Join us in our native country of Iceland and get ready to experience a deep connection to nature that is pure, raw, and majestic with a small group of health-conscious and adventurous female travelers.
The beautiful island of Iceland in the North Atlantic Ocean offers nature unlike any other. The island is a geological jewel situated on top of the European and North American tectonic plates. Here you can experience the raw elements of mother nature where the stark contrasts of fire and ice meet in vivid colors and geological formations.
The retreat will take place in the unspoiled and beautiful wilderness of East Iceland, a remote and less-traveled part of the country. Here you will find sublime nature with flowing waterfalls, black sand beaches, lush green valleys, breathtaking canyons, mountains, and hot springs.
Our trip will happen around summer solstice which will offer 24-hours of daylight and plenty of time to enjoy outdoor nature and even dance in the midnight sun!
We will also create opportunities to experience Icelandic culture through food, story telling and of course Icelandic wellness practices such as sauna, cold plunging, and bathing in natural geothermal pools.
“I knew this trip would be life changing before it started, but I didn’t realize how much so. It was hard to imagine beforehand but it exceeded my expectations in every way. The beauty of the trip was all encompassing starting with the mountains all around us to the daily hikes to the people on the journey and the place we stayed. We were immersed in the Icelandic culture and really dug deep on a spiritual level. It was mind and body evoking. The hiking tended to be on a medium to difficult level and pleasantly took me out of my comfort zone. I am so glad I had this experience in my late 40’s, seems like an experience young adults would typically have. So grateful. — Eris Norman
3:30 PM – Pick up at Egilsstadir Airport
(flight FI66 from Reykjavik at 2:30 PM)
4:30 PM – Arrive @ Silfurberg
5:00 PM – Light refreshments
6:00 PM – Short local hike
8:00 PM – Welcome dinner
Get to know each other
7:00 AM – Meditation / Yoga / Breathwork
8:30 AM – Breakfast
9:30 AM – Transport to nature adventure
Hiking (4-7 hr)
Picnic lunch
4:00 PM – Return to Silfurberg and refreshments
4:30 PM – Massage, sauna, hot tub, free time
7:00 PM – Dinner and evening activities – Icelandic culture, reflections, wellness discussions etc.
7:00 AM – Breakfast
8:00 AM – Transport to Egilsstadir Airport
(flight FI61 to Reykjavik at 10:05 AM)
Silfurberg is a small and cozy country sanctuary, beautifully located in Breiddalur Valley in East Iceland, about 45 minutes south of Egilsstadir Airport.
All rooms at Silfurberg have private bathrooms, and are designed with quality and comfort in mind. Silfurberg has several common areas such as lounges, yoga hall, kitchen & dining room, sauna, hot tub and (special / authentic) massage rooms. From Silfurberg you have breathtaking views in all directions, creating a sense of expansiveness and tranquility. It’s a place where you can relax and unwind after an adventurous day of hiking and exploring.
“I enjoyed every second, and my heart and soul were touched by every hike, every moment. The themes selected, the metaphors drawn from the nature we were experiencing, the silent walks, and the opportunities to build relationships of solidarity and trust were unforgettable. We also had time to enjoy and take care of ourselves, feeling and living deeply in the moment. The surprises, the fun, the excitement—these are moments that will stay in my heart forever. Linda and Kristin put their hearts into it, and we all felt it. It was a life-changing experience. — Nancy Arias
Linda Petursdottir is a functional nutrition and wellness coach and the founder of Simple Well Being. For almost two decades, she has empowered women to implement sustainable nutrition and lifestyle changes that support the body's natural ability to heal and thrive (not just survive). The many Icelandic wellness rituals are well aligned with Simple Well Being.
Linda loves being outdoors and staying physically active in nature. She was a three-time Icelandic National Champion in Gymnastics. As a wife and a mother of two teenage boys, she applies the principles of Simple Well Being to her own life and family with lots of nourishing home-cooked meals and outdoor travel adventures. Linda also actively practices yoga and various types of breathwork and meditation.
Kristin Petursdottir is an executive coach and business leader who is passionate about leadership development and using nature to enhance personal growth. She loves to take clients into the Icelandic wilderness to stretch out of their daily comfort zone and experience how the stillness and energy of nature can bring clarity and growth.
Kristin has over 25 years of leadership experience as a company founder, CEO and Chairman of multiple boards she gained in the international financial and technology sectors. She is a certified yoga and mindfulness teacher who thrives in nature, loves hiking, biking, skiing and fly-fishing.
Skuli Juliusson is a born nature lover and a full-time certified mountain guide. For the last decade and a half, Skuli has lead groups through East Iceland's rugged mountains, accumulating a wealth of intimate knowledge about its most exquisite trails and landscapes. Irrespective of Iceland's ever-changing weather patterns, Skuli has a reputation for selecting the perfect trail, always prioritizing an optimal balance between adventure and safety.
Albert Eiriksson is a renowned food blogger with a passion for promoting healthy eating and culinary etiquette. Known for his knack for turning nutritious ingredients into mouthwatering masterpieces, Albert is a go-to source for anyone looking to improve their diet while indulging in delicious meals. With his warm personality and dedication to spreading the joy of wholesome cooking, Albert is not only a food guru but also a genuinely good-hearted individual.
“Linda and Kristin’s retreat was truly the most amazing, energizing uplifting and also grounding experience I have ever shared with a group of women. The wild nature of Iceland is truly the place to find yourself, to be, feel, reflect, and breathe. These two sisters have the most amazing energy and balance together, This is the trip of a lifetime. Thank you incredible women!” — Lara Harvey
This trip is intended for adventurous midlife women who: 1) Love the outdoors and wellness. 2) Are physically fit. The daily hikes will range from 5-9 miles (4-7 hours) with elevation gains up to 3,000 feet, so good stamina and fitness are essential. 3) Crave variety. Beyond hiking, we’ll have daily yoga, breathwork sessions, sauna time, massage, hot tubs, and more to relax and restore. 4) Appreciate local culture and healthy cuisine – You’ll immerse in Icelandic traditions while enjoying nutritious meals made from fresh, local ingredients. 5) Enjoy connecting with fellow travelers – This journey is also about forming meaningful connections with like-minded women who share a passion for adventure and well-being.
Daytime temperatures on the east coast of Iceland during this time of year typically range from 40°F to 75°F. The weather here is famously unpredictable—it can change in a moment. While it’s summer, it can still be rainy, windy, and quite cool, but we’re just as likely to have clear, sunny days with no wind. Regardless of the conditions, we’ll head out into the elements, as it’s all part of the authentic Icelandic experience! Our experienced mountain guide will always take us to where the weather is best, making adjustments as needed so you can fully enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty. But, remember, the local saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing!” So pack for all possibilities and get ready for adventure.
About three months before the retreat, we’ll host monthly gatherings to connect, set clear expectations, and prepare together for training and packing. Many past participants shared that this preparation added an unexpectedly fun dimension to the experience, building anticipation and a sense of camaraderie before the journey even began.
A detailed packing list will be sent to you once you sign up for the trip. For now, know that it is most important that you have solid hiking boots that are broken in. You will also need layers so you can take off or add on as needed with varying weather conditions including rain jacket and pants. And of course you will want to bring a swim suit, yoga clothes and other comfortable attire.
Food and nutrition are central to this retreat and we’ve partnered with an exceptional chef who will craft all our meals from scratch. Our menu will be plant-forward, featuring fresh produce from a local organic farm, alongside Icelandic fish, lamb, and traditional Icelandic skyr (similar to Greek yogurt). While we offer options for dairy-free and gluten-free diets, we are unable to accommodate strict vegan requirements. Each meal will highlight the local flavors and nourishment to complement your wellness journey.
If you’d like to explore more of Iceland, we highly encourage you to add several days on the front end of your trip to adjust to local time before the retreat starts, and and to fully experience the incredible sights, culture, and shopping Iceland has to offer. Past participants have enjoyed taking three days before the retreat to drive along the stunning south and east coasts, visiting some of the country’s most breathtaking sights. If you’re interested, we can provide suggestions and connect you with tour companies for tailored experiences that suit your interests.
Egilsstadir is approximately 500 miles from Reykjavik and you can either take a domestic flight from Reykjavik (1 hour) or drive, which will take approximately 9 hours. Silfurberg is located 45 minutes south of Egilsstadir.
For any additional questions, please email us at linda@simplewellbeing.com
“This is the most diverse, and exciting travel experience I’ve ever had. Linda and Kristin did an incredible job of crafting a trip that is fun and restoring while being immersed in the beauty of their native country. I wouldn’t hesitate to travel with them as they are masters at their craft of combining enrichment of the body, mind, and spirit. — Rebecca Dearman