Yoga & Hike Golden Autumn Retreat Iceland – Dates 2026

Autumn in Iceland awakens every sense: the vivid colours of the plants, the crisp air, and the sweetness of ripe berries create a powerful prelude to winter’s quiet. As the season slows, migratory birds and most visitors leave the island, while local life becomes more visible than ever. Berries and mushrooms are ready to be gathered, the landscape glows with colour, and horses and sheep return from the mountains to the valleys in traditional round-ups. It is a remarkable time to experience the intimate rhythm of rural Iceland up close.

Next Retreats

Dates 2026: 11.10.-

Dates 2027: 10.10. -

Program of the retreat

Sunday: Individual arrival in Akureyri
Depending on your arrival time, you may unwind at the hotel or enjoy your first visit to Akureyri’s swimming pool, complete with three different hot pots and a steam bath. At 17:00, we invite you on a short city tour to get to know your new home for the week. To begin our time together, we welcome you to Iceland with dinner at a beautiful farmhouse and art gallery in the countryside.

Note: Free pick-up is offered for the flight arriving in Akureyri at 16.15.

Monday: Yoga above the cliffs of Akureyri with fantastic views of the fjord
We begin with a 1.5-hour indoor yoga practice at a beautifully nature-embedded yoga center. After a hearty meal in a private home in Akureyri, we head out for an inspiring hike above the cliffs. Along the way, we pause at a scenic spot for another yoga practice in nature. At the top, sweeping views open over the fjord and mountains during the 3-hour hike. After returning from the longest hike of the week, we continue to our yoga and spa center to relax in the brand-new spa.

Tuesday: Tröllaskagi - Yoga in the mountains of the trolls
Late in the morning, we drive north to the Troll Peninsula and into one of the North’s most beautiful valleys, Svarfaðadalur. Deep in this mountain world, we reach the old Skeið farm at the end of the valley. From there, we hike through the idyllic landscape to a mountain lake, where you can rest or join another yoga session in a majestic natural setting. For the more adventurous, a dip in the lake offers the ultimate Nordic challenge. Back at Skeið, our hostess Myriam serves a delicious meal, and we have time to enjoy both the food and the peaceful atmosphere. Hiking time: 2 hours. Later, we return to the yoga center for a restorative Yin Yoga class.

Wednesday: In Mývatn - yoga on hot ground
We start the day with a 1.5-hour indoor yoga sequence. At lunchtime, we set off for one of Iceland’s most fascinating regions: Lake Mývatn. Here, we explore an active volcanic area filled with hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and striking colours. Our first stop is Lake Ljosavatn for outdoor yoga. We then continue to Goðafoss, the waterfall of the Gods, before arriving in Mývatn. Short hikes take us through the green pseudocraters of Skútustaðir, the mystical lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the continental divide, and the colourful volcanic landscapes of Krafla and Námaskarð. Dinner follows at a café overlooking Dimmuborgir and the lake, with local Arctic char or a vegetarian option. Afterwards, we relax in the warm waters of the Nature Baths, the Blue Lagoon of the North, with views over the Mývatn area. Facing the midnight sun, we make our way home. Hike: short walks of 10 to 20 minutes at each scenic stop.

Thursday: Yoga on an island in the middle of the fjord
After a morning indoor yoga sequence, we drive along the west coast of Eyjafjörður to the Sævar ferry. The ferry brings us to Hrísey, a small island in the fjord. A short walk leads to a spectacular viewpoint, considered one of the most powerful places in Iceland and an ideal setting for rest and a yoga session. We then continue along dramatic cliffs, taking in the rich birdlife. Back in the village, we enjoy a warm pool with wonderful views, and for those who wish, the Polar Bear plunge awaits. Dinner is served on the island, with the catch of the day or a delicious vegan meal. In the light of the midnight sun, the ferry returns us to the mainland. Hike: 1.5–2 hours.

Friday: Yoga in the Elves forest at a powerful canyon
We begin with our final 1.5-hour indoor yoga sequence, bringing the yoga circle to a close. After a break, we head south to explore the area around Akureyri. Our first stop is a magical forest by a canyon, where a silent walk invites us to sense the presence of the Elves and reflect on the week’s experiences. We then visit one of the last six remaining turf house churches, offering a glimpse into Icelandic life through the ages. Next, we stop at a farm that makes its own ice cream, where you can enjoy a truly local treat made on site. We then return to Akureyri and drop you either at your guesthouse, if you are staying another night, or at the local airport. Please book your departure flight for 16:45.

Note: If winter arrives early, some hikes may change into snowshoeing tours.

Attention points

Group: Maximum of 16 to 18 participants

Accommodation: The week is spent at our partner Hotel Akureyri, offering a high level of comfort.

Transportation: All transport is included, including airport pick-up at the designated time, transfers between the hotel and yoga studio, transport for all excursions, and drop-off on departure day. Pick-up on arrival day is at 16.15 at Akureyri airport, and drop-off on departure day is at 16.00.

Yoga: Yoga sessions are led by Ulrica Seiler. Daily yoga totals 2 to 2.5 hours and takes place both indoors and outdoors in nature. Typically, the morning session is in our brand-new Yogashala, while the afternoon session is in pure nature.

Hiking: The hikes lead through diverse landscapes of North Iceland. They last between 1.5 and 3 hours and are technically easy. A qualified guide accompanies all tours. If snow conditions occur in the mountains, the hikes will be changed into snowshoeing tours, with equipment provided.

Meals: Breakfast buffet is included. Either lunch or dinner is included as outlined in the programme. We generally recommend bringing a small lunch box, as we are out on tours.

What's included

• Daily 2 yoga sessions: morning yoga in the modern Yoga Studio and afternoon yoga in the middle of Icelandic nature, depending on the excursion and weather
• 5 nights’ accommodation in a shared double room or single room with extra charge at cozy Hotel Akureyri, within easy walking distance of the town’s most beautiful corners; the hotel also has its own restaurant
• Breakfast buffet included
• Excursion to the island of Hrisey, the “Pearl of the North,” with an experienced guide, including ferry ticket and entrance to the swimming pool
• Tour to the famous Mývatn area with an experienced guide, including admission to the Mývatn Nature Baths
• Excursion to Tröllaskagi, the “Troll Mountains,” with an experienced guide
• Hike over the cliffs of Akureyri with an experienced guide
• 1x access to the spa area of our international yoga center, including towels, sauna, spa, relaxation area, outdoor jacuzzi, teas, and water
• Transfers within Akureyri according to the programme, including airport transfer to and from Akureyri airport
• 3 dinners and 2 lunches with vegetarian and vegan alternatives; drinks not included