Iceland’s Knitting Tours: A Journey of Craft, Culture, and Connection with Green Edventures

NATIONWIDE - JANUARY 2026 - (USAnews.com) In a quiet corner of Iceland, amidst its dramatic landscapes, a group of women gathers around, their hands busy with yarn as they weave together stories, stitches, and memories. It’s not just a knitting retreat, it’s an experience that challenges the definition of a creative journey. This is one of the unique tours offered by Green Edventures, a women-owned eco-tourism company founded by Tara Short, that empowers women to explore the world while crafting lasting connections.

From Dreamer to Founder: The Green Edventures Story

Tara Short’s path to founding Green Edventures was fueled by a belief that adventure could be a transformative experience, one that fosters not only personal growth but also deep connections with nature and culture. In 2008, Tara used her last $1,000 to launch a company dedicated to providing eco-friendly, educational travel experiences. Seven years as an environmental educator had given Tara the insight to design tours that would protect people, places, and ecosystems, with a focus on sustainability and meaningful engagement.

Tara’s initial aim was to create group travel experiences that encouraged women to step out of their comfort zones, to embrace the unknown, and to form connections that would stay with them long after the trip had ended. “When women come together, something extraordinary happens,” Tara says. “They lift each other up, inspire courage, and encourage one another to achieve what once felt impossible.”

And thus, Green Edventures was born, an eco-tour company that began with educational student tours and quickly expanded into adventures for women, offering an array of immersive, conservation-focused travel experiences across the globe.

Iceland Knitting Tours: More Than Just Yarn and Patterns

One of the standout experiences that Green Edventures has recently introduced is its Iceland Knitting Tours, which have become a particularly popular niche. Unlike the typical knitting getaway, Green Edventures’ tours are an immersive combination of craft, culture, and adventure. Participants not only learn traditional Icelandic knitting techniques but also explore Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, from its volcanoes to its stunning waterfalls, alongside like-minded women who share a passion for both creativity and exploration.

The tours feature the renowned Icelandic Lopapeysa sweater, a garment that has been knitted for generations. Travelers have the opportunity to participate in the traditional réttir sheep round-up, an experience that allows them to gather wool from Icelandic sheep in an authentic, community-oriented setting. “It’s not just about knitting,” Tara explains. “It’s about being part of something bigger, a celebration of culture, nature, and craftsmanship. You’re learning a skill that connects you to Iceland’s rich history while building lasting friendships with other women who share your love for adventure.”

The tours, designed for both beginners and experienced knitters, take participants on a journey through the country’s wildest terrain, providing ample opportunity to knit by the fireside, learn from Icelandic knitting designers, and explore Iceland’s majestic landscapes. It’s a retreat where women can deepen their connection to both nature and their creative selves.

Why Iceland? A Perfect Backdrop for Creativity and Adventure

Iceland is often referred to as a land of contrasts, with its mix of glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and rugged coastlines. It’s a place where creativity thrives, inspired by the dramatic surroundings and rich cultural traditions. Green Edventures has tapped into Iceland’s unique appeal, offering not just a knitting tour but a complete cultural immersion.

On their tours, travelers explore local villages, visit artisans’ workshops, and learn from Icelandic experts who share their insights into the country’s history and textile traditions. The Lopapeysa sweater, for example, is more than just a piece of clothing; it’s a symbol of Iceland’s agricultural history, community, and connection to the land. Participants don’t just learn how to knit, they learn the story behind the craft, how it’s linked to Iceland’s heritage, and how it reflects the country’s relationship with its natural resources.

Icelandic knitting experts, many of whom are women, guide these tours, sharing their knowledge of traditional patterns and teaching participants how to create their own unique pieces. This exchange of skills and stories fosters a sense of community that transcends borders. It’s an empowering experience for women to learn from other women, building not only a skill but also a network of supportive friendships.

Green Edventures’ Unique Approach: Empowering Women, Supporting Sustainability

What truly sets Green Edventures apart from other travel companies is its unwavering commitment to sustainability and women’s empowerment. Each tour is thoughtfully designed to minimize environmental impact while fostering educational experiences. Tara has always believed in travel that is responsible, both in terms of its effect on the environment and its impact on local communities. This philosophy is central to Green Edventures’ operations, from the small group sizes (averaging just 12 participants) to the partnerships with local operators and artisans that ensure a truly authentic experience.

As part of its eco-conscious approach, Green Edventures donates to environmental causes, such as the Amazon Rainforest Conservancy, and ensures that its tours support conservation efforts wherever they go. The company partners with locally owned operators and expert guides, ensuring that every trip has a positive impact on the destinations they visit.

“We’re not just about taking people to places, we’re about making sure that the places we visit are respected and supported,” says Tara. “Our goal is to create lasting, meaningful experiences for our travelers while also contributing to the preservation of the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems.”

Beyond the Tour: Building Lifelong Connections

The Iceland Knitting Tours are more than just an exploration of craft and culture, they’re about building lasting connections. For many of the women who join these tours, it’s their first time stepping outside their comfort zones, embarking on an adventure where they’ll not only learn a new skill but also forge friendships that can last a lifetime.

As one participant recently shared, “I arrived at the tour feeling like I was in a foreign land, unsure of what to expect. But by the end, I had found a community of women who had become lifelong friends. The adventure, the knitting, the camaraderie, it was all more than I could have imagined.”

Take the Leap, Join Green Edventures on an Iceland Knitting Tour

Green Edventures’ Icelandic knitting tours offer more than just a creative escape, they offer a chance to reconnect with yourself, nature, and a community of like-minded women. Whether you’re a beginner looking to dive into the world of knitting or a seasoned crafter seeking an unforgettable adventure, these tours provide the perfect balance of creativity, culture, and camaraderie.

Are you ready to embark on your own adventure? Visit Green Edventures’ website to learn more about their Icelandic knitting tours, including the Knitting & Northern Lights with Réttir Sheep Round-Up and Westfjords Lopapeysa Sweater Tour. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook. 

Join Green Edventures on a journey that blends craft, culture, and connection. Your next adventure awaits!