Reykjavik: Make an Icelandic Wool Monster

A wool monster is a more personal Iceland souvenir than another mass-produced trinket. At The Skrimsli Workshop, you choose its body, hands, feet, hair, horns, tail, eyes, and mouth, then host Alma sews your creation together from 100% Icelandic wool.

I like two things in particular: you get to make something that reflects your own ideas, and the workshop pairs the craft with a lovely setting near the water, with beach and birdlife nearby. It’s also a rare activity that can entertain children and adults at the same table.

The main consideration is the $94 per person price for a one-hour activity. That’s a lot for a short workshop, especially if you’re travelling with a family, and food and drinks are not included.

• Choose the details: Select your monster’s body, limbs, hair, horns, tail, eyes, and mouth.
• Leave with a keepsake: The price includes one finished Skrimsli made from Icelandic wool.
• Meet Alma: She speaks English, Icelandic, and Danish, and sews your chosen pieces together.
• Enjoy the setting: The workshop is about 10 minutes from Reykjavik, with water views and beach and birdlife nearby.
• Plan for an hour: The activity is suitable for all ages and takes place in a private group.

A small workshop, a very personal souvenir

This is a hands-on craft activity with an unusually useful end product: a soft, one-of-a-kind keepsake you design yourself. Rather than choosing a finished souvenir from a shelf, you decide what your Skrimsli looks like, from its body shape to its expression.

The workshop is run by The Skrimsli Workshop on private property. You park in the driveway, walk past the front door, and continue into the garden to find the workshop. It is a simple arrival, but the directions matter: you are not looking for a shopfront on a public street.

The workshop is described as about 10 minutes from Reykjavik. That makes it a practical short outing from the city, though you’ll need to arrange your own way there. The experience information does not specify transport, so don’t assume a pickup is included.

Choosing your Skrimsli’s look

Once you’re in the workshop, the creative part begins. You choose the body and then pick from a range of hands, feet, hair, horns, and tails. There are enough options to give your creature a distinct personality, without making the choice feel like a design exam.

You can make a monster that looks friendly, odd, or gloriously mismatched. The point is not to follow a pattern or produce a perfect piece of craftwork. It is to make something that feels like yours, with the choices and small quirks that make it a memorable travel keepsake.

After you’ve settled on the parts, Alma sews the Skrimsli together for you. That makes the activity accessible even if you don’t sew or have much experience with crafts. You still shape the design, while the host handles the construction.

Then you choose the eyes and mouth, which can change the whole character of the finished monster. A few small choices make the difference between a creature that looks sweet and one that looks a little mischievous. If you’re making one with children, this is a good point to let them take the lead.

Alma’s easygoing approach

The host, Alma, speaks English, Icelandic, and Danish. Her friendly, easy-to-talk-to manner is part of the appeal, particularly if you’re not usually keen on group activities or making small talk. You can focus on your creature while she sews it together and chats with you.

The workshop is a private-group experience, so you are not joining a large, open session with strangers. That can make the activity more comfortable for families, couples, or friends who want time to work at their own pace. The information does not give a maximum group size, so ask the provider if you need to know how many people can attend together.

One useful detail: making more than one Skrimsli is possible, but a second creature costs extra. The extra price is not specified here, so check before you decide to make a pair. One included monster is enough for a personal souvenir; a second could be a nice option if siblings or partners each want their own.

A window onto the water

The workshop is set on private property, in a standalone room behind the house. The setting is part of the experience rather than a separate attraction: a large window looks out toward the water, and the surrounding area offers nature and birdlife.

You can also stroll along the beach and take in a view over the city. That gives the hour a sense of place beyond the craft table. If the weather is good, allow yourself time to enjoy the surroundings before or after the workshop, rather than treating this as a quick indoor stop.

The activity takes place rain or shine, so the crafting itself does not depend on the forecast. The beach walk and outdoor views are a different matter: rain or wind may make you want to keep that part short. Bring suitable layers if you plan to spend time outside.

What an hour feels like

The stated duration is one hour, and the activity is designed to keep you involved rather than waiting for a demonstration to end. You make a series of choices, Alma sews the selected pieces together, and you finish by choosing the eyes and mouth.

That structure works well for mixed ages. Children can enjoy picking the parts and seeing the creature come together, while adults can take the design just as seriously, or as playfully, as they like. The activity is suitable for all age groups, and it does not depend on prior craft skills.

A one-hour session also fits neatly into a Reykjavik day. It is long enough to make something, but short enough to pair with other plans. Still, don’t expect an extended craft class or a full-day cultural program. The value lies in the personal making, the host’s help, and the setting.

Is $94 worth it?

At $94 per person, this is a premium-priced souvenir activity. All materials are included, and you leave with your own wool monster, so the cost is not just an admission fee. You are paying for the guided making experience as well as the finished item.

The price is easiest to justify if you value doing something creative and taking home a keepsake that you helped design. It is less compelling if you only want an inexpensive memento, or if you expect a long workshop with several finished projects. Food and drinks are not included, and a second Skrimsli costs extra.

For families, multiply the price by everyone who plans to take part before booking. The appeal is that children and adults can both enjoy the activity, but the total can rise quickly for a larger group. If only one person wants to make a creature, check whether the experience suits your group’s plans before committing.

Who will enjoy this workshop most?

I’d recommend it to families looking for a creative activity, couples who want a shared keepsake, and friends who enjoy making things together. It is also a good choice for adults who want a break from sightseeing that still feels distinctly Icelandic, thanks to the use of local wool and the made-by-you result.

You don’t need to be artistic or particularly outgoing to have a good time. You can make the choices, let Alma take care of the sewing, and enjoy the process without needing to perform for a group. The small standalone workshop and private-group format may also suit people who prefer a quieter activity.

If your priority is dramatic outdoor scenery, this is not a substitute for a dedicated nature tour. The water view and nearby beach add atmosphere, but the central event is making a monster. Think of the setting as a pleasant bonus, not the whole reason to go.

Practical details before you book

The workshop is about 10 minutes from Reykjavik, but the experience details do not include transport. You are welcome to park in the driveway, then walk past the front door and into the garden to reach the workshop.

The session is offered in English, Icelandic, and Danish. It is a private group activity, lasts one hour, and runs in rain or shine. All materials and one wool monster are included; food and drinks are not.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Starting times vary, so check availability for your preferred day. If you want to make more than one creature, ask about the additional cost before you arrive.

Should you book it?

Book the Skrimsli Workshop if you want a creative, family-friendly hour and like the idea of bringing home a souvenir you designed yourself. The combination of Alma’s help, Icelandic wool, and the waterside setting gives it more personality than a standard craft class.

Skip it if your main goal is to keep costs low, or if you would rather spend your limited time on a longer outdoor excursion. For the right person, the appeal is not the size of the finished monster. It’s the fun of choosing its odd little details and leaving with a reminder of Iceland that could not belong to anyone else.

FAQ

How long does the workshop last?

The workshop lasts one hour.

How much does it cost?

The listed price is $94 per person. Making a second Skrimsli costs extra, but the additional price is not specified.

What is included in the price?

All materials and one finished wool monster are included. Food and drinks are not included.

What will I make?

You will make a Skrimsli, a small monster made from 100% Icelandic wool. You choose its body, features, eyes, and mouth, and Alma sews it together.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The instructor speaks English, Icelandic, and Danish.

Is the workshop suitable for children?

Yes. The activity is described as suitable for all age groups.

Where is the meeting point?

The workshop is on private property about 10 minutes from Reykjavik. You can park in the driveway, walk past the front door, and continue into the garden to find it.