Yoga & Hike Summer Iceland
Yoga and Hike in the summer in Iceland under the midnightsun. Discover and feel the power of Icelandic nature in summer - and let yourself be enchanted by the splendor of the midnight sun.
When the sun shines around the clock life vibrates in the north: the 1000s of birds revive the coasts, the vegetation is in full bloom and the sun warms the land. On hikes we discover the diversity of Icelandic nature and sense her power during our yoga sessions.
Program of the retreat
Sunday: Individual arrival in Akureyri
Depending on your arrival, you can relax in the accomodation, or perhaps enjoy a first visit in the swimming pool of Akureyri, with its three different "heitir pottur" (= hot pots) and a steam bath. In the early evening at 18:00 (6pm), we invite you to take a short city tour to show you to your home for the next week. As an introduction to our time together we welcome you here in Iceland with dinner in a fantastic vegetarian restaurant in the countryside.
Monday: Yoga in the middle of the fjord
We start the morning with a yoga sequence indoor. In the early afternoon we drive along the west coast of Eyjafjörður to the north before we reach the Sævar ferry. This ferry takes us to the small island Hrísey located in the fjord. A short walk takes us to a spectacular view point. This place is considered as one of the most powerful places in Iceland- a perfect location to rest and enjoy a yoga unit. Then we walk across the island and marvel at the rich bird life. Back to town we get into a warm pool from which we will have a wonderful view. For dinner we will still be in Hrísey and enjoy a local fish dish. In the light of the midnight sun the ferry takes us back to the mainland. Hike: 1.5 - 2 hrs
Tuesday: In Mývatn - yoga on hot ground
We start the morning with a yoga sequence 1.5 hrs indoor. At lunch we start our journey to one of the most exciting areas of Iceland: Lake Mývatn. Here we experience the fantastic world within an active volcanic area with its hot springs, bubbling mud pools and bright colors. Our first stop is at Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Here we will be doing yoga at the sand beach.
Shortly after we reach Mývatn. We explore the diverse landscapes on different short hikes: the green pseudocraters of Skútustaðir, the mystical lava towers of Dimmuborgir and the colorful world of active volcanism at the Krafla volcano and on Námaskarð. Afterwards it is time to relax and enjoy the warm waters of the Nature Baths, the Blue Lagoon of the North, with views over the Lake Myvatn area. We go to dinner at a cafe with local products overviewing Dimmuborgir and the lake . Face to face with the midnightsun we make our way home. Hike: short walks or 1,5 h hike
Wednesday: Tröllaskagi - In the mountains of the trolls
We start the morning with a yoga sequence 1.5 hrs indoor. Around lunch time we drive north to the peninsula of the trolls. Here we turn into one of the most beautiful valleys in the North: the Svarfaðadalur. We drive far into this world of mountains before we reach the old farm Skeið at the end of the valley. Our hostess Myriam serves us a classic icelandic dish: grilled lamb or vegetarian food as an alternative We enjoy the calmness of this peaceful place. Then we walk through the idyllic valley up to a small mountain lake. Either you use the time to rest here, or join another yoga session. Hike: 2 hrs
Back home you can enjoy time in your own outdoor jacuzzi at the apartment.
Thursday: Gorgeous view of the fjord
We start the morning with a yoga sequence 1.5 hrs indoor.
After a lunch break we go for an inspired hike where we enjoy stunning views from high above the cliffs over the fjord. On a scenic spot of this tour we do another yoga sequence. Hike: 2 - 3 hrs
Then there is time to relax at our brandnew SPA.
Friday: Yoga at rushing waterfalls
We start the morning with a yoga sequence 1.5 hrs indoor. Then we hike to a charming little jewel here in the north: on undiscovered paths we follow the waters of the river Myrka, surrounded by the mountains of the Hörgárdalur.
The rushing waterfalls give us the perfect setting for a yoga unit. Then we head on to the next river and more waterfalls. You end up in the town of Akureyri for leisure or a last time in the geothermal water.
We take you back to the bus station or airport in Akureyri. Please do not plan your return trip before 4pm. Hike: 1.5 hrs
What's included
- Daily 2 yoga sessions: a yoga session in the morning in the modern Yoga Studio and afternoon yoga in the middle of Icelandic nature (depending on the excursion and the weather)
- 5 nights accommodation (in shared double or single room with extra charge) in modern and charming apartments, within walking distance to the most beautiful corners of the small town Akureyri. The apartments have their own outdoor hot tub in the garden
- Excursion to the island of Hrisey "Pearl of the North" with an experienced guide, a nature reserve in Northern Iceland, including ferry ticket as well as entrance to the swimming pool
- Tour to the famous Myvatn area with an experienced guide, including admission to the "Myvatn Nature Baths"
- Excursion to Tröllaskagi, the "Troll Mountains", with an experienced guide
- Excursion to the famous Goðafoss waterfall
- Hike over the cliffs of Akureyri
- Towels and linen
- 1x access to the Spa area of the Yoga Studio including towels (sauna, spa, relaxation area, outdoor jacuzzi, teas, water)
- Transfers according to programm within Akureyri (airport transfer to/from Akureyri airport)
- 4 dinners and 1 lunch with vegetarian/vegan alternatives (drinks not included)
What's not included
- Travel to Akureyri
- Breakfast and Lunch (we recommend to take a lunch box with sandwich for the hikes and excursions, breakfast can be comfortably prepared at the apartment)
- Drinks at dinner
- Additional activities
Attention
Group
Maximum of 18 persons
Accommodation
You spend the week at our Pearl of the North apartments in Akureyri and enjoy a great deal of comfort. You have access to the private hot tub. Every apartment consists of 2 to 3 bedrooms which hosts 3 to 5 yogis. You share one bathroom together and have a fully equipped kitchen, living room, laundry room etc. Our apartments offer double rooms and single rooms if available. You can also ask for a payable upgrade.for private bathroom. This is applicable for yogis who share bedrooms.
Transportation
All transport is included. Pick-up at the bus station or Akureyri airport, the transportation between apartment and yoga studio as well as the transport for all excursions. Drop-off on the day of departure. Pick-up starts on the arrival day at 15.30 for the Straeto bus, continues with pick -up at the local airport at 16.30 (ideal arrival time), then at 18.30 for the arrival of the highland bus from SBA and final pick-up at 20.20 at the airport.
Yoga
The yoga units are thought by Ulrica Seiler. The daily yoga units takes 2-3 hours in total and take place indoors and outdoors in nature. Typically, the morning session is in our brandnew Yogashala, the afternoon session in pure Nature.
Hiking
The hikes lead you through diverse landscapes of North Iceland. The duration varies between 1,5 to 3 hours and takes place in a technically simple level. A qualified guide will accompany you on all tours.
Meals
Breakfast can be prepared in the well equipped kitchen in each apartment. For lunch you should always have a small lunch box set, since we are on tours. Dinner is held each night at a local restaurant or cafe. (except for the Tröllaskagi tour where lunch is included)