An Inspiring Gathering for Writers

The Iceland Writers Retreat is held once a year, in April, for authors, writers, and book enthusiasts.

Workshops and Events

Participants of the Iceland Writers Retreat can attend up to nine two-hour writing workshops, each with a maximum of 15 participants, led by our featured authors. 

You’ll be able to choose from over 20 workshops on offer. Sign up early or choose the IWR Voyage or IWR Write packages to get the best availability. (See our registration page for more details on our packages and what they include.)

There are enriching experiences throughout the week such as a panel discussion with Icelandic authors, literary tours, a faculty reading, receptions, pub night with Icelandic musicians and author readings, and a Q&A panel.

Previous Retreats
Roaming Icelandic horses are observed by writers at the Iceland Writers Retreat where book enthusiasts and professional writers meet.

Explore Iceland:

Your registration fee includes an exclusive full-day outing to see some inspiring Iceland. We have specially curated these excursions for our literary community. The tours:

  • Are led by Icelandic writers
  • Feature additional talks/readings about Icelandic literature
  • Include a talk and tour of the former home of Nobel Prize-winning author Halldór Laxness
  • Include lunch and snacks

Our Bespoke Literary Day Tours

Reynisfjara black sand beach as seen from above

South Coast Sagas Tour

For IWR 2025, we introduced South Coast Sagas, a tour that stops in Hella before continuing on the coastal road and through the Markarfljót valley to the southernmost village of Vík. The route threads through some of Iceland’s most remarkable landscapes where glacier-topped mountains press ever closer to the coastline and give rise to a succession of increasingly dramatic scenes.

One choice (of 3) for participants of IWR standard and IWR Voyage. (IWR Write, which includes 9 workshop, does not have a day tour.)

Lava show audience watching molten lava.

Iceland's Cultural Treasures – Reykjavík City Tour

This trip showcases some of the best highlights Iceland’s capital has to offer, including a viewing of the preserved manuscripts of the Icelandic Sagas and stops at the National Museum, Árbæjarsafn open-air folk museum, and Gljúfrasteinn, the home and workplace of Nobel Prize winning author Halldór Laxness. You'll see real liquid lava close up (and safely!) at the Icelandic Lava Show.

One choice (of 3) for participants of IWR standard and IWR Voyage. (IWR Write, which includes 9 workshop, does not have a day tour.)

Attend Iceland Writers Retreat, an event to improve writing skills alongside professional writers and celebrated authors.

Literary 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 Gljúfrasteinn, the home and workplace of Nobel Prize winning author Halldór Laxness.

One choice (of 3) for participants of IWR standard and IWR Voyage. (IWR Write, which includes 9 workshop, does not have a day tour.)

Reykjavik Literary Walking Tour

During the retreat, all participants are invited to join a literary walking tour of Reykjavik, a UNESCO City of Literature.

The Venue

In 2026, all workshops, readings, panels, and meals will be held at  Fosshotel Reykjavík. We've secure a block of rooms at a special conference rate for participants who wish to book accommodation at the venue.

We will share our unique booking link with registered participants.

A large white building with a tall tower in the background.

What's Included

Iceland Writers Retreat participation includes:

  • Small-group workshops
  • Welcome dinner
    (and faculty reading)
  • Buffet lunches on workshop days
  • Snacks and beverages during session breaks
  • Cocktail receptions at cultural institutions
  • One bespoke literary day tour
  • Literary walking tour of Reykjavík
  • Pub night with readings by local authors and live music

Stay Longer!

The optional two-day “Relax & Write” extension is presented by Sky Lagoon, which invites R&W participants to experience its stunning modern geothermal spa complimentary. Participants will also have time to ponder and put to practice what they've learned during the week. The group will gather in the evenings for dinner. At the second dinner, there will be an open mic for those who wish to share their work, and each reader will receive a personal clip of their reading.

Bring a Friend

We're proud that our IWR community feels warm and welcoming. You can share that feeling when you bring a friend!

Our non-participating partner fee includes:

  • Welcome dinner
  • Receptions
  • Literary walking tour of Reykjavík
  • Pub night
  • One of our bespoke literary day tours
The Icelandic Sagas are legendary. Joins us in Iceland for a writing retreat that is inspired by Iceland's rich literary history. See the sagas up close on our literature tours.
Attend Iceland Writers Retreat, an event to improve writing skills alongside professional writers and celebrated authors.
Iceland's rich literary history is best explored on a walking tour of Iceland's historic buildings and landmarks.
A picture of Iceland waterfall in blue and green color
Professional writers learning from the experiences of published authors at the Iceland Writers Retreat in Iceland.
Elnathan John is a Nigerian author, Civitella Ranieri Fellow, and has been a faculty member of the Iceland Writers Retreat. His short stories, Bayan Layi and Flying, were shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing. John's first novel, Born on a Tuesday, won a Betty Trask Award and was shortlisted for the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature, Africa's largest literary award. His second book, Be(com)ing Nigerian, A Guide, a collection of satirical pieces, was published in 2019. His third book is a graphic novel published by Cassava Republic Press in 2019. The book is illustrated by Alaba Onajin. He writes a weekly satirical column for the Sunday Trust Newspaper. He's been published in The Economist, The Guardian, Per Contra, Hazlitt, ZAM Magazine, Evergreen Review, and Chimurenga's The Chronic.