pristine pools Visit the Museum of Prophecies where a fortune teller will ‘predict’ your future using ancient runes. Icelandic women are known for their spiritual mind and have over the centuries told each others fortune throuch cards or coffee cups! Learn the story of Þórdís the fortune teller who was the first inhbitant of Skagaströnd in the 10th century. After lunch by the pristine coastline you will have a swim in the beautiful pool at Hofsós. A pool given to the municipality by two local women. Head to Siglufjörður for an evening of Morrocan food (yes, we said Morrocan) and bar hopping! Overnight at Siglunes Guesthouse in Siglufjörður.
Day 4
Siglufjörður - Herring Museum - Beer baths Peruse the Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður. A local guide will give you the insight into the life of the "herring girls" that helped with increasing Icelands wealth in the 40's - 60's by working around the clock packing herring into barrels for export. Drive to Hauganes to imbibe in beer (extra) and a beer bath! When bathing in beer, you’ll sit in a big tub filled with beer, water, hops and yeast. The beer is in the early stages of fermentation, so the low pH will tighten and soften your hair follicles and cleanse your hair and skin. Beer is also a great source of B vitamins and many other nutrients and has anti-inflammatory effects. After we complete our spa treatments and have lunch, head to the beautiful “Capital of the North,” Akureyri, for the evening. Overnight in Akureyri.
Day 5
Goðafoss Waterfall, Myvatn Lake, Dimmuborgir Lava After breakfast, we continue east for a stop at the beautiful and historic Godafoss waterfall. Enter the mystic Lake Mvvatn area where we’ll hike in the geothermal and unique lava formations of Dimmuborgir. After our hikes, refresh in the healing waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths. Overnight in Akureyri.
Day 6
Canyons, Waterfalls and Whale Watching Heading further east, experience the most powerful waterfall in all of Iceland – Dettifoss. The breathtaking power of this waterfall will blow you away (literally)! Wear your rain gear too as the spray from the massive falls is prominent! Then, don your hiking shoes for an amazing hike through the awe-inspiring geology of Ásbyrgi and the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon. Ásbyrgi translated to “Shelter of the Gods” and legends claim the steep walls of this canyon were created by Odin’s eight-legged flying horse from Norse mythology. Jokulsargljufur means glacial-river-canyon and it is aptly named for Iceland’s longest river canyon. It contains beautiful vistas, echo caves and unique rock formations. Overnight in Akureyri.
Day 7
Whale Whatching - Free time in Akureyri We will depart from the Akureyri harbor after breakfast for a morning whale watching tour where you get a chance to see humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoise as well as puffins and all kinds of sea birds. After lunch you have a free afternoon at Akureyri. Check out handicraft, the botanical garden, art, shops, cafés and restaurants in this capital of North Iceland. Overnight in Akureyri.
Day 8
Horse back riding and Burial Rites You can’t spend time in Iceland and not take a ride on the famous Icelandic Horses – the only breed of horse in Iceland! You can choose from a 1- or 2-hour ride on these gentle beasts as we explore the countryside around the Syðra Skörðugil farm. Later, explore the restored turf houses at the Glaumbær museum before visiting the valley where Agnus Magnúsdóttir lived and died. Learn about her story and the culture of this remote part of Iceland. After a brief stop at the amazing Grábrók Volcanic Crater, we return to Reykjavik for the remainder of our tour. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 9
Reykjavík - Explore on your own - Farewell dinner After breakfast at the guesthouse, you will have a free day to explore Reykjavik to do more sightseeing, take some photos, do some shopping, visit a museum, attend a concert at Harps, go to a local swimming pool, take a shuttle to the Blue Lagoon, eat a hot dog or cinnamon roll… the day is yours to have fun! (Lunch on your own). Your local guide Herdís Friðriksdóttir will assist in planning your day. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 10
Exploring Reykjanes Peninsula and depart for home After breakfast at the guesthouse, we will explore the Reykjanes peninsula, including the beauty of Brimketill and Gunnuhver and the unique Bridge Between Continents. A quick lunch in Keflavik before we are dropped off at the airport for our afternoon flights home.