The Women’s Workshop By Understand Iceland

This is why:

Iceland, aside from its epic beauty, has a lot to offer and teach us. In this women’s workshop trip, we are inviting you to experience the Icelandic culture on a deeper level. A culture that has been shaped by the forces of nature.

Recently, Heiðdís, Herdís and Ellyn got together and created this lovely opportunity for you to connect to other women in Iceland at our women’s workshop.

We invite you to spoil yourself with a week-long immersion into Icelandic life, both past and present! October brings opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Although never guaranteed, we hope they will put on a show for you.

This is how:

Daily custom-made workshops including:

• The art and process of dying local wool from Icelandic ingredients,
• Learn how to knit like an Icelander
• Learn to cook with local forages.
• Learn to take great photos with your camera or smartphone.
• Learn about the majestic Iceland horse on a local farm.
• Read a selected book by an Iceland author and review it together in a mini book club.
• Visit and mingle with local artists and craftspeople.

Aside from the workshops, we will visit beautiful natural sights to take photos, enjoy the scenery and sometimes to soak in hot springs Each day will provide some down time to allow you to simply exist and get hygge in the quiet and comfort of a country lodge. Yoga and meditation is possible too! In the evening, we will look out for the Northern Lights as they will be easily seen in the dark sky surrounding us.

This is when

Dates 16 – 23 October 2025

Land in KEF 16 October, transfer to The Hill Hotel for 5 nights, check-in 16th, check-out 21 October.

Transfer to Reykjavík for 2 nights, Hotel Storm. Check-in 21, check-out 23 October.

Departure from Iceland 23 October

Pairing up for double / Twin rooms

Group Leader – Ellyn (Auroradís)

Driver and Local Guide – Heiðdís

Pricing – $4850USD  (based on 14 participants)

Included:

• 7 nights accommodation, double/twin sharing
• Transportation, from arrival to departure, in a private vehicle with Heidi, our local guide and driver.
• All workshops, tours and activities (see full itinerary).
• All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Your team leaders and guides

Heiðdís Einarsdóttir (Heidi)

Heidi was born and raised in the countryside in South Iceland on a sheep farm, her parents still live on the farm and Heidi visits them often. Heidi has a BA degree in English and MA degree in Culture and Communication as well as being a hair & makeup artist.

In 2001 she moved to West Virginia and lived there for two years. It was there that she found passion for her country and after returning to Iceland she attended Tour Guide School of Iceland and graduated from there with education in General Guiding and Adventure Guiding. Heidi also holds a PADI license for Open Water and Dry Suite along with extended driver’s license and can drive up to a 16-seat bus.

Heidi loves Iceland and never gets tired of showing off her beautiful country, she likes knitting, crocheting and listening to audio books. She’s been to various countries and has been so far to 16 states of the United States. She is fluent in Icelandic, English with some basic knowledge in Danish, Swedish and Norwegian.

Heidi is Herdís’s right (and sometimes left) hand at Understand Iceland.

Ellyn Norris – a.k.a. Auroradís

Ellyn, known in Iceland as “Auroradís Jónsdóttir”, is a Canadian American photographer and educator currently residing in San Diego, California.

She has traveled the world extensively to photograph her experiences within different landscapes and cultures.  She is drawn to capturing people as well, who have been shaped and influenced by their natural environments. Certain places have resonated with her enough to return to continuing her experiences and photography. I

Iceland has especially captured her heart so spending time there each year has become a perfect balance to her life in Southern California

Herdís Fridriksdottir

Born, raised, and having lived most her life in Iceland, Herdis is a local guide who lives in the Golden Circle area, near Geysir.

Herdís has a diverse background; holding a B.Sc in Forestry and a M.Sc in Land Use in Developing Countries from the University of Copenhagen. She also has an MPM degree M.Sc in Project Management from the University of Reykjavik. Herdís loves to travel and has been to over 30 countries in most corners of the world. She loves to share her country with new friends and is now a certified guide and licensed for bus driving. As the owner and founder of Understand Iceland, a small tour operator that specializes in welcoming people to Iceland.

Her motto is “Come as a guest – leave as a friend”.

Other Important Notes

We will discuss flight options when you reserve the workshop Your arrival time at KEF should be in the early morning. Departure is on day 8. A PM departure flight is recommended. You have the option to arrive or stay a day or two more in Reykjavik or Keflavik. We can provide some suggestions in this case. A $900USD nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.

Any Questions?

Please reach out to Ellyn Norris

ellynnorris@gmail.com

Cell: 760-703-5928