Mindful Running | Glaciers + Geysers | Geothermal Hot Springs | Black Sand Beach | Giant Waterfalls
Explore Southern Iceland in a way that leaves you plenty of time to tune in to what drives you in running and in life. Indulge in a week of things that are sure to feed your soul: travel, adventure, fun, education and great food. Through our practical mindful running clinics, informative discussions, mindful movement and free time for quiet contemplation, you’ll stop the energy drains and divert your energy back into your running.
During this fully supported seven-day, six-night women’s trail running retreat, you’ll run each day in a different location and is as inspiring as it is breathtakingly beautiful. Rather than finish this week feeling tired, you’ll come away rejuvenated and refreshed, thanks to Iceland’s incredible wild natural beauty, fresh Arctic air, pristine water and warm hospitality.
You’ll walk its world-famous black sand beach, run within view of its fiery volcanoes and (if the weather permits) see its gleaming glaciers. Run through a steaming valley, fed by powerful geothermic activity and see up close a geyser shoot hot water high into the air and lounge in hot pools set among clusters of columnar basalt rock. Cap your week in Iceland with a luxurious soak at the world-famous Sky Lagoon geothermal hot springs, whose mineral-rich waters will soothe your muscles and joints. Become a durable, strong, motivated runner using these tools and techniques that will keep you healthy and injury free. Immerse yourself in the powerful healing energy of this vibrant, wild landscape as you run scenic trails at a pace that is playful, relaxed and social.
Participant Photos + Testimonials
Start Planning Your Retreat
Iceland Trail Running + Wellness Retreat• Two nights’ shared accommodation in a 3-star hotel in downtown Reykjavik (double occupancy)
• Two nights’ accommodation at the 3-star Hotel Vik (double occupancy)
• Two nights accommodation in the Torfhus Retreat (double occupancy)
• Daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• Daily guided mindful runs
• Private ground transportation during the retreat
• Dedicated Retreat Leader
• Mindful Running Clinics
• Trail snacks/energy food
• Sky Lagoon
• Run Wild Retreats gift bag
• Transportation to Keflavik International Airport on the last day (arrive at 1 p.m.)
⚠️ Proof of Covid-19 vaccination required to enter Iceland
Deposit: $900
Balance Payment Deadline: 120 days before retreat begins
Max Group Size: 16 women
Shared Room Package (per person): $5,300
Private Room Package (per person): $7,450
*Shared room packages have two or three beds. Solo travelers may choose this option and will be paired with another retreat participant.
If traveling with a friend, you may list your friend as your preferred roommate on your Retreat Participant Intake Form.
Click here to read the full booking terms and conditions: https://runwildretreats.com/retreat-booking-terms-and-conditions/
This retreat is rated Level II. This means it’s suitable for you if:
- You’re comfortable running five days in a row. Our shortest run is less than 1 hour, but most are around 3 hours (including hiking sections, water breaks and photo ops).
- You have some experience running on trails and have the fitness to run at least 9 miles on the road.
- You’re OK with running/hiking on trails with loose dirt, rocks, mud, and wading through streams.
- You’re OK with getting your shoes wet in small streams.
- You’re comfortable on high and exposed, and at times narrow, trails.
- You can run or hike steep uphill and downhill trail sections for up to a half-mile in distance
- You’re game for running in the rain! (Don’t worry about what to wear; we provide you with a comprehensive packing list).
- You have (or are willing to acquire before the retreat) trail running shoes.
Learn more about how we manage run pacing here: https://runwildretreats.com/about-the-run-wild-retreat-experience/levels/
About the Run Distances
The total run distance for this retreat will be between approximately 35 and 45 miles. Each day’s run in this itinerary is represented by time spent on the trail rather than miles run because the mileage covered will depend largely on your run pace. Faster runners will cover more mileage than slower runners on some days. These run times include breaks to enjoy the views, take photos, eat and drink. The precise route and trails run may change due to changes to trail routes, weather conditions, guide recommendations and other safety considerations.
Note that trail running in Iceland can be challenging at times. Your retreat leader will provide mindful running tips and techniques for managing your pace and navigating the uneven terrain.
- Learn more about how we manage run pacing here: https://runwildretreats.com/about-the-run-wild-retreat-experience/levels/

Day 1 | Arrivals and Opening Meeting
When you arrive at Reykjavik International Airport, catch a Flybus to our downtown hotel (check in time is 3 p.m.), the Hotel Midgardur by Center Hotels. (Please note that Iceland is only admitting fully vaccinated travelers at this time. You must bring your vaccination card with you as proof of vaccination.) At 5 p.m., meet your retreat leader for the official Retreat Opening Meeting. During this meeting, you’ll get to know what to expect from your retreat leader, meet your fellow retreat participants and set your intention for the week. From there, we’ll walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner in downtown Reykjavik.
Time on trail: no run today

Day 2 | Reynisfjara: Black Sand Beach
After breakfast, we’ll start our morning run that will take us past some of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks, including the Hallgrimskirkja cathedral, on our way the Perlan (“The Pearl), a museum perched on a small hill surrounded by woodlands. We’ll have our first Mindful Running Form clinic on the lawn outside the Perlan, then continue our run through the forest, along an ocean inlet, then loop our way back to our hotel. After freshening up and check out of our room, we’ll enjoy a light lunch before embarking on a three-hour drive to the southern coastal village of Vík í Mýrdal. Along the way, we’ll stop at Reynisfjara, known as the world’s most beautiful black-sand beach, where we’ll see the iconic Reynisdrangar and columnar basalt rock formations. From there it’s a short drive to the über-modern Icelandair Hotel in Vík, where we’ll have a relaxing dinner.
Time on trail: 2 – 2.5 hours (including breaks) on mostly city streets and dirt pathways

Day 3 | Vík í Mýrdal
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll meet our guides for today’s spectacular trail run along the bluff overlooking Vik’s black-sand beach. At today’s mindful running form clinic, your retreat leader will offer some valuable tips on pacing that will help make the most of today’s run. Today’s run begins in Vik and then head up to the top of a plateau overlooking Reynisfjara. If the weather is clear, we’ll get spectacular views of Dyrhólaey peninsula to the west and glacier-covered volcanoes to the north. Our looping route (with a short and longer option), eventually takes us all the way back to our hotel in Vik, where we’ll have a casual lunch followed by some free time. This evening is dinner at Sudurvik, a cozy, traditional restaurant situated in an old house serving their own family recipes.
Time on trail: 2.5 – 3.5 hours (including breaks) depending on the options you choose.

Day 4 | Skogafoss Waterfall Run
After breakfast, we check out of our rooms and drive about 30 minutes to Skogafoss, where we’ll run the stunning Waterfall Trail. This out-and-back route will take us 6 – 8 miles round trip to the top of the Skogafoss waterfall and and beyond, all the while offering up spectacular views of surrounding mountains and the active glacier-capped volcanoes of Godaland in the distance. After the run, we’ll grab a casual lunch in the village of Skogar, then continue our travels to Selfoss, where we will stay at the Torfhus Retreat for the next two nights. After checking into our rooms, enjoy some free time to soak in the basalt rock pools before a traditional dinner on site.
Time on Trail: 2 – 3 hours

Day 5 | Geysers Galore
After breakfast at Torfhus, we’ll drive a short distance to Strokkur for a shorter (rest day) run today on roads and paths that will lead us to one of Iceland’s most famous and active geysers. The eruptions of Strokkur can happen between five and twelve minutes, and can even reach up to 40 meters high. Today’s run is about recovery, so we’ll keep the pace relaxed and our minds curious to the fascinating sights we’ll see along the way.
Then we’ll drive to the nearby Friðheimar Tomato Farm for an amazing lunch inside the greenhouse, surrounded by lush tomato plants. After lunch, we’ll return to Torfhus for a free afternoon to soak in the pools, relax, or go for a walk. This evening your retreat leader will lead you through the a sharing circle before another gourmet chef-prepared dinner on site.
Time on trail: 1 – 1.5 hours including stops

Day 6 | Run the Reykjadalur Valley + Soak at the Sky Lagoon
fter breakfast, we’ll pack up and depart from the Torfhus Retreat and make the drive south towards Reykjavik. We’ll stop along the way for our final run together in a very special place, known as “Steam Valley,” which is a highly scenic valley featuring extensive geothermal activity. It’s proper name is Reykjadalur, where our loop run on the popular hiking trails will take us past everything from small gurgling melting pots to vibrant super heated pools of water. After our run, we’ll have a casual lunch, then continue the drive back to Reykjavik, where we’ll go straight to the Sky Lagoon geothermal hot springs for a relaxing afternoon soak. This evening we return to downtown’s Centerhotel Midgardur. After a little free time to relax and freshen up, we’ll gather for our final dinner together at one of the city’s top restaurants.
Time on trail: 1.5 – 2 hours including stops

Day 7 | Waterfront Run + Departures
This morning you can join your retreat leader for an optional morning run along the city’s waterfront, finishing at the hotel in time for a leisurely breakfast buffet. After checking out of your room (you may store your luggage at the hotel for the day if you’re remaining in Reykjavik). Before your pre-booked ride to the airport, you’ll gather as a group one last time for a final sharing circle and retreat closing remarks from your retreat leader.
Then it’s time for farewells and by around midday, when you have the option to either be dropped off at the Keflavik International Airport (by around 1 p.m.) or the Covid testing site near the airport*. We recommend allowing at least 3 hours for check in before your flight home after receiving your rapid Covid-19 Antigen test results.
(*Note: Check with current international travel requirements to see if rules have changed, such as requiring PCR tests instead of Antigen tests.)
Time on trail: 30 minutes on city streets and paved waterfront path
The total run distance for this retreat will be between approximately 38 and 45 miles. Each day’s run in this itinerary is represented by time spent on the trail rather than miles run because the mileage covered will depend largely on your run pace. Faster runners will cover more mileage than slower runners on some days. These run times include breaks to enjoy the views, take photos, eat and drink. The precise route and trails run may change due to changes to trail routes, weather conditions, guide recommendations and other safety considerations.
Note that trail running in Iceland can be challenging at times. Your retreat leader will provide mindful running tips and techniques for managing your pace and navigating the uneven terrain.