A Writers' Retreat in the Heart of Oslo
Follow your literary aspirations to an idyllic island right in the middle of the Oslo fjord and discover an unforgettable writers' retreat hosted by the Oslo Writers League.
At our cozy retreat in an authentic rustic Norwegian cabin, you will unlock your creativity!
Enjoy the serene nature of Gressholmen Island, explore the city of Oslo in your downtime and refine your storytelling craft with the help of our fun workshops under the topic "Write Well - Edit Better".
Find inspiration in the beautiful nature of Norway and join us for a unique 3-day writers' retreat experience from Friday 23.08.2024 to Sunday 25.08.2024!
Preliminary Workshop Schedule
23.08. Friday
15:00 - 17:30 Arrival
17:30 Welcome and Introduction
19:00 Dinner
24.08. Saturday
7:30 Breakfast
9:00-11:30 Workshop 1: Let's start Writing
12:00 Lunch
14:00 -16:30 Optional Workshop 2: The Best Writing Tips
or: free writing time
or: free time in Oslo
17:30 Workshop 3: Even Better Editing Tips
19:00 Dinner
25.08. Sunday
7:30 Breakfast
9:00 Retrospective and Feedback
11:00 Departure
"A Writer's Dream of Oslo" - Illustration created with AI.
Join Us in a Rustic Cabin on an Idyllic Island
The name of the cabin is 'Styrbord'. It is the largest DNT cabin on the island of Gressholmen in the Oslo fjord. Find more information about the cabin on the DNT website.
Packing list
Bring a sleeping liner (also called indoor or cabin sleeping bag), or your own bedding and a bedsheet. Normal outdoor sleeping bags are not allowed in the cabin. Pillows and duvets are provided.
All bedrooms are shared, and it will not get dark at night. We recommend bringing earplugs and a sleeping mask.
Bring your writing equipment, cozy slippers, and whatever else you need for four days in a rustic Norwegian cabin. If the weather is good, bring your swim trunks and extra towels for a dip in the fjord.
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The cabin has electricity but no wifi.
The cabin has running water but no showers.
All rooms are shared. Most beds in the cabin are in a dormitory.
Travel Information
From Gardermoen Airport to Oslo S (Central Station)
Upon arrival at Gardermoen, head to the airport's train station.
You can chose between the local trains (Vy) and the airport train (flytoget). The local trains are cheaper. All trains depart frequently, and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
Purchase a train ticket from the ticket machines at the airport before boarding your train.
From the Central Station to the island
Buy a ruter ticket for local public transport (1 zone) . You can use the Ruter app or buy a physical ticket at every 7/11, Narvesen, or the Ruter service center in front of the train station.
From the tram stop in front of Oslo S take tram 12 in the direction of 'Majorstuen' to the ferry terminal right next to the tram stop 'Aker Brygge'. From the ferry terminal take the ferry B1 or B2 to Gressholmen. Enjoy a scenic journey across the Oslofjord to reach the island.
If you arrive late, make sure to book a flight that lands at least 2.5 hours before the last ferry to the islands leaves from Aker Brygge (the boat schedule for the summer is available on ruter.no from 31.03.2024).
Island map - way from the ferry to the cabin
Affordable Cost for a Priceless Experience
"Adventure Awaits" - Illustration created with AI.
Early bird - must be paid before 12.05.2024
OWL members* - 1449nok
non-members - 1949nok / 168€
Normal price
OWL members* - 1949nok
non-members - 2449nok / 211€
The retreat package includes the workshops, workshop materials, and accommodation in the cabin on Gressholmen for three days and two nights (Friday to Sunday), complete with vegetarian meals and snacks prepared for you by our support team, who provide the daily kitchen services and take care of clean-up.
*Note: You must live in Oslo and have been a paying member since January 2024 or longer to qualify for the member price.
Secure your Spot
After filling in the sign-up form, you will receive an email with the payment information. This process is not automated and can take up to five days. If you have not received your email after a week, feel free to reach out to us at oslowritersleague@gmail.com. Your sign up is only valid after the payment has been received.
Note that - once paid - the retreat is non-refundable. However, you have the option to sell your spot privately to someone else. Please inform us in that case, as the new person must fill in this sign-up form, too.
Sign up closes 31.07.2024
"Romantic Writing in Norway" - Illustration created with AI.