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Jan Michalski Foundation: Swiss Writers Residency in the Jura Mountains
Guide to the Jan Michalski Foundation residency in Montricher, Switzerland offering CHF 400 weekly stipends, private cabins, and covered travel for writers and translators.
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Jan Michalski Foundation: Swiss Writers Residency in the Jura Mountains
The Jan Michalski Foundation for Writing and Literature provides residencies for writers and literary translators at the foot of the Swiss Jura Mountains, with views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
What the Foundation Offers
- Weekly stipend: CHF 400 (approximately EUR 420)
- Private cabin with kitchenette, desk, and bathroom
- Breakfast and communal lunches provided
- All travel costs covered
- Access to research library
- Electric bikes available
- No application fee
Duration Options
Residencies can last:
- 2 weeks
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 3 months
Length should match scope of project.
Eligibility
- No age restrictions
- No nationality restrictions
- Beginners accepted
- One application per year per person
Priority given to:
- Literary writers
- Literary translators
Open to all kinds of writing and languages.
The Residency Experience
The Cabins
Seven architecturally distinctive cabins:
- Six overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps
- One oriented toward the Jura forest slopes
- Each with private kitchenette
- Individual desk/workspace
- Full bathroom
- Modern, contemplative design
Common Spaces
Eighth cabin serves as:
- Kitchen for communal cooking
- Common living area
- Socializing space
- Relaxation area
Meals
- Breakfast provided daily
- Communal lunch provided
- Dinner self-catered
- Village grocery shop nearby
Location
Montricher, Switzerland:
- Foot of the Swiss Jura Mountains
- 30 minutes from Lausanne
- 1 hour from Geneva
- Small village setting
- Natural surroundings
What to Expect
Daily Life
- Self-directed schedule
- Focused writing time
- Optional communal meals
- Access to library
- Nature walks
- Complete autonomy
Community
- Approximately 40 authors hosted annually
- International writers
- Various career stages
- Cross-cultural exchange
- Private when desired
The Library
- Research resources
- Literary collection
- Quiet study spaces
- Supporting your project
Special Focus: Nature Writing
The Foundation dedicates residencies to nature writing:
- Fiction or creative nonfiction
- Raising awareness of nature
- Preparing for sustainable future
- Understanding socio-environmental interconnections
- Impact of human actions on nature
Application Requirements
- Professional background information
- Project description
- Writing samples (previous and current work, up to 10 pages each)
- Any language accepted
Practical Considerations
Getting There
- Fly to Geneva or Zurich
- Train to Morges
- Local train to Montricher
- Foundation covers travel costs
Not Allowed
- Families
- Children
- Pets
The Village
- Small grocery shop
- Cafe/restaurant options limited
- Quiet, rural setting
- Nature focus
Application Tips
- Literary focus - Foundation prioritizes literary writing
- Clear project - Match duration to scope
- Quality samples - Strong writing essential
- Realistic timeline - What can you accomplish?
- Embrace solitude - Setting is quiet and contemplative
How to Apply
- Visit fondation-janmichalski.com/en/residences
- Review application requirements
- Complete online application form
- Submit writing samples
- Await selection results
Related Resources
Last updated: December 2025. Always verify current details on the official Jan Michalski Foundation website.