Iceland Writers Retreat 2025

Workshops and Lectures

• Small-group writing workshops for all levels, led by well-known writers from around the world (Writers Retreat)
• Small-group book club-style talks on one featured author’s works, plus unique panels featuring a variety of Icelandic authors (Readers Retreat)

Plus:

• All-inclusive, unique tours to experience Iceland’s inspiring nature
• Literary walking tour of Reykjavík, a UNESCO City of Literature
• Additional readings and panels by our faculty
• Receptions, music, readings, meals, and so much more!

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.