6-day alkaline fast with full-day support
Schmalkalden, Germany
$1,252 / 6 Days
Alkaline fasting
Getting rid of acidity in the body is one of the main goals of alkaline fasting. Losing weight with alkaline fasting is often a desired effect. Alkaline fasting is based on abstaining from certain acid-forming foods. You only eat things that are known to be alkalizing or at least neutral. Regardless of whether the alkaline fasting vacation or retreat takes place in a hotel or monastery - the pleasant feeling of detoxification quickly sets in and leads to a fitter body feeling.
12 curated retreats
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€350
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What sets base fasting apart from other fasting forms
Base fasting is a form of fasting that does not require hunger. Instead of cutting out food, you eat only alkaline-forming foods for a week or ten days: vegetables, fruit, salads, herbs, almonds and some legumes. Acid formers such as meat, fish, grains, dairy, sugar and coffee are left out for the duration. The concept goes back to the German alternative practitioner Sabine Wacker, who popularised it in the late 1990s.
The difference to classic therapeutic fasting according to Buchinger is clear. In therapeutic fasting, you abstain from solid food entirely for seven to twelve days and the body enters ketosis. In base fasting, you eat normally, just plant-based and alkaline-forming. This makes the method workable for people who struggle with true fasting, for instance because of blood sugar fluctuations, low blood pressure or high physical demands in daily life.
The underlying assumption is the acid-base hypothesis: a modern diet leads to chronic over-acidification, which has been linked to fatigue, skin problems, joint pain and digestive disorders. The scientific evidence on dietary acid load is not undisputed, but the practical experience of many participants, with clearer skin, deeper sleep and more energy after a week, is. That experience is what drives demand.
How a typical base fasting week is built
A base fasting week usually starts with an intake conversation on the arrival day, in which prior conditions, medications and expectations are clarified. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are then entirely alkaline-forming, often as a buffet, sometimes as a set menu. A typical day consists of a smoothie or fruit plate in the morning, a large vegetable bowl or steamed vegetables with salad at midday, and a soup or light vegetable variant in the evening.
Between meals there is herbal tea, water with lemon or diluted vegetable juices. Coffee, black and green tea are left out because they have an acid-forming effect. Movement modules run alongside: morning yoga or pilates, a guided afternoon hike, sometimes water gymnastics or Nordic walking. Many houses offer treatments such as lymphatic drainage, dry brushing and liver wraps, because these accompany the body's adjustment.
The first two days are often experienced as critical: headaches, fatigue, sometimes mild irritability because caffeine and sugar are missing. From day three onwards, a clear sense of mental clarity, lighter digestion and better sleep usually sets in. The effect tends to last two to four weeks beyond the week itself, provided that you do not return immediately to the pre-cure diet but rebuild slowly afterwards.
Where base fasting happens in the German-speaking area
Programs in the German-speaking area cluster in three regions. The Allgäu is the densest location, because the Kneipp tradition meets the quiet pre-alpine landscape there and many houses run their own kitchens with regional organic produce. Hiking, water treading and alkaline-forming cuisine combine into a coherent day.
The second region is the Black Forest, with houses between Baiersbronn, Bad Wildbad and the Münstertal. Here the topic often runs longer in wellness and spa hotels that offer base fasting as a dedicated line alongside classic wellness and therapeutic fasting. The third region is the Baltic Sea, with houses on Usedom, Rügen and in Heiligendamm, often combined with sea-air programs and thalassotherapy.
In the Mediterranean, programs exist on Mallorca, Ischia, La Palma and parts of the Algarve. Light Mediterranean cuisine with plenty of vegetables and fruit naturally carries the concept. What makes base fasting in the south often more attractive is the option of longer hikes or sea swimming in the daily plan, and the more reliable weather in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, when base fasting is classically in demand.
What to clarify before booking
Three questions help in finding a suitable base fasting program. First, the strictness of the line. Some houses run a strictly alkaline-forming line with no acid formers for the whole week. Others offer a moderate version that includes some low-acid grains and legumes. For a first attempt, the moderate variant usually works better because the transition is gentler.
Second, the medical support. A good base fasting week has at least a doctor's or alternative-practitioner check-in on the first and last day. For chronic illness, regular medication, low blood pressure or pregnancy a medical clearance in advance is mandatory. If a provider offers no supervision and sells the method purely as a culinary line, caution is warranted.
Third, the rebuilding plan. What happens after the week decides whether the effect carries over into daily life. Good programs provide a clear rebuilding plan for the two to three weeks after going home, often with recommendations for alkaline-leaning meals, recipe ideas and a suggested repetition every six months. Anyone who takes base fasting only as a one-off holiday experience has an experience. Anyone who treats it as a seasonal reset builds a stable routine over the years.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is an alkaline fasting retreat?
An alkaline fasting retreat is a special type of getaway where you exclusively eat alkaline foods such as vegetables, fruits, herbs, and sprouts. The goal is to restore your body's acid-base balance, boost your metabolism, and recharge your energy. Unlike traditional fasting, you don't have to go hungry – you enjoy wholesome, alkaline meals in a relaxing holiday setting.
What is the difference between base fasting and therapeutic fasting?
In therapeutic fasting according to Buchinger, solid food is left out completely for seven to twelve days; the body switches to ketosis, drawing energy from fat reserves. Only water, tea, broth and a small daily juice are consumed. In base fasting, by contrast, you eat normally but exclusively alkaline: vegetables, fruit, salads, herbs, almonds. Hunger usually does not arise. Therapeutic fasting is the clearly more intense method with stronger physical adjustment; base fasting is the more everyday-compatible variant and better suited for beginners. The catalogue currently lists 12 base fasting programs. Anyone unsure between the two methods usually starts with base fasting and only then considers therapeutic fasting.
How many alkaline fasting retreats are available on Retreat Urlaub?
We currently offer 12 alkaline fasting retreats. The selection ranges from short weekend retreats to multi-day intensive programs in beautiful locations. Browse our offerings and find the retreat that's perfect for you.
How long should a base fasting week last?
The classic length is seven days because the body needs around two days to switch to the alkaline line and then shows real effects in sleep, digestion and clarity over the next three to four. Shorter weekend formats of three to four days are offered as an introduction but mostly serve as a taster rather than a true reset. Longer programs of ten to fourteen days exist when someone wants noticeable reduction or has a specific indication. Across the 12 base fasting programs in the catalogue, the range runs from a weekend to two weeks, the focus is clearly on seven days, and prices currently sit between €350 and €2.500, averaging €1.264.
How much does an alkaline fasting retreat cost?
Prices for an alkaline fasting retreat vary depending on the duration, accommodation, and scope of the program. On our platform, prices range from €350 to €2.500, with an average price of around €1.264. Typically, accommodation, full alkaline meal plans, and an accompanying wellness or exercise program are included in the price.
What can you eat during base fasting?
All alkaline-forming foods are allowed. That covers practically all vegetables, almost all fruits, salads, herbs, almonds and usually some mild legumes such as green beans or lentils in small amounts. In addition there are herbal teas, lemon water and diluted vegetable juices. Acid-forming foods are off the menu: meat, fish, eggs, dairy, grains of any kind, legumes as a main component, sugar, artificial sweeteners, coffee, black and green tea, alcohol and soft drinks. The line between alkaline and acidic is not always sharp in individual cases, which is why a base fasting week usually follows a clear in-house list. Across the 12 programs in the catalogue, strictness varies: some houses run a strictly alkaline line, others permit moderate low-acid additions.
Who is an alkaline fasting retreat suitable for?
An alkaline fasting retreat is generally suitable for anyone who wants to do something good for their body. It's especially beneficial for people suffering from fatigue, digestive issues, skin problems, or stress. It's also an ideal gentle introduction to fasting or a great complement to a dietary change. Since you don't go hungry during alkaline fasting, it's well-suited for beginners too. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, it's advisable to consult your doctor beforehand.
How much does a base fasting holiday cost?
A seven-day base fasting week in the German-speaking area typically costs between 900 and 1,500 euro, depending on room category, treatments and house standard. In the Allgäu and Black Forest, prices tend to be slightly lower than on the Baltic. Weekend formats start around 350 euro, premium programs with daily treatments and single rooms can run from 2,000 to 2,800 euro. Mediterranean houses on Mallorca, Ischia or Madeira sit at similar or slightly higher levels depending on the season. Across all 12 base fasting programs in the catalogue, the range runs from €350 to €2.500, averaging €1.264. What drives the price is room category and the number of accompanying treatments, not the cuisine itself.
What can I eat and drink during alkaline fasting?
During alkaline fasting, the menu consists exclusively of alkaline foods. This includes vegetables, salads, ripe fruits, herbs, sprouts, nuts (especially almonds and walnuts), cold-pressed oils, and seeds. You'll drink still water, herbal teas, and diluted vegetable juices. Acid-forming foods such as meat, dairy products, white flour, sugar, coffee, and alcohol are avoided. At our retreats, experienced chefs prepare delicious alkaline dishes – you don't have to worry about a thing.
Which side effects are normal in the first days?
The first two days are experienced by many participants as demanding, because caffeine, sugar and acid formers fall away at the same time. Typical accompanying effects are mild headaches, fatigue, sometimes irritability or mild constipation. This so-called adjustment phase is usually over within 48 to 72 hours. From day three onwards most people notice a clear sense of lightness, clarity and better sleep. Anyone who experiences difficulties beyond the usual symptoms, such as a strong drop in blood pressure, lasting weakness or circulatory problems, should speak with the house lead. The catalogue currently lists 12 supervised base fasting programs, in which this phase is structurally caught.
How long does a typical alkaline fasting retreat last?
A typical alkaline fasting retreat lasts between 5 and 14 days. Shorter retreats of 3 to 5 days are great as an introduction or a quick break, while longer programs of 7 to 14 days can achieve more profound effects on your metabolism and overall well-being. Among our 12 offerings, you'll find various durations so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
When is the best time for a base fasting week?
The classic seasons for base fasting are spring and autumn, when the body is in a transitional phase anyway and many people deliberately plan their annual reset. Spring, because relief after a heavier winter diet feels good. Autumn, because reducing before the darker, colder phase brings energy back. In DACH the programs also work in winter, then usually with sauna, snowy walks and a quieter daily rhythm. Summer programs on the Baltic and in the Mediterranean combine the concept with longer hikes and sea air. The catalogue currently lists 12 base fasting programs, with the focus running from March to June and September to November.
What additional activities are included in an alkaline fasting retreat?
Most alkaline fasting retreats offer a comprehensive accompanying program. This often includes yoga sessions, meditation, hiking, wellness treatments such as massages or alkaline baths, nutrition talks, and personal consultations. Many retreats also provide guidance for after the fasting period so you can carry the positive effects into your everyday life. You'll find the exact inclusions in each retreat's detailed description.
What results can I expect from an alkaline fasting retreat?
After an alkaline fasting retreat, many participants report increased energy, improved skin, better sleep, easier digestion, and an overall feeling of inner cleansing. Mild weight loss is also common. Additionally, many guests take home valuable inspiration for more mindful eating habits and a healthier lifestyle. Results vary from person to person, but the relaxing retreat atmosphere optimally supports the process.