Yoga & Hike Midnightsun Retreat in Iceland

Description

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.
 

Next Retreats 

• Dates 2024
• 13.07.  - 18.07.2025

Price 

• Shared Double Room: 1850 Euro (Price in ISK for the booking) 
  Book your place by paying a deposit of 50.000 ISK  (ca. 360€)
• Single Room: 2160 Euro (Price in ISK for the booking) 
  Book your place by paying a deposit of 50.000 ISK (ca. 360€)
   

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 farmhouse and artgallery on the  countryside.
 

Monday: 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 a hearty meal in a prestigious restaurant in Akureyri.
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 (3 hours of Hike). 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.
 

Tuesday: 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 very tastful 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

 

Wednesday: 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.  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. In one of the locations we will do our outdoor yoga!
We go then to dinner at a cafe with local Arctic char (or veg. version) overviewing Dimmuborgir and the lake  
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. . Face to face with the midnightsun we make our way home. Hike: short walks or 1,5 h hike
 

Thursday: 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 those who are into it, the Polar Bear plunge awaits you...For dinner we will still be in Hrísey and enjoy the catch of the day. In the light of the midnight sun the ferry takes us back to the mainland. Hike: 1.5 - 2 hrs

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 the magic forest at a canyon. On our silent walk we can sense the magic of the Elves and marvel at the canyon and integrate the experiences of the week. 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 treat yourself to 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

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)