Green Edventures’ Iceland Knitting Tours for Women: Weaving Culture, Creativity, Tradition, and Community Together

Since its founding in 2009, Green Edventures Tours has specialized in eco-conscious, small-group educational travel for women focusing on experiences that foster connections with nature, culture, and local communities. Among its diverse offerings is a knitting-focused tour in Iceland, where participants engage with the country’s textile heritage while exploring its landscapes and traditions.

A Journey Through Icelandic Knitting Traditions

Knitting has been a vital part of Icelandic culture and Icelandic women for centuries, with the iconic lopapeysa sweater serving as both a functional garment and a symbol of national heritage. Green Edventures' knitting tours provide participants with opportunities to engage with local artisans, shepherds, and historians, learning about the full journey of Icelandic wool from sheep to sweater.

“Our knitting tours extend beyond learning new patterns or stitches,” says Tara Short, CEO and Founder of Green Edventures. “They’re about experiencing Iceland’s natural beauty, exploring traditional craftsmanship, and connecting with like-minded women who share a passion for fiber arts.”

The company offers two distinct Iceland knitting experiences for women, each highlighting different aspects of Icelandic fiber traditions:

• Knitting & Northern Lights with Réttir Sheep Round-Up Tour – Held during the annual réttir, a community event in which locals round up sheep from the highlands, this tour offers insight into the early stages of wool production. Participants also take part in expert-led knitting workshops, guided Northern Lights excursions, and visits to Iceland’s unique geological sites.

• West Fjords Lopapeysa Sweater Tour – This experience focuses on the craftsmanship behind Iceland’s famous sweater. Travelers learn traditional knitting techniques alongside skilled Icelandic knitters in the remote and scenic Westfjords, while also visiting historic sites and meeting local shepherds.

Community and Creativity in a Unique Setting

These tours emphasize community and shared learning, bringing together women of all ages and skill levels in a supportive environment. Research has shown that group activities involving creative expression, such as knitting, can enhance well-being and foster social connections (Riley, Corkhill, & Morris, 2013). Whether an experienced knitter or a beginner, participants benefit from the collective experience of crafting something by hand in an inspiring setting.

Although knitting is often considered a solitary activity, these tours highlight its collaborative and social aspects. Travelers exchange stories over Icelandic coffee, support each other in mastering new techniques, and take on other adventures together, such as hiking through lava fields or relaxing in geothermal hot springs.

Sustainable and Locally Driven Travel

In alignment with Green Edventures’ commitment to sustainable tourism, these tours prioritize partnerships with local guides, artisans, and small businesses. The use of locally sourced materials, traditional crafting methods, and eco-conscious travel practices contributes to preserving Iceland’s cultural and environmental heritage.

Knitting as a Transformative Travel Experience