Svalbard Retreat November 2-7, 2025
This November Daisy Aschehoug invites you to escape to the world’s northernmost settlement and immerse yourself in a truly unique quilting experience!
Based on the largest island in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, this cozy retreat offers you the perfect blend of creativity, relaxation, and adventure.
No previous sewing experience is necessary!
A mix of planned activities and open spots in the schedule offer opportunities to explore or rest as you please. Planned activities include a tour of Longyearbyen, a lecture on Northern Lights and the exploration of Svalbard, two workshops, an arctic swim, and a few group meals. Read more details in the extended description.
The amount on this listing is a deposit (approximately $1000 USD), and will be deducted from the full amount in the final invoice to be paid by June 1.
EDITED: Because the deposit time has passed, prices have been changed to allow you to pay in full to reserve your spot. As of July 17, there are 4 spaces left for participants (and their guests if they choose to bring one).
Included in the cost of the event:
- 5 nights accommodations at Hotell Polfareren.
- Dinners on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday
- Lunch on Monday
- Orientation tour of Longyearbyen
- Half day linocut workshop with Olaf Storø at Artica art center.
- Two-day curved piecing workshop with Daisy Aschehoug
- Optional sauna and arctic swim
Plane tickets, transportation between airport and hotel, some lunches/dinners, and drinks or extra excursions are not included.
Guests are automatically registered for dinners, the tour, and the Northern Lights lecture with Hurtigruten.
The schedule has been finalized. If you need help scheduling other activities during free time (for example dog sledding or mine tours), contact Daisy.
- Sunday - Fly to Svalbard, check in at the hotel, join the bus tour of Longyearbyen, welcome dinner
- Monday - Curved Piecing workshop with Daisy, Northern Lights Lecutre and dinner at Camp Barentz
- Tuesdsay - (optional) Sauna and artic swim at Svalbad
- Wednesday - Linocut workshop with Olaf Storø (1000-1300)
- Thursday - Curved Piecing workshop continues with Daisy, farewell dinner
- Friday - Depart Svalbard
This section has been edited to remove previous currency conversions. The listing shows the full cost of the trip and should display in your local currency.
The trip will be billed in Norwegian kroner. Exchange rates will vary over time and depending on method of payment. Dollar amounts listed are approximations.
Single Occupancy - 35,700 NOK
Double Occupancy - 30,200 NOK
Double Occupancy with Guest - 41,700 NOK
Register before January 1 to receive a 10% discount.
An invoice for the remaining balance will be sent in May and will be due June 1.
Before June 1, deposits or payments can be refunded for any reason minus a 10% processing fee. After June 1, payments are final and cannot be returned. If the minimum capacity isn't reached by July 1, all participants will be notified and all payments refunded in full. Trip insurance purchased by your preferred insurance company is highly recommended.
- Where do I book my flight?
All flights to Svalbard originate in Norway. I recommend booking a flight to Oslo with your preferred airline, and booking a flight to Svalbard with SAS or Norwegian Air. - Do I need special clothes?
Regular winter clothes are perfect. Warm layers, a hat, boots with a good tread, and a warm coat. - Do I need to exchange my currency for kroner?
No. Almost all businesses operate with credit cards only. Cash is only accepted at the grocery store and post office. - Will there be snow? Will there be Northern Lights?
We can't guarantee the weather, but both of these things are likely! - Will I get more information?
Once you are registered, you'll be added to the retreat email list and get monthly updates.