Wool Week Programme
The program below is the supporting program for Wool Week—it is always adapted to the Wool Week seminars, which means that minor changes may still occur to ensure that the two programs fit together as well as possible. The detailed program for seminars, workshops, and open studios can be found at www.ullarvikan.is.
Day 1:
Arrival, pick up from Reykjavik - BSI airbus terminal at 6 pm and transfer to Hotel Örk in Hveragerði. Travel time one hour. Dinner included.
Day 2:
In the morning we visit the interesting LAVA Center in Hvolsvöllur and the historic caves near Hella. In the afternoon, the color exhibition "Litasýning" takes place: colored sheep are presented at the Árbæjarhjáleiga farm in the riding hall: Breeding test and fun meeting of local sheep breeders. Maja Siska, a local hand spinner, knitter and artist, explains the breeding criteria and what makes this annual gathering so special. There will be home-baked goods and coffee, fleece sales and much more.
Day three:
In the morning, we’ll drive to the Uppspuni mini-mill, where we’ll watch the sheep being sheared. We can choose a sheep from which we want the wool, and it will be spun on-site. Today we drive to the beautiful Thjórsárdalur valley, which is adorned with warm autumn colors at this time of year. The route follows the mighty glacial river Thjórsá, Iceland’s longest river, first to the Hjálparfoss waterfall, which is surrounded by unique lava formations. We continue on to Háifoss, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall, and into the small Gjáin Valley, a hidden natural gem with many small waterfalls. In the evening, two different workshops will be offered. Other participants are welcome to meet up for a group knitting session.
Day four:
In the morning, we’ll visit the historic Thingvellir site. This is also the place where you can clearly see the two continental plates (the North American and Eurasian plates) drifting apart. Thingvellir is also a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll stop along the way to have lunch at a tomato greenhouse and learn interesting facts about tomato farming in Iceland. In the afternoon, we visit the most famous natural attractions in southern Iceland: the Geysir area with the “Strokkur” geyser, which regularly shoots hot water high into the air, and the “golden waterfall” Gullfoss. If there is interest and time, we can drive to the Secret Lagoon for a swim (admission not included).
Day five:
We also visit open studios to see how the women create beautiful woolen crafts. We also get together for knitting and crafts in a cozy setting. In the evening, we attend workshops or knit together.
Day 6: - Day 7:
During these days, the main program of Wool Week will take place, featuring workshops, exhibitions, knitting gatherings, and more. We’ll drive participants to the selected workshops, and along the way we’ll visit other open studios, Uppspuni, and, if time permits, a waterfall and the beach south of Selfoss.
On Friday evening we meet for a farewell dinner at Hotel Örk.
Detailed information about the program will be available online in June (see also www.ullarvikan.is!)
- Day:
In the morning, there is a craft market in Thingborg. Afterward (around 3:00 p.m.), we’ll head to Reykjavik for our final night at the Leifur Eiriksson Hotel near the large Hallgrimskirkja. The evening in Reykjavik is free time. The next morning/day (Day 9), guests will take the airport shuttle to Keflavik on their own (or, if anyone wishes to extend their stay, on the day of departure).
We are happy to assist with booking an extra night.
COMMENT ON THE PROGRAMME:
In general, it must be assumed that the lectures and workshops will be held in English and/or Icelandic, as indicated in the course description.
Subject to change, e.g. due to unpredictable weather conditions or changes in the course schedule.