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Mindful Trekking
Iceland Hiking with Viking Women Retreat
- Southern Iceland
- July 30 - August 5, 2024
DISCOVER YOUR INNER VIKING GODDESS WHILE HIKING MINDFULLY THROUGH ICELAND’S SOUTHERN COAST AND HIGHLANDS, WITH LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS AND HOT SPRINGS.
About This Retreat
Contemporary interpretations of Norse mythology view Valkyries as potent symbols of female empowerment. Depicted as formidable warrior women with muscular bodies, strong wills, and fierce independence, the stories of Valkyries in Icelandic Sagas and other historical texts serve as an inspiration for discovering your inner Viking goddess.
At the Iceland Hiking with Viking Women Retreat, we embrace this spirit. Mindfully trekking through the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Range in Iceland’s central highlands, you’ll revel in the audacity of embarking on this Arctic adventure. Walking along a gentle trail across a treeless ridge of red-streaked volcanic rhyolite, each step produces a rhythmic “crunch” that encourages a steady pace.
Meandering along the mystical trail, weaving around curling steam plumes, your Icelandic guides narrate tales of ancient times when Valkyries showcased their exceptional strength, combat skills, and fearlessness in the face of danger. By defying gender stereotypes, Valkyries endure as symbols of empowerment for women seeking to break free from societal constraints.
Some might argue that the credit for 21st-century Iceland being one of the planet’s most egalitarian societies belongs, in part, to the Valkyries. Iceland, after all, elected the world’s first female president (Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, head of state from 1980 to 1996), boasts one of the best parental leave policies globally, and has a dedicated Ministry of Gender Equality.
Valkyries were also known for fiercely protecting their personal agency, making their own choices, and playing a crucial role in determining the fate of fallen warriors in battle. This agency reinforces the notion of women as self-reliant, assertive, and capable of shaping their own lives—a concept embodied by Icelanders today.
Inspired by these ideals of feminine power, the Iceland Hiking with Viking Women Retreat encourages reflection on empowering aspects of life, identifying areas for change, and fostering self-discovery. Guided by your retreat leader through both inner and outer journeys across Iceland’s scenic landscapes, you’ll develop the skill of discerning between empowerment and disempowerment.
Each mindful hike through Iceland’s diverse terrain—volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls, and steaming hot springs—naturally leads to a place of clarity and calm. Untangling what you can control and finding peace with what you can’t becomes an integral part of this self-exploration.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll experience vigorous and rewarding hikes with Icelandic guides, complemented by ample free time for rest and reflection. While traveling as a group, the flexibility to socialize as much or as little as you desire allows you to tailor the experience to your own preferences.
Retreat Info
- Iceland Hiking with Viking Women Retreat
- Cultural Retreats, Health & Wellness Retreats, Personal Growth Retreats, Women's Healing + Wellness Retreats
- July 30 - August 5, 2024
- 6 Nights
- Starting from USD 6795
- Frost & Fire Hotel
- Southern Iceland
- Iceland
- runwildretreats.com
- RunWildRetreats
- run.wild.retreats
- Click here for Pricing & Options details
- Notes
- Currency: USD
- Retreat Venues: Frost & Fire Hotel, Highland Base, Silica Hotel
The Setting
This retreat
is for you if...
Our daily hikes will vary in distance from 4 to 8 miles, with most of it on trails of various surfaces. This means we will be hiking–with breaks to take pictures, eat and drink– for 2 to 5 hours a day. There is no running offered on this retreat, though you do have free time to run on your own. Some hikes will be easy (soft, packed dirt and pebble paths), while other areas will be challenging, including steep ascents and descents on trails that can become muddy when wet. For this reason, hiking shoes are mandatory (waterproof hiking boots are strongly recommended), as is a lightweight backpack that can carry at least 1 L of water, snacks and a lightweight, breathable jacket. Our highly trained Icelandic guides will keep us safe on the trails, monitor the weather and trail conditions on a day-by-day basis. The weather in Iceland is extremely variable, and we will hike as long the conditions are safe, though this may mean hiking in blowing wind and sometimes rain. We will provide you with a comprehensive packing list as part of your preparation. Good health and a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.
Meet the
retreat leader
Jan Curl
Our highly trained retreat leaders provide the space and support for you to have a potentially transformational experience. As experts in mindful leadership, she provides valuable guidance on how to be mindful on and off the trail. She also leads the opening meeting on Day 1, explaining what you can expect, the general flow of each day, what’s expected of you, how she’ll support you and all the other logistics you need. She works with our local staff, such as guides and drivers, to keep things safe, on schedule and running smoothly, and facilitates sharing circles, creating a safe space for the group to reflect and share openly.
Leading this retreat is Jan Curl. Jan is a lifelong believer in the benefits of exercise and travel, for the body and mind. With a foundation of discipline and commitment as a collegiate rower at Boston University, Jan created her own outdoor fitness company, FitFirst in 2003 in Berkeley, California. She has led and inspired its members, who range in age from 35 to 70, to meet, often before the sun rises, and work through a full body conditioning program at beautiful outdoor locations throughout the year.
Along with her family and their senior dog, Jan’s favorite things are running and traveling. She considers herself a self-propelled outdoor enthusiast with a love of running trails, mountain biking and swimming in wide open spaces. Her travel adventures have included scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef as well as taking a ten-day silent Buddhist meditation retreat in Thailand. Jan lives her story and delights in supporting others to do so as well.
Retreat Includes
INCLUDED:
- 2 nights Frost & Fire Hotel
- 2 nights Highland Base
- 2 nights Silica Hotel
- Dedicated Retreat Leader
- English speaking local guide
- 5 guided mindful hikes
- Ground transportation, including pick up and drop off at KEF airport*
- 6 breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 6 dinners
- Driver and guide gratuities
- Lunch at Friedheimar Tomato Greenhouse
- Premium Package to the Blue Lagoon with mud masks*
- Unlimited access to the exclusive Silica Lagoon
- Entry to the Laugarvatn Geothermal Baths
- Trail snacks
- Park entrance fees
- Run Wild Retreats gift bag
*One entrance per guest/per stay
EXCLUSIONS:
- Flights to Iceland
- Mixed (ex. mocktails), specialty (ex. lattes) or alcoholic drinks
- Other incidentals (laundry, souvenirs, etc). Any room charges incurred for excluded services/items will be billed to the client.
- Transportation to/from the KEF airport outside of the scheduled group transfers*
- Travel/cancellation insurance
- Anything else not listed under “What’s Included”
Bring a friend, or come alone
Bring a friend, or come alone!
The majority of our retreat participants come on their own. And while many travel companies require single travelers to pay a supplemental fee when there’s an odd number of travelers in a group, we do not. We absorb this cost so you don’t have to pay more simply because you’re traveling solo.
You may book a Shared Room retreat package, in which case we’ll match you with a roommate. All shared rooms have separate beds, one for each person (of course!).
On many trips, we offer Private Single Room options as well. While it does cost more to have a private room, you may select this option to be sure you have a room to yourself.
When traveling with a friend, you’ll each book a shared room package and we will pair you two as roommates.
Your Accommodation
Your retreat package includes:
- 2 nights Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel
- Get off the grid at Frost & Fire, a boutique hotel nestled in the geothermal foothills above Hveragerði village on the banks of the Varmá river, only 40 minutes from Iceland’s capital area and only steps away from the heart of a quaint village. With luxury amenities, an exceptional restaurant and some of the best geothermal swimming and bathing facilities in the area, you will be treated to an authentical Icelandic escape. During your two-night stay at the Frost & Fire, you’ll have free time to enjoy the sauna, an outdoor thermal pool, a thermal river and riverside hot tubs. One of the highlights of staying at Frost & Fire is the exceptional breakfast experience. The hotel takes pride in curating a breakfast spread that showcases the best of Iceland’s culinary heritage. You can savor traditional delicacies like the hverabrauð, a rich rye bread cooked overnight in the ancient hot spring on-site.
- 2 nights Highland Base
- Highland Base in the Kerlingarfjoll Mountains offers an extraordinary experience in the heart of Iceland’s captivating highlands. Located in a pristine natural setting, this hotel offers a unique blend of adventure, comfort and breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by rugged mountains, vast lava fields and pristine rivers, this is our ideal base for exploring this remote and awe-inspiring region. Thoughtfully designed rooms offer comfort and tranquility, ensuring a restful stay. Each room provides magnificent views of the surrounding landscape, allowing guests to appreciate the untamed wilderness that lies just beyond the doorstep. After a day of exploration, guests can relax and unwind in the inviting common areas. Enjoy the warmth of a crackling fireplace while savoring a delicious meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The menu showcases Icelandic flavors and traditions, offering a culinary experience that complements the surrounding natural wonders.
- 2 nights Silica Hotel
- Silica Hotel, a tranquil oasis for guests seeking relaxation and well-being, offers a serene and rejuvenating retreat in the otherworldly landscape surrounding the Blue Lagoon. The hotel’s architecture and design blend harmoniously with the surrounding volcanic terrain, creating a serene atmosphere that complements the rejuvenating powers of the Blue Lagoon. Each hotel room is a haven of comfort and simplicity, designed to create a peaceful and restorative ambiance. You can enjoy views of the rugged lava landscape or the soothing waters of the lagoon, ensuring a truly immersive experience. For our retreat, you have exclusive access the Silica Lagoon, the property’s private lagoon. To enhance your wellness journey, the hotel offers a range of spa amenities and treatments inspired by Icelandic nature for an additional charge. From invigorating massages to rejuvenating facials, skilled therapists use premium products to provide a truly indulgent experience, tailored to your individual needs.
Investment / Pricing
Shared Room Package: (US$6,795)
Private Room Package: (US$8,495)
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Women's Retreat Will Benefit
Clients participating in the Iceland Hiking with Viking Women Retreat can expect a multitude of benefits that extend beyond the physical aspects of the trek. The retreat is carefully designed to provide a holistic and empowering experience, fostering personal growth and self-discovery. Here are some key benefits:
- Empowerment through Nature: The retreat takes place in the stunning landscapes of the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Range, allowing clients to connect with nature and draw strength from the awe-inspiring surroundings. The diverse terrain, including volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls, and hot springs, creates a powerful backdrop for self-reflection and empowerment.
- Cultural Inspiration: Participants delve into Norse mythology, specifically the stories of Valkyries, which serve as symbols of female strength and defiance of gender stereotypes. The cultural narratives shared by Icelandic guides add a rich layer to the experience, inspiring a sense of empowerment rooted in ancient wisdom.
- Mindful Hiking: The mindful trekking through Iceland’s central highlands encourages a connection between physical activity and mental well-being. The rhythmic “crunch” of each step becomes a meditative element, allowing participants to be present in the moment and appreciate the journey.
- Inner and Outer Journey: The retreat offers a dual journey—both inner and outer. While exploring Iceland’s scenic landscapes, participants are guided through a reflective inner journey, contemplating aspects of their lives that empower them and identifying areas for positive change.
- Self-Exploration: Clients are given dedicated time for self-reflection, contemplating their personal strengths, desires, and areas for growth. The retreat leader facilitates this process, helping participants navigate their inner landscapes and gain insights into their own capabilities.
- Clarity and Calm: The varied and picturesque landscapes of Iceland serve as a metaphor for the complexities of life. As participants navigate through volcanoes and hot springs, they naturally untangle their thoughts, finding clarity and peace with both controllable and uncontrollable aspects of their lives.
- Flexibility and Social Connection: The retreat strikes a balance between group activities and individual reflection. Clients have the flexibility to socialize as much or as little as they desire, tailoring the experience to their preferences while still benefiting from the shared energy of the group.
- Expert Guidance: With knowledgeable Icelandic guides leading the way, participants receive expert insights into the natural and cultural aspects of the journey. The guides also play a crucial role in sharing empowering narratives, creating an immersive experience that goes beyond a typical hiking adventure.
In essence, clients emerge from the Iceland Hiking with Viking Women Retreat with a renewed sense of empowerment, a deeper connection to nature, and valuable insights into their own strengths and aspirations. The retreat serves as a transformative experience that goes beyond the ordinary, leaving participants with lasting benefits for their personal and emotional well-being.
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