Our very first retreat in May 2022 took place at Burg Rappottenstein in Austria, now we are returning in April 2023 for another long weekend of all things writing in the stunning setting of Burg Rappottenstein.
Writing Retreat ’23 at Burg Rappottenstein
27th to the 30th April 2023
Here we go again! Last year was a genuinely joyful experience.
We will once again be living and writing in the never-conquered fortress of Burg Rappottenstein, situated in Lower Austria with glorious views from its hilltop perch. There are photos of the Burg and some of the bedrooms on their website (click on ‘Location Burg’ and then ‘Wohnen’).
You can find out all about our very first writing retreat here. Some fond memories and plenty of inspiration for our 2023 retreat.
What is included in the Retreat?
- Your 3 nights accommodation, with bedding and towels.
- Transport using a specially hired, chauffeur-driven mini-bus (from Vienna Hütteldorf to the Burg on the afternoon of Thursday 27th, returning to Vienna Hütteldorf on the afternoon of Sunday 30th).
- Light/continental breakfasts prepared by the SWC Team.
- Lunches and dinners provided by the Burgschenke (this is the restaurant/pub at the gates of the Burg).*
- An optional 2 hour writing workshop on Friday morning.
- An optional ‘Writers’ Lab Live’ feedback forum for your writing Work In Progress on Saturday morning.
- Optional evening activities such as readings and social gatherings.
- As much of your own free writing time as you can squeeze in.
*Important: drinks at the Burgschenke are not included in the price and you will need to buy your own.
We had fantastic feedback and our Retreat was all booked up within just five hours!
Accommodation options and costs
Here is the list of accommodation options and costs:
Option 1 – €519.00
Single occupancy bedroom, en-suite bathroom
Option 2 – €419.00
Shared bedroom, en-suite bathroom
Option 3 – €419.00
Single occupancy bedroom, shared bathroom
Option 4 – €369.00
Shared bedroom, shared bathroom
We apologise but for this year our Retreat is all booked up already. We look forward to sharing new pictures with you – just bear with us a few days.
Our schedule may have to vary a little depending on weather and numbers involved but the following is our planned itinerary for a long weekend with your writing at its heart.
Thursday 27th
Afternoon: We will provide minibus transportation from Vienna to Burg Rappottenstein, leaving Vienna at exactly 1400hrs, arriving at the castle for approximately 1600hrs.
Evening: After our evening meal at the Burgschenke we will have a relaxed evening event of shared favourite readings in the Grand Salon.
Friday 28th
Morning: After breakfast we offer an optional Writing Workshop to help set the mood for a weekend of creativity and inspiration.
Afternoon: Free writing time. Either enjoy continuing with your current work-in-progress in the amazing setting of the castle and its ground, or maybe develop the writing from the morning workshop.
Evening: A relaxed social evening for everybody to get to know each other – either on the terrace of the Burgschenke, if the weather is nice, or in the Hochburg’s Grand Salon.
Saturday 29th
Morning: An optional Writers’ Lab Session. If you would like to take part, you’ll need to send us a piece of writing in advance (detailed info to come).
Afternoon: Free writing time, or feel free to explore the local area. We guarantee inspiring views.
Evening: Open Mic Night. Your chance to read to the rest of the group what you’ve been working on during the weekend.
Sunday 30th
Morning: Your last chance for free writing in and around the castle, or join us for a Sunday Writing Session using the week’s current Prompt Menu.
Afternoon: After lunch we will say our goodbyes to Burg Rappottenstein and aim to arrive back in Vienna between 1600hrs and 1700hrs.
