Yoga & Hike Golden Autumn Retreat Iceland

Description

The autumn excites all the senses: the colors of the plants, the clear air and the sweetness of the ripe berries. The play of color shows the strong energy of nature before the winter silence begins.

Slowly calmness is coming: the migratory birds and most of the tourists now leave Iceland. But life here once again awakens to full power: the berries and mushrooms are ripe; the colors are shining, and horses and sheep are brought back from the mountains to the valleys in huge round-ups. A wonderful time to have an intensive insight to Iceland´s life.

As the high summer comes to an end and the migrating birds start leaving the country, Iceland awakes to a new magic, the magic of colors and light of the autumn; the blueberries and mushrooms are ripe, the horses and sheep are brought back from the mountains to the valleys in huge round-ups. A wonderful time to have a first-hand insight into life in rural Iceland and with a little luck you will be gazing at the first Northern Lights of autumn.

Next Retreats

• Dates 2024
• 13.10.- 18.10.2024
  

Price

• Double Shared Room: 1850 Euro (Price in ISK for the booking) 
• Single Room: 2160 Euro (Price in ISK for the booking) 
• Book your spot by paying a deposit of 45.000 ISK (ca. 320€)

Program of the retreat

Sunday: Individual arrival in Akureyri
Depending on your arrival, you can relax in the accommodation, 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 17:00 (5pm), we invite you to take a short city tour to get acquainted with your new hometown. 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 continue our hike along spectacular cliffs and marvel at the rich birdlife. 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 twilight 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, the contintental divide, 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 . On our drive home we are hopeful to see the Northern Lights. Hike: short walks or 1,5 h hike

Wednesday: Tröllaskagi - In the mountains of the trolls
We start the day earlier with a morning yoga sequence of 1,5h indoor. In the late morning 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. Then we hike through the idyllic valley up to a mountain lake. Either you use the time to rest here or join another yoga session in a majestic nature setting. Back at the farm Skeid, our hostess Myriam serves us a classic Icelandic dish: grilled lamb or as an alternative a vegetarian option. We not only enjoy the hearty meal but as well the serenity of this peaceful place. Back home you can enjoy time in your own outdoor jacuzzi at the apartment. Hike: 2 hrs

Thursday: Gorgeous view of the fjord
We start the morning with a yoga sequence at the fabulously in nature nestled yoga center. A 1.5 hrs indoor practice awaits you.
We have another hearty meal in a the top flor restaurant in Akureyri with a wonderful view over the habour.4.
After lunch we go for an inspired hike above the cliffs of Akureyri. On the way up to the cliffs we stop in a scenic spot for an ever-new yoga practice. Once we have reached the height of the cliffs, we enjoy an amazing view over the fjord and mountains all the way.
Hike; 3 hrs
Upon our return from the longest hike of the week, we drive over to our Yoga & PSA center to relax in the brand-new SPA. 

Friday: Yoga at rushing waterfalls
We start the morning with our final yoga sequence 1.5 hrs indoor and thus close the yoga circle. After a break we head out south to get to know the closer area of Akureyri. Our first stop is dedicated to hidden waterfalls. We stroll along this river, marvel at the rushing waterfall and integrate the experiences of the week. On the yoga rock you can for a last time transcend space and time in a yoga posture. Afterwards we head to one of the last six remaining turf house churches, an insight into life in Iceland throughout the ages. Then we continue our loop to a farm that produces their own ice cream. That is the chance for you to enjoy an excellent ice cream that is produced on location...it doesn't get more local. Then we drive back to Akureyri and drop you either at the bus station, a guesthouse (if you stay another night) or the local airport. Please book your departure between 4 and 6pm.

Attention points

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)