Die Kunst des Anfangs

Five days of creative writing in a small group, in the heart of the forgotten Centovalli valleys. A unique atmosphere, nestled in mountains and chestnut forests, pampered by Ticinese hospitality and the vegetarian kitchen of Michelin-starred chef Pietro Leemann, from the gardens behind the stone houses.

Two leaders with over thirty years of experience in theatre and writing take every text that emerges here, word by word. Every piece of feedback is concrete, clear, constructive.

The retreat is open to everyone who writes, wants to write, has written and wants to continue writing. To those who want to understand why certain doors open and which rooms they open onto. How images arise. How inner states become words, sentences, worlds. How characters speak and act, how stories develop, how structures emerge.

Our method grew from a simple conviction: writing is learned by writing. In Bordei we work on several levels. Lessons in the theory of creative writing, targeted exercises with direct personal feedback, and evening conversations and discussions alternate. We document the feedback, and after the retreat you receive your personal Erzählerausweis (narrative passport). If you take further courses with us later, the passport is carried forward, so you can orient yourself by your own narrative development.

Early mornings, an optional free-writing session for early risers. After breakfast, the focused work begins. Shared lunch at the Osteria Giardino by Pietro Leemann, afternoons for rest, walks through the wild chestnut forests, reading or writing in the library. Evening salon.

Optional pre-reading. If you have already written something and are stuck, want to take a piece further, or simply want feedback from the leaders, you may send us up to 20 pages by 15 August. We will read your text before you arrive. Details after registration.

In the heart of the Centovalli, just before the Italian border, Bordei has grown between carefully restored stone houses and modern seminar rooms into a place that takes body and mind equally seriously. A large geodesic dome in the middle of nature, a library, quiet work spaces, paths through nearly untouched wilderness.

The Osteria Giardino Bordei, founded and led by Michelin-starred chef Pietro Leemann, a pioneer of vegetarian fine dining, serves fully organic food with ingredients as far as possible from its own gardens. Rooms are simple and tastefully furnished in the Casa Rossa.

Must I already have written something? No. A dream is enough. Have you already written? Send it to us (see optional pre-reading above).

Can I write in my own language? The workshop itself is in German. Your own project may be in any language you like. Patrizia and Markus work fluently in German, Italian and English.

How do I get to Bordei? By train to Locarno, then the famous Centovallina railway to Verdasio station. From Verdasio by taxi (approx. CHF 20; we are happy to arrange the contact). If arrival times allow, we coordinate a shared transfer (not included). By car: from the Swiss side via Locarno (25 min); from the Italian side via Domodossola (50 min). Parking available.

What should I bring? Laptop or tablet for writing, a notebook. Comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes for walks. Bordei sits at 730 m above sea level.

How is the internet? Limited. Bordei is in the mountains. We provide a hotspot. Bandwidth is limited but sufficient for everyday use: email, web, fine.

What about cancellation? Until 90 days before start: full refund minus CHF 50 admin. 89–28 days: 50% refund. 27–7 days: 25% refund. Less than 7 days or no-show: no refund. You may transfer your place to another person at any time. We recommend travel insurance with seminar-cancellation cover.