Writing Camps: Retreats for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs

You need time and a calm atmosphere to think and write?

Our Writing Camps are designed for just that: In the Odenwald, far away from all the disturbances of everyday life, you will work on your project. You will get into a productive writing flow and develop helpful writing routines. We take care of food and exercise opportunities – you can focus solely on your texts.

NEW: Writings Camps also for Postdocs!

By popular demand, we have expanded our Writing Camp program. We now offer 3 to 4 camps per year, which are open to doctoral candidates and postdocs.

Impressions:

Pick and choose
Our 3 to 4 Writing Camps per year are organized in such a way that you can pick and choose from among the various offerings. Only the three main meals are fixed, thus structuring the days at camp. This allows you to spend your time at the retreat according to your needs.
Writing + time + space
At the retreat, you will have time and peace for writing among like-minded people. You can write together in the group in the bright seminar room. If you prefer to work alone, you can retreat to the desk in your single room.
Moving body & mind
We offer several walks each day, because walking calmly in nature – in a group or on your own – gets your thoughts moving, ideas and new approaches emerge. Of course, the walks are just as useful for breaks from thinking and working. On request, we guide writers through stretching exercises, especially for the neck, shoulder and back.
Exchanging ideas & seeking advice
Outside of your writing time, you can benefit from the exchange among each other and with two experienced writing tutors who organize and accompany the Writing Camp. You can take advantage of individual and confidential writing consultations in German and – depending on the writing tutor present – in English, too.
With its beautifully designed garden, a barrel sauna and functional rooms, Seminar Gästehaus B.I.E.K. in Hassenroth near Höchst offers the perfect environment for focussed work. You can use the entire premises: the writing room, the garden, the desk in your room, the shady terrace, the dining room (outside mealtimes). There is 1 desk and 1 chair per person in the writing room. We cannot provide any other desktop equipment (screens etc.). There are numerous spaces for coaching sessions and writing consultations, and the house is only 5 minutes away from nature.
Because broadband coverage is not yet guaranteed throughout the area, the internet connection is unstable at times. However, this gives you the opportunity to concentrate fully on reading, writing and thinking. Prepare your personal writing camp accordingly by setting yourself specific writing tasks and goals and saving everything you need on your computer so that you can access it offline if necessary. This will allow you to set a clear focus and avoid digital distractions even better.
With larger rooms, a small wellness area and meal service, Landhotel Kühler Grund in Grasellenbach offers a little more comfort. We have our own writing room here as well, we can use a small lounge, the adjoining dining room and the balcony and garden. There is 1 desk and 1 chair per person in the writing room. We cannot provide any other desktop equipment (screens etc.). This hotel is also just a few minutes' walk from the countryside.
The internet connection is largely stable and sufficient for everyone, so you can also access your cloud data and other online resources. Nevertheless, you should also set yourself specific writing tasks and goals for your camp in this accommodation in advance in order to have a clear focus.
Both accommodations provide us with freshly prepared meals; the kitchen teams also take food intolerances and other restrictions into account.
The cost of the retreats varies depending on the accommodations and the number of writing tutors present.
Often, supervisors cover the cost of the retreat for their doctoral candidate. Please clarify in advance whether your supervisor will do so. You will need to provide a billing address when registering.
“Working productively with like-minded people – and in addition, exchange of ideas, writing consultations, and great surroundings for relaxing walks.” Christl, FB 15
“It's just priceless to have time for writing without interruptions, in beautiful surroundings, and in the company of lots of wonderful people who want to achieve the same thing as you.” Ina, FB 13
“What I liked most of all: Not having any appointments at all and being able to use my time freely for my writing. The distance helped a lot in making progress because I didn't get distracted by what's usually going on around me.” Madeleine, FB 2
“Through structure, consultations and the distance to one's everyday life, the Writing Camp inspires to reach a writing flow that can last well beyond the retreat.” Alex, FB 3
“Spending an entire three and a half days just on my doctoral thesis is impossible in my everyday life. But Writing Camp makes it possible for me.” Sonja, FB 13
„Being yourself, writing, focus, nature, beautiful people … just marvellous!“ Otilia, FB 3
February 17 – 20, 2025, at Seminar-Gästehaus B.I.E.K. | Guidance from one writing tutor, writing consultations available in German | Costs (all inclusive) approx. € 420,- per person
March 17 – 20, 2025, at Landhotel Kühler Grund | Guidance from two writing tutors, writing consultations available in German and English | Costs (all inclusive) approx. € 520,- per person
September 1 – 4, 2025, at Landhotel Kühler Grund | Guidance from two writing tutors, writing consultations available in German and English | Costs (all inclusive) approx. € 520,- per person
March 2 – 5, 2026, at Seminar-Gästehaus B.I.E.K. | Guidance from one writing tutor, writing consultations available in German | Costs (all inclusive) approx. € 430,- per person
August 31 – September 3, 2026, at Seminar-Gästehaus B.I.E.K. | Guidance from one writing tutor, writing consultations available in German | Costs (all inclusive) approx. € 430,- per person
Dates for 2026 at Landhotel Kühler Grund have not yet been finalised.

Registration

Registration for TU doctoral candidates and postdocs

External doctoral candidates and postdocs can join us if the available places are not taken by members of TU. Please send an email to ; we will put you on a list of interested parties.