MEET YOUR SHADOW IN ICELAND:

UPDATES, PACKING, AND ITINERARY

updates

As you may know, Iceland has recently experienced seismic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula and expects that a volcanic eruption could potentially occur in the coming days. 

We, together with our Iceland partners, are currently working to monitor the situation daily. This includes monitoring all of your respective countries' recommendations for travel, as well as the Icelandic government's tourism and meteorological departments. 

Our Icelandic partner and geologist has some updates to share:

On November 10th, the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management declared a Level of Danger in response to increased seismic activity and the likelihood of an eruption in the area around the town of Grindavík. The town of Grindavík has been evacuated as the expectation is that if an eruption occurs, it will happen very close to the town.

This area is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity, located on and near many active volcanic systems. The volcanic activity appears to be a continuation of the increase in activity and eruptions that we have seen on the Reykjanes peninsula since 2021. The previous eruptions in 2021, 2022 and 2023 all occurred a little further away from Grindavík, into areas that had no infrastructure or residences. The 2 most recent eruptions only lasted for a couple of weeks before stopping entirely. During those eruptions, visits to the eruption sites were frequently made by locals and tourists to safely witness the eruption. This time, the eruption has the chance of occurring closer to the town and its infrastructure and residences, which is why the danger level exists, and the town has been evacuated.

Reykjavík and all other areas of Iceland are considered safe and are unaffected by the risk of volcanic activity.[…] We expect no impact on your trip, or your travel to Iceland. There is no expectation that the airport or flights to Iceland will be affected by the volcanic activity, similar to flights not being affected during the eruptions of 2021, 2022 or 2023.

Because our retreat location is not close to the eruption site, our main consideration is whether flights would be affected. While the airport is on the Peninsula, experts anticipate that a Fagradalsfjall eruption, the same volcano that erupted in 2021 and 2022, would not affect flights because it is unlikely to produce enough ash. This is in contrast to the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption, which affected international flights extensively due to an interaction between the magma and ice. 

The only portion of our itinerary that an eruption would affect is our excursion on December 7th, which would be changed to a different excursion site (equally unique and rich). 

As of today, the Icelandic Meteorological Office has reported that the size and intensity of the activity is decreasing. If the trip is anticipated to affect flights, CP will postpone this retreat to a future date. 

WINTER TEMPERATURES

Iceland follows the old Norse calendar consisting only of two seasons; 26 weeks of winter and 26 weeks of summer. The tradition goes that on the first day of winter the merchants on Skólavörðustígur, the street leading up to Hallgrímskirkja church, serve Icelandic meat soup, for free.

The first day of winter is on October 27th and its last day is on April 18th, with the first day of summer being a national holiday! Who cares if it’s likely snowing on the first day of summer?

Icelandic winters are fairly mild and only slightly colder than other Western European countries or northeast and mid-west of the United States. Temperatures in Reykjavík can drop down to -10°C with highs reaching 10°C (14°F – 50°F), average temperatures hover around the 0°C mark. However, be sure to consider that winds will make it feel colder, so we want to help you pack accordingly.

general packing

THE THREE-LAYER METHOD

The key to staying warm is staying dry, this is where the three-layer method comes into play.

The inner layer is preferably wool (merino is ideal) or polyester. This layer is to be worn directly in contact with your skin. This kind of fabric breathes well and manages to wick the moisture away.


The middle layer usually consists of a wool or fleece layer to keep you warm. Wool and fleece perform best as they also keep warm even if they manage to get wet. This layer insulates the heat and maximizes the warmth.


The outer layer. You need the outer layer to be resistant to water and to protect you from the wind. So if if your top layer isn’t that waterproof then a shell or rain jacket is another necessary layer. A good Goretex outer shell that is still breathable is what our guides like to opt for. If you have a waterproof winter jacket then this is perfect!

Hat, gloves, scarf

Our tour guides highly recommend having protection for your hands, face, and head. Gloves should be waterproof and scarves and hats should be worn for protection against the wind and warmth. Three layers are even recommended for hats and gloves. You can plan for a thin glove as the inner-most layer and a waterproof glove on the outermost layer.

SHOES

Wear good, sturdy, and waterproof hiking boots that preferably go above your ankle. Wool socks that provide water-wicking technology would be especially useful. Bring several pairs and plan to layer your socks as well. Brands that our guides recommend include Patagonia, North Face, Fjallraven, and 66 North.

suggested packing list

  • Waterproof and windproof winter jackets

  • Thermal underwear (merino wool or synthetic)

  • Leggings

  • Wool or fleece sweaters

  • Waterproof winter pants (these can be the same as waterproof ski pants)

  • Knee-high wool socks (plan to layer up two at a time)

  • Waterproof hiking winter boots with great grip for hiking and general time outdoors (you may want to bring one strictly for hiking and another to slip on as you may casually go outside around the retreat space—hopefully even to see the Northern Lights!)

  • Waterproof and windproof gloves (GoreTex gloves/mittens with thinner gloves underneath)

  • A fleece hat or “beanie” and/or winter hat that goes over your ears

  • Warm and comfortable indoor clothing for indoor retreat work

  • Socks and indoor shoes that do not have to be waterproof

  • We also recommend bringing a bathing suit in case we are able to go into one of the lagoons!

THE ITINERARY

DAY 0

DAY 0

NOV. 30 - ARRIVAL

  • On this day, students will arrive in Iceland from their respective locations. Due to the global group, students will arrive from various locations at different flight times. We have reservations at a hotel in Reykjavík for the night before we get picked up the following day.

    Students will have the day to explore the city of Reykjavík at their leisure.

    It is mandatory that students arrive on this day, regardless of time.

  • Students will be responsible for their flights and transportation from the Keflavík Airport to The Exeter Hotel in Reykjavík at (12, Tryggvagata, 101 Reykjavík) where their hotel rooms will be ready for them to check in after 2:00 pm local time.

    The airport is about a 45-minute drive to Reykjavík. There is no train system, but there are several options–from a bus that leaves every hour to taxi and chauffeur services. While renting a car is popular in Iceland, please DO NOT do so, as your transportation will be fully covered for the full duration of the trip, with the exception of the airport to/from Reykjavík.

Reykjavík, capitol of Iceland, Getty Images

DAY 1

DEC. 1 - THE ADVENTURE BEGINS: GROWING PAINS

  • Today, we will kick off our retreat with an excursion to the famous Golden Circle. We will see the beautiful Þingvellir National Park, where tectonic plates are pulling Iceland apart, quite literally making Iceland grow one inch per year. Much like the inner growth process pulls us in new directions, we will see the “stretch marks” of Iceland in this excursion.

    Afterward, we will make our way to the nearby Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse where we will have a delicious lunch right amongst all the plants in the tomato greenhouse–a truly unique experience! After lunch, we will also visit the Gulfoss Waterfalls, a powerful and untamed natural feature of Iceland.

    That evening, we will arrive at our “home base.” Fingers crossed we are treated to the northern lights!

  • The group will be picked up at the hotel lobby by our excursion guides who will take us from the familiarity of an urban environment into the depths of Iceland.

    Students should plan to wear comfortable hiking shoes and warm winter clothing. We will provide packing guides upon registration.

    Students should plan to have breakfast at Hotel Exeter before our departure. We will have lunch at the beautiful Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse and will head to our final accommodations for the week, where we will also have dinner.

Gullfoss Falls, The Golden Circle, Sara Winter, 

DAY 2 - 3

DEC. 2 - 3 - ON-SITE INNER WORK & TEACHING

  • Today, we will stay at our home base for a full day of teaching and facilitation. We dive into shadow work after yesterday’s incredible sights and powerful parallels to inner work.

  • All meals will be on-site. Students should dress comfortably and expect a day of deep work and looking within.

Our home base and retreat center, Hella Iceland

DAY 4

DEC. 4 - OFF THE BEATEN PATH

  • Today, we truly go off the beaten path going into Þórsmörk in the highlands.

    This isolated and remote area of Iceland is untouched and thus its beauty is preserved. We will use customized jeeps that enable us to cross deep glacial rivers and handle nearly any terrain.

    We will head to one of the outlet glaciers of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. We will also explore Stakkholtsgjá canyon and make our way deep into Þórsmörk, a nature reserve in the southern Icelandic Highlands, nestled between the Mýrdalsjökull, Eyjafjallajökull and Tindfjallajökull glaciers.

  • This will be a day of deep introspection. Students should plan for rugged terrain and to be dressed accordingly. Guides and special vehicles will be available for this day.

A view of the Þórsmörk Highlands from above 

DAY 5 - 6

DEC. 5 - 6 - ON-SITE INNER WORK & TEACHING

  • Today, we will stay at our home base for a full day of teaching and facilitation. We dive into shadow work after yesterday’s incredible sights and powerful parallels to inner work.

  • All meals will be on-site. Students should dress comfortably and expect a day of deep work and looking within.

Another view of the retreat center in Hella

DAY 7

DEC. 7 - CLOSING THE CIRCLE

  • Today, we will surround ourselves with volcanic formations. We venture to the “Center of the Earth” to one of Iceland’s longest lava tunnels, which has formed a deep cavern that we will explore. This is one of the longest lava tubes in Iceland and a must-see Iceland spot. Here we will explore the depths of this colorful lava tunnel. You will witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption from 5200 years ago.

    Afterward, we will take a short hike to the newest lava field in Iceland at the dormant volcano, Geldingadalur. We will walk around the lava field learning all about the 2021 and 2022 eruptions in the area. With this, we go backward in time as we see a brand new lava field that has not yet created a tunnel.

    We’ll end the day with some more wonderful sights in the peninsula before returning to Reykjavík for one last night in the city.

  • The most important thing for this excursion will be to dress warmly and with hiking shoes, as with the other excursions.

The Lava Tunnel in the Reykjanes Peninsula

DAY 8

DEC. 8 - DEPARTURE

  • On departure day, all students choose their own flights and departure times to go home.

  • Breakfast will be provided at the hotel in Reykjavík. Students will check out of the hotel and choose their own departure times.

    Please note, we will arrive back in Reykjavík the night before so you can leave at any time.

A view of Iceland from an airplane flight