frequently asked questions
How do I register for the retreat?
To register for a spot in one of our Knitting Retreats, please fill out the registration form under “Booking & Pricing” for the respective retreat.
Please allow for up to 4 business days to confirm your reservation. We apologize if the retreat sells out before we can process your application. In this case, you will be placed on the waiting list and be informed if a spot opens up.
How do I reserve a spot?
Once your registration has been processed, you will receive an invoice via email. A 50% deposit per person must be issued within 2 days of receiving the invoice to confirm your reservation. The full payment must be made latest by August 11, 2025 to keep your reservation. You can also choose to pay the full amount immediately.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept
- online bank transfers
We except SEPA transfers from within the Euro-Zone.
*As we have WISE, you can also pay to a local bank account in the USA, Canada and UK. - WISE to WISE transfers
- credit card
*A 3% surcharge fee will apply to credit card payments to partially cover processing fees.
Once your payment has arrived, you will receive a confirmation email.
What are the room options?
- Single room: You will have your own, private room.
- Double occupancy with another knitting participant: If you are coming solo, you can choose to share a room with another participating knitter. The room will have a double bed but with two separate mattresses. Pictures of the room can be found under Accommodation on our website.
- Double occupancy with your non-knitting partner: You can bring your non-knitting partner with you! You will share a room together and they will be able to jo,in all non-knitting activities. The room will have a double bed but with two separate mattresses. Pictures of the room can be found under Accommodation on our website.
Can I book additional days at the hotel?
Yes, you certainly can! To extend your stay beyond the days of the retreat, please contact the hotel directly:
Hotel Rieser
https://www.hotel-rieser.com/en/booking/
Tel: +43 5243 5251
Email: info@hotel-rieser.com
What if I have special requirements?
Please email info@artisan-retreats.com with your requirements. Together with the Hotel Rieser, we will do our best to ensure that your stay is ‘stitch perfect’!
What is the retreat program?
Please go to Workshops to learn about the workshop curriculum and go to Activities to see all non-knitting activities offered during our retreats in Austria.
Can I bring my partner and are there fun activities for them to do?
Certainly! We extend a warm invitation for your non-knitting partner to join us in all our non-knitting activities, including our daytrip to the charming old town of Innsbruck, including a guided tour of Innsbruck’s former Habsburg palace, and a fun evening of Tirolean music and dance performances. On top of this, we will enjoy a relaxing ferry ride around Lake Achen to enjoy a stunning view of the clear waters and surrounding mountains. These activities are included in the pricing package.
Moreover, the hotel offers a plethora of other fun activities. If your partner seeks relaxation, they can unwind at the spa and pool, sipping on a warm drink while enjoying a good book or a soothing massage.
Alternatively, if they’re feeling adventurous, there are several other activities to choose from. Here are some highlights:
- Explore nearby hiking trails on foot or with a free e-bike on your own or join a group with a guide.
- You can also take a gondola (“Bergbahn”) up the mountainside and enjoy a meal at a cozy mountain hut with a view onto Lake Achen.
- Take a ride in Europe’s oldest steam cog railway train. Here
- Play Golf – the surrounding area has golf courses for all levels of golfing experience.
- Go sailing (this should be booked in advance)
- Go paragliding or take a balloon ride Here
Please note: These suggested tours are not included in the pricing package and must be booked and paid for separately.
What is your cancellation policy?
In the event you would need to cancel the retreat after you have confirmed your participation, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing us at info@artisan-retreats.com .
Cancellation prior to June 30, 2025: You will receive a refund for your deposit less 250 EUR cancellation fee per person. Insurance is not included in the fees, and it is up to you to ask international coverage with your insurance carrier, if you so decide.
Cancellation on June 30, 2025 or later: The 50% deposit is non-refundable. If you have already paid in full, you will receive a refund minus the 50% deposit.
Full Payment is required by August 11, 2025 to reserve your spot.
Cancellation after August 11, 2025: There will be no refund of payment unless we find a replacement. In that case you will receive a refund minus the 50% deposit.
We reserve the right to cancel the retreat or change the program without giving any reason. In the event that a cancellation is necessary, payments will be fully refunded. For more information, please read our Terms & Conditions.
Do I need a Visa for Austria?
We recommend you visit your government’s Foreign Office to learn about your personal entry requirements for travelling to Austria.
Insurance
We highly recommend acquiring adequate out of country health insurance and trip cancellation & trip interruption insurance.
What else should I bring?
What currency does Austria accept?
The EURO is the official currency of Austria.
Getting there and back
You will be picked up from Innsbruck Airport, in a private minibus at 3 pm. Participants will be informed in advance via email of the exact meeting point.
It is important to plan your arrival at the airport before 3pm to ensure your transportation to the resort. If your flight arrives in the afternoon or evening, we strongly recommend arriving on the previous day and staying over-night at one of the local airport hotels. This means you can make the most of the retreat and not miss out on any of the excitement!
For example, the Penz Hotel West is located right next to the airport.
On day 6, the minibus will leave directly after breakfast at 10 am and take approximately 1 hour to reach Innsbruck airport.
*Please note that if you decide to arrive early at the Rieser Hotel or extend your stay after the retreat, the retreat no longer covers the pick-up and drop-off service to and from Innsbruck Airport. In this case, you would need to make your own private arrangements.
What if my flight is cancelled or disrupted?
We recommend planning your trip to arrive in Innsbruck on the day before the retreat starts, in case your flight is delayed. Or, if your stop-over is in Munich, you may like to spend a day or two in Munich before making the short trip from Munich to Innsbruck.
Planning in an additional day, means you can make the most of the retreat and won’t miss out on any of the excitement! The Penz Hotel West is located right next to Innsbruck airport.
We also highly recommend acquiring adequate out of country health insurance and trip cancellation & trip interruption insurance.