Modern interpretations of Norse mythology regard Valkyries as feminist symbols of power and strength. Portrayed as formidable female warriors who posses muscled bodies, strong wills and fierce independence, tales of the Valkyries in the Icelandic Sagas and other historic texts will inspire you to explore your inner Viking goddess.
At the Iceland Hiking with Viking Women Retreat, we do just that. Hiking mindfully through the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Range of Iceland’s central highlands, you will revel in your daring for embarking on this Arctic adventure. Traversing a gentle trail across a treeless ridge of red-streaked volcanic rhyolite, each step you take makes a rhythmic “crunch” that encourages a steady pace.
About hiking in Iceland
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.
Mindfulness + Viking lore
With tales of the Valkyries inspiring your travels through this landscape once conquered by Vikings, your retreat leader will offers ways to make your retreat more mindful, particularly as while hiking these breathtaking trails through soaring mountain ranges, glacier-carved valleys and plunging river canyons. This practice will help you be more present without the distractions of everyday life and responsibilities, and afford you the space and opportunity to find stillness of mind while your body remains in motion. Through this practice, you'll tap into kind of inner power and agency the Valkyries-- female Viking warriors--once embodied.
The Weather
The weather in Iceland can be summarized in one word: wet! Prepare for wet weather so if we’re treated to sunny, dry conditions (which does happen!), then it’s a bonus. Especially when we’re running along the southern coast, it can be cool and windy, and rain is highly likely. The average daytime temperatures are in the low- to mid-fifties, though it can reach the 60s on a sunny day. In the packing list we’ll supply for you, we highly recommend lightweight rain pants and a waterproof-breathable rain jacket. It won’t be raining the whole time, but for those times it is raining, you’ll be glad to have the right gear!
About
Gallery
About The Host
Dedicated Retreat Leader
Our highly trained retreat leaders provide the space and support for you to have a potentially transformational experience. As expert 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.
Itinerary
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
What is the average pace of the runs at these retreats?
Since our retreats take place on trails of varying types, we can characterize the runs by a specific pace-per-mile.
In general, we approach all the retreat runs with a very relaxed, social pace. We stop frequently to eat and drink and take photos (there are always lots of photo ops on our runs!). And depending on the terrain, there is times where we hike rather than run. Within every group there’s always a wide range in running pace, which is why we always have two or three guides with us.
One is at the front the group, one at the back and one floating around between the various pace groups. This way, everyone gets to go at their own pace and not feel rushed.
Is it OK if I come alone? Would I have to pay a "single supplement?"
YES you can come alone, and NO, it won’t cost you more!
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.
What is the group size on your trips?
We keep the group size as small as possible, usually between 8 to 16 women, depending on the destination. Please check individual retreat-specific information pages for the maximum group size.
What is included in the retreat package?
The itinerary varies, but generally includes ground transportation during the retreat, some airport transfers, professional trail running guides, run coaching, accommodations, most meals, activities, wellness workshops, custom souvenirs and support from your retreat leader. Excluded from the package are airfare, alcoholic drinks, purchases of a personal nature, guide gratuities, additional activities before or after the retreat.
Can I use my Garmin, phone or other GPS device to record the runs?
This retreat is a special opportunity to be present in a way that is hard to find in your regular routine. That’s why it’s call a retreat! By participating in this retreat, you are embarking on a journey of inner exploration as much as one of external exploration. You are embarking on a journey to a beautiful new destination, one that offers scenery and cultural experiences you can savor and enjoy. The inner exploration has to do with creating space to observe the feelings that arise throughout the retreat, noticing them and savoring them. With that in mind, we have introduced a Presence Policy that is designed to enhance your retreat experience so that you get the most from it. This policy asks that you:
- When on the trails, keep your phone in Airplane Mode. This way, you can use as much as you like to take photos (which we strongly encourage!), but aren’t distracted by incoming messages or phone calls.
- Turn off all audible sounds from your watch or GPS devices. If you have an electronic device that is making sounds, your retreat leader will ask you turn it off.
- Even better: leave your watch behind! There’s no need to log, map, measure or time your runs while on the retreat. You will have a richer retreat experience if you forego all forms of measurement and focus on the purpose of each day’s run: to practice mindful presence.
- Turn off your phone (or leave it in your hotel room) during the meetings, sharing circles and during group meals. There is plenty of time in the day, while traveling from place to place or free time, during which you can catch up with friends and family, post photos to social media, etc. We simply ask that you don’t do this during group time.
Are all your trips one-size-fits-all or do you have differing levels of challenge?
Our goal is to make our retreats accessible to runners of various ability and fitness levels. Having said that, some retreats are better suited to runners with more endurance and trail running experience than others.
What is the difference between a running camp and a running retreat?
Running camps generally focus on workouts and coaching for building fitness and improving run performance. Our focus is on building the foundation of health you need before you can safely and sustainably build fitness. That’s why our retreats are truly a retreat from your everyday routine and offer you a mental and physical break. That space allows you to slow down, tune in and rediscover what your body and heart are craving right now. Our retreats are enriching immersions that blend running, travel, adventure, education and community.