Deadline:
As soon as possible
Program Starts: April 24, 2024
Program Ends: April 28, 2024
Location(s)
Iceland
Reykjavik
Overview
Registration is now open for the 2023 Iceland Writers Retreat & Iceland Readers Retreat in Reykjavík, Iceland! Join us for a series of workshops and panels led by an esteemed team of international writers. Between intimate workshops and lectures we’ll offer the chance to tour the spectacular Golden Circle, sit in the cozy cafes of Reykjavik, soak in geothermal hot springs, listen to new Icelandic music, meet contemporary Icelandic writers, and learn about the country’s rich literary tradition.
Details
THE EVENT
Workshops & Panels
Over the course of the retreat, each participant is enrolled in a total of five two-hour small-group writing workshops (max. 15 participants) led by internationally acclaimed authors, a Q&A panel with all faculty, and numerous readings and social functions.
Each of our Featured Authors teaches two different workshops, and you have plenty of time to interact with faculty, including those with whom you do not have any workshops.
THE REYKJAVÍK EDITION
All workshops, readings, panels, and meals and will be at Reykjavík’s first five-star hotel, the brand-new Reykjavik EDITION. Located in the historical, scenic heart of downtown Reykjavík by Old Harbor port, the hotel is just steps from the famous Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. The hotel’s sophisticated bedrooms and suites (where we will have some workshops) offer spectacular views of the harbor, Mt. Esja, and the legendary Snæfellsjökull glacier. We have secured several rooms at the special conference rate for participants who wish to book accommodation at the venue itself.
Explore Iceland
IWR participants take part in an exclusive full-day outing into the Icelandic countryside, in addition to a literary walking tour of Reykjavík (the latter is for all participants). IRR participants attend two unique all-day tours. All the day tours are led by and feature contemporary Icelandic writers, and include a stop and reading at Gljúfrasteinn, the former home of Nobel Prize winning author Halldór Laxness.
- Literary-themed Golden Circle Tour:
A unique variation on Iceland’s most popular excursion that includes stops at Geyser geothermal fields, Gullfoss waterfall, and the UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir), as well as a visit to Iceland’s ancient seat of learning, Skálholt. All IWR and IRR can take this tour. - Literary Borgarfjörður
This trip travels west to the Borgarfjörður region, setting of the famous Egil’s Saga, as well as numerous other Icelandic sagas. We’ll circle the picturesque Hvalfjörður “Whale” fjord and visit the cultural centre Reykholt, where chieftain and writer Snorri Sturluson lived in the 13th century. Natural wonders on this tour include Europe’s largest hot spring, Deildartunguhver, and the waterfalls Barnafoss (“Children’s Falls”) and Hraunfossar (“Lava Falls”). - Geology, Ecology, and Literary Inspiration
This trip begins near geological wonders in the Reykjanes peninsula, including the spectacular Lake Kleifarvatn (made famous in Arnaldur Indriðason’s novel The Draining Lake) and the Krýsuvík geothermal area. We’ll also have a reading at the Strandakirkja Church, a visit to the Sólheimar Eco Village, and a stop at the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa to sample some delicious rye bread baked in the hot geothermal ground. - Reykjavik Literary Walking Tour
During the retreat, all participants are also invited to join a literary walking tour of Reykjavik, organized by the UNESCO City of Literature.
Focus on Writing
Once you’ve been inspired by Iceland and by the writing workshops, why not spend some additional, quieter time in Reykjavík to work on your writing and enjoy the continued company of some of your fellow writers? We’ve dedicated blocks of time for writers to focus on writing. Participants can choose to stay in the quiet hotel or wander over to a café in town.
Relax, Read, & Write Optional Extension
This optional, two-day extension gives you free time during the days to take additional tours, walk through town, shop for souvenirs, or write in a local café. The group will then gather in the evenings for dinner together. At the second dinner we’ll have an open mic night where you’ll have an opportunity (if you wish) to share some of your own work with your fellow IWR participants.
Music, Food, & More
Late night offerings include a chance to hit the streets of Reykjavik to see live music, listen to readings by local writers, and dine at some of Reykjavik’s best eateries. And you’ll be well fed: IWR enrolment includes breakfast (for those who have booked accommodation at the hotel), three lunches and one dinner, plus coffee during breaks and cocktail receptions.
Spouse & Partner Program
If you are two people who wish to share a room and take part in the IWR / IRR or a combination of the two, you’ll be able to book a double room as part of registration.
If you’d like to bring a guest with you who will not take part in IWR workshops or IRR lectures, tours, and panels, that’s fine too. A “non-participating partner” can attend the welcome drink and dinner, all receptions, literary walking tour of Reykjavík, pub night, and one all-day tour in the Icelandic countryside. We can also advise on how they wish to book additional tours while you are busy in the workshop sessions and panels. Full details are available on the registration page.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Everyone is welcome to attend. There is no application process.
We think you’ll get the most out of it if you have an interest in developing your skills as a writer, but there is no requirement for you to have been previously published or even to have an intention to publish. Whether you’re aspiring, published, or simply enjoy writing as a hobby, we think you’ll find inspiration and have something to learn from all of our small-group workshops. We are focusing on books — rather than magazines, guidebooks, or online writing — in both fiction and non-fiction. So, for example, there are no poetry or screenwriting workshops but writers who focus on those genres are still welcome. Likewise if you write in a language other than English that’s fine too, but the language of instruction is English.
Dates
Deadline: As soon as possible
Program starts:
April 24, 2024
Program ends:
April 28, 2024
Program Starts: April 24, 2024
Program Ends: April 28, 2024
Cost/funding for participants
In 2023, the participant fee was ISK 280,000 per person. The fee will increase for 2024, and we will post the new fee as soon as possible.
In addition to the participation costs you may also be interested in accommodation. Accommodation at the Retreat venue, the brand new, 5-star Reykjavík EDITION hotel costs ISK 35,000 per night (single occupancy) or ISK 38,500 (double occupancy), including breakfast. We have also reserved several rooms at a nearby 3-star hotel. Accommodation is booked through a special link that is sent to confirmed participants.
Registration for the Iceland Writers Retreat is processed by a secure website and is on a first come, first served basis. Once the payment has been processed, we will send you all the details and schedule.
The Iceland Writers Retreat registration fee includes:
- Attendance at 5 two-hour small group workshops (participants will have an opportunity to sign up for specific workshops, with booking taking place in the order in which you registered to attend the IWR)
- Conference materials
- Refreshments at coffee breaks
- Lunches on Thursday, Friday, Saturday
- Welcome drink and dinner
- Reading by IWR authors
- Pub night with music and readings by local authors
- Receptions (details to be confirmed)
- Q&A panel with IWR authors
- Literary walking tour of Reykjavík
- All-day tour in the Icelandic countryside, incl lunch and snacks
The Iceland Readers Retreat registration fee includes:
- Attendance at lecture and interactive discussion with featured author
- Attendance at panel by Icelandic authors
- Conference materials
- Refreshments at coffee breaks
- Lunches on Thursday, Friday, Saturday
- Welcome drink and dinner
- Reading by IWR authors and IRR featured author
- Pub night with music and readings by local authors
- Receptions (details to be confirmed)
- Q&A panel with IWR authors and IRR featured author
- Literary walking tour of Reykjavík
- All-day Literary themed Golden Circle tour in the Icelandic countryside, incl lunch and snacks
- Additional all-day literary-themed tour, incl lunch and snacks
- Exclusive tour of leading museum in Reykjavik
RELAX, READ & WRITE EXTENSION
The optional “Relax, Read & Write” two-day extension on 1 and 2 May gives you free time during Sunday and Monday to take additional tours, walk through town, shop for souvenirs, or write in a local café. The group will then gather in the evenings for dinner together. At the second dinner we’ll have an open mic night where you’ll have an opportunity (if you wish) to share some of your work with your fellow participants.
The R,R&W cost is ISK 32,000 per person. It is also possible to book two additional nights’ accommodation at the same conference rate.
Included in the Relax, Read and Write extension:
- Two three-course dinners with transportation to/from the hotel (on Sunday 1 May and Monday 2 May)
- Open mic night on the final night
- Click here for further information on this extension
Please note:
- It is only possible to book the Relax, Read & Write extension for two nights and not one night.
The registration fee does not include:
- flights to/from Iceland
- transfers to and from the airport to the hotel
- accommodation (a separate link is provided to book accommodation at a special rate)
- any meals or refreshments not listed in the itinerary
- alcoholic beverages at meals provided
- travel insurance
It is possible for two participants to sign up together to the IWR and/or IRR and share a twin or double room. Simply register individually for the IWR/IRR and have only one person book a double room.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
