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Iceland Retreat

in Hveragerði, Southern Iceland

June 21 to 27, 2026 

Limited to 15 writers

 
Reykjafoss Hveragerði - Páll Jökull Pétursson - 20.jpg
 

Join Robin Hemley at an exclusive 6-day retreat in the “flower village” of Iceland, Hveragerði, known for its greenhouses and hot springs. We’ll be staying at the spa, Hotel Ork, in superior rooms for six nights, and our days will be filled with workshops alternating in the mornings and afternoons, evening salons, talks by well-known Icelandic writers and filmmakers, optional excursions, and plenty of free time to write and explore this beautiful region of Southern Iceland. Hveragerði is located 45 km east of Rekjavik, and is close to many of Iceland’s breathtaking attractions, including Hveragerði’s very own Rykjafoss (located next to Hveragerði’s botanical gardens in the center of town), Thingvellir National Park, the mammoth Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir Geothermal area. You can hike, ride Icelandic ponies, shop for Icelandic sweaters, or you can simply relax in the thermal baths at the hotel and write to your heart’s content. Note: the attractions listed above will be among our optional excursions.


Retreat Program Fee

Super Early Bird Discount

(by October 1st 2025)

$3,950

Early bird discount

(by november 1st 2025)

$4,450

 

Regular Price

(by march 15th 2026)

$4,950

Included in the fee: 

  • 6 nights superior accommodation at the Hotel Ork (breakfast included and no extra charge for significant others sharing the same room, though there will be charges for any activities/meals they choose to attend). 

  • 5 workshops

  • 1 hour-long conference with Robin with written feedback on your work

  • Evening salons and readings/film screenings

  • An opening and closing dinner

  • Two lunches

  • Catered coffee breaks

  • Authors at Large welcome gifts

  • In addition, there will be optional excursions throughout the week (with an additional fee).

 

NOTE: Transportation to and from Iceland is not included. Transportation to the venue is available at participant expense by well-appointed buses and participant car-pooling. Renting a car is always a worthwhile expense in Iceland. 


Tentative Schedule

June 21st

  • Arrive at Hotel Ork by 3pm

  • Opening Dinner and Welcome Orientation and Reading

June 22nd 

  • Morning Workshop 

  • Coffee Break

  • Lunch provided by Hotel Ork

  • Afternoon Free time

  • Dinner on your own (at Hotel or nearby village)

  • Evening Salon 

June 23rd

  • Morning Writing Time (or optional excursion)

  • Lunch on your Own

  • Afternoon Workshop

  • Coffee Break

  • Dinner on your own

  • Evening Salon 

June 24th 

  • Morning Workshop

  • Coffee Break

  • Lunch (Included) 

  • Afternoon optional excursion 

  • Dinner on your Own

  • Evening Salon

June 25th 

  • Morning Free time (optional excursion)

  • Lunch on your own

  • Afternoon Workshop

  • Coffee Break

  • Dinner on Your Own

  • Participant Reading

June 26th 

  • Morning Workshop

  • Coffee Break

  • Lunch on your own

  • Afternoon free time or optional excursion

  • Closing dinner

  • Farewell Salon

June 27th

  • Departure (We highly recommend adding a few days to your trip to explore other parts of Iceland, either before or after the retreat). 


The beautiful Hotel Örk, where all participants will stay