Iceland Adventure 2026 - Textiles, Sightseeing and Food- Part 2
It’s been just about a month since returning from the Land of Fire & Ice as Iceland is know. I’m still struck by its magic and majesty. The landscapes were otherworldly, the people kind and charming and the experience magical overall. Here is our Part 2 of our Iceland Adventure:
Angie in front of n Rainbow at Seljalandsfoss. Iceland
South Coast Tour
We started our South Coast Tour with a visit to Uppspunni Mini-mill - A woolen mill and yarn store in Hella, Iceland. Hulda, the proprietress was so charming and just a little magical. After perusing her yarn for a time, we were led downstairs into the mill, where Hulda demonstrated how her machines worked. She had about six different machines including a carding machine and spinning machine. Much more efficient than hand spinning but there is something special about knowing how both are done. And Hulda’s Uppspuni, isn’t a large manufacturing plant. It’s indeed a “Mini” mill where she spins wool into yarn from sheep that her family raise. And it was truly the softest yarn we’ve felt thus far.
Hulda putting wool into one of the machines and an inside view of the yarn store at Uppspuni mini-mill in Hella,Iceland
We made yarn!
Hulda also talked with us about sheep farming in Iceland. The sheep are free-range from May through September and then come to live inside the Barn for the Autumn, Winter & Spring where they are sheered once at entering and again before they exit in May. Half of the heard is then taken to the highlands to graze in the Summer. I was completely obsessed and had so many questions.
Kasia & Vickery with their yarn and Hulda and Bernie with Bernie's hand crocheted wool sitting pad
Learning from Hulda
This was one of my favorite parts of the trip, so bear with me a little longer. We were then given some of the best coffee and cream I have ever had and shown how to finger crochet using this beautiful super bulky yarn. If I remember correctly, we each got a skein that came from one specific sheep. I had never finger crocheted before, but it was fairly easy to catch on. We all went home with a hand crocheted sitting pad along with a sweet gift of yarn and a knitting pattern. Sadly, the sweaters on display were only ON DISPLAY as examples of patterns one could purchase. But thankfully the yarn was for sale. And that yarn was absolutely purchased, as most of us are knitters.
Beautiful Sweaters to look at and Yarn for sale
The Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
The rest of the day, was spent visiting waterfalls and the town of Vik. We had a lovely meal at the Skogafoss restaurant and then went for a quick viewing of the majestic site. Bernie and Samantha hiked to the top of Skogafoss, while the rest of us explored from the base of the falls. It’s very difficult to gauge the scale of these earthly wonders and we kept getting blessed with rainbows everywhere we went.
Skogafoss (Left image) and Sedjalandsfoss (Right Image) waterfalls
The Town of Vik
We also stopped in the town of Vik for a short visit to Katla, a small knitting mill with a great shop. They made primarily blankets but also sweaters of both machine and hand knit varieties. We were graced with outstanding weather, so we headed up the hill to the town church and a breathtaking view of the sea.
Katla Knitting and a sheep blanket just off the machine
Locally made Icelandic Troll Dolls and the Vik Church
Pingvellir and The Golden Circle
On the second to the last day of our trip our wonderful driver, Kidde took us on a tour of the Golden Circle including Pingvellir National Park, Gulfoss Waterfall and Geysir Geothermal Field. Pingvellir was our first stop. It is the majestic valley where the North American and Eurasian techtonic plates meet. They are drifting apart approximately 1 inch per year and have created an unusual valley and landscape. This is also where the Original Icelandic clan leaders in met each year to make laws and settle disputes.
The Drowning pool at Pingvellir and surrounding land fissures.
Our group with our Guide from Kidde's Icelandic tours looking out onto the Pingvellir valley
From Pingvellir we ventured on to Gulfoss and the the Geysir Geothermal fields before heading back to Reykjavik for an amazing meal at Kol Restaurant.
Crafting at the Fosshotel in Reykjavik
Our Final Day in Reykjavik
We started our final day with a crafting session at our hotel and then ventured off to explore Reykjavik at our leisure. Angie and I did some shopping, Bernie did some painting and practiced his Russian, Kasia, Vickery and Amy did some powerhouse thrift shopping , visited the Punk Museum (which is located in a decommissioned public restroom) and also ventured to the National Gallery for a quick view of the Bjork & James Merry exhibit. Among other things, Angie & Celeste visited the Hand Knitters Guild. I was so sorry to have missed that so it will be on my bucket list for next year’s trip. Samantha spent the morning at a local Hot Spring, which is another thing I would like to do as well.
Door to Hand Knitters Guild, Vickery at the Punk Museum, Kasia and Amy at the Bjork exhibit, Reykjavik
Crafting and Dining at Fosshotel Reykjavik
We ended our final day with a farewell dinner at the Fosshotel Reykjavik which was lovely. Amy gifted me this canvas bag that I had overlooked buying, which was perfect! While I went back to my room, a few of the others, couldn’t help but keep crafting in the bar. We left early the next morning for our long journey home.
This was definitely an epic trip (TREAT) for all of us and I am already planning next year’s excursion in Mid May. We’ll revisit a few of the experiences we had on this trip and try out some new ones. I would like to add Horseback riding to the adventure: The Icelandic horses are so very special. And possibly visit a hot river and the West Fjords.
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Haven’t read part one of this post? You can read it here:
Until Next Time, happy crafting in beautiful places!
xo Jennifer