Do I need to be a published writer?

No. Writing retreats in Iceland welcome everyone from first time writers to working authors. Sessions are supportive and you set your own goals.

What kind of writing do retreats cover?

Fiction, memoir, poetry, travel and nature writing and journaling are all common. Many retreats blend craft sessions with long stretches of quiet writing time.

Why is Iceland good for writing?

Reykjavík is the world's first non native English speaking UNESCO City of Literature, and Iceland has more published authors per person than anywhere on earth. Wide quiet landscapes and a slow rhythm make it easy to focus.

Writing Retreats in Iceland

A country built on stories

Iceland takes the written word seriously. Reykjavík is the world's first non native English speaking UNESCO City of Literature, and the island holds more published authors per person than anywhere on earth, a legacy that runs from the medieval sagas to a thriving modern scene.

A writing retreat puts you inside that tradition. Days balance craft sessions and conversation with long, unhurried stretches of writing time, set against landscapes that have inspired storytellers for a thousand years.

Quiet Icelandic landscape that inspires writing

What to expect

Structure when you want it, space when you need it

Craft sessions

Guided workshops on voice, structure and editing, led by working writers.

Quiet writing time

Long protected stretches to write, with nothing pulling at your attention.

Shared readings

Warm, optional evenings to share work and hear how others are finding their way.

Inspiring walks

Fjords, waterfalls and coast paths to clear the head between sessions.

Where to write

From literary Reykjavík to the deep quiet of the East

Reykjavík

The literary city, with bookshops, cafes and readings within easy reach.

The Eastfjords

Deep quiet, wide light and space to concentrate, a natural home for focused work.

Countryside cottages

Small group stays where the landscape itself sets the pace of the day.

Part of our creative retreats

Writing is one of four ways to create with us in Iceland

Photography

Aurora and midnight sun

Painting & art

Plein air and studio

Music & craft

Songwriting and making

All creative retreats →

Writing retreat questions

What travellers ask us most

Do I need to be published?

No. Everyone from first time writers to working authors is welcome, and you set your own goals.

What kind of writing?

Fiction, memoir, poetry, travel and nature writing and journaling are all common.

Why Iceland?

A deep literary culture, wide quiet landscapes and a slow rhythm that makes focus easy.

How do I book?

Featured retreats are booked online, with checkout handled securely through Bókun. Custom trips start with a short enquiry.

No retreat on your dates? We will create one

If there is no writing retreat on the calendar that suits you, we can build one on request. Tell us your group, your timing and what you are working on, and we will arrange the place, the tutor and the quiet you need, from a literary base in Reykjavík to a cottage in the Eastfjords.

Send us an enquiry →