Retreat Vacation - holiday offers for body, mind and soul.

Meditation Retreats in Germany

Meditation in Germany ranges from Christian monastic silence in the Sauerland and Niederrhein, through Zen sesshin in old farmsteads, to Vipassana weeks in Brandenburg and secular MBSR weekends on the Baltic. 196 active programs, three to seven days as the typical duration, often in silence, always with a clear daily rhythm, guided practice and small groups.
196 curated retreats 4.9 (323 reviews) from €131
  • Kundalini Yoga for Beginners – Weekend Seminar at the Ashram
  • Kundalini Yoga for Beginners – Weekend Seminar at the Ashram
  • Kundalini Yoga for Beginners – Weekend Seminar at the Ashram
  • Kundalini Yoga for Beginners – Weekend Seminar at the Ashram
  • Kundalini Yoga for Beginners – Weekend Seminar at the Ashram
  • Kundalini Yoga for Beginners – Weekend Seminar at the Ashram
  • Kundalini Yoga for Beginners – Weekend Seminar at the Ashram
  • Kundalini Yoga for Beginners – Weekend Seminar at the Ashram
  • Kundalini Yoga for Beginners – Weekend Seminar at the Ashram
  • Kundalini Yoga for Beginners – Weekend Seminar at the Ashram
10 People interested

Kundalini Yoga for Beginners – Weekend Seminar at the Ashram

Horn-Bad Meinberg, Germany

$195 / 3 Days

5.0
  • Personal 4-Week Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 4-Week Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 4-Week Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 4-Week Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 4-Week Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 4-Week Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 4-Week Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 4-Week Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 4-Week Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 4-Week Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
10 People interested

Personal 4-Week Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg

Hoisdorf, Germany

$3,782 / 28 Days

  • 3 or 4 Days of Yoga at the Monastery: Strength for the Body & Peace for the Mind
  • 3 or 4 Days of Yoga at the Monastery: Strength for the Body & Peace for the Mind
  • 3 or 4 Days of Yoga at the Monastery: Strength for the Body & Peace for the Mind
  • 3 or 4 Days of Yoga at the Monastery: Strength for the Body & Peace for the Mind
  • 3 or 4 Days of Yoga at the Monastery: Strength for the Body & Peace for the Mind
  • 3 or 4 Days of Yoga at the Monastery: Strength for the Body & Peace for the Mind
  • 3 or 4 Days of Yoga at the Monastery: Strength for the Body & Peace for the Mind
  • 3 or 4 Days of Yoga at the Monastery: Strength for the Body & Peace for the Mind
  • 3 or 4 Days of Yoga at the Monastery: Strength for the Body & Peace for the Mind
  • 3 or 4 Days of Yoga at the Monastery: Strength for the Body & Peace for the Mind
11 People interested

3 or 4 Days of Yoga at the Monastery: Strength for the Body & Peace for the Mind

Zell am Main, Germany

$748 / 4 Days

4.9
  • Silent Retreat at the Mountain Retreat Center
  • Silent Retreat at the Mountain Retreat Center
  • Silent Retreat at the Mountain Retreat Center
  • Silent Retreat at the Mountain Retreat Center
  • Silent Retreat at the Mountain Retreat Center
  • Silent Retreat at the Mountain Retreat Center
  • Silent Retreat at the Mountain Retreat Center
  • Silent Retreat at the Mountain Retreat Center
  • Silent Retreat at the Mountain Retreat Center
  • Silent Retreat at the Mountain Retreat Center
8 People interested

Silent Retreat at the Mountain Retreat Center

Aschau im Chiemgau, Germany

$884 / 5 Days

4.8
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching and time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching and time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching and time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching and time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching and time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching and time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching and time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching and time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching and time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching and time out in nature
6 People interested

Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching and time out in nature

Krakow am See, Germany

$1,611 / 3 Days

5.0
  • Meditative Self-Reflection at the Bavarian Forest National Park
  • Meditative Self-Reflection at the Bavarian Forest National Park
  • Meditative Self-Reflection at the Bavarian Forest National Park
  • Meditative Self-Reflection at the Bavarian Forest National Park
  • Meditative Self-Reflection at the Bavarian Forest National Park
  • Meditative Self-Reflection at the Bavarian Forest National Park
  • Meditative Self-Reflection at the Bavarian Forest National Park
  • Meditative Self-Reflection at the Bavarian Forest National Park
  • Meditative Self-Reflection at the Bavarian Forest National Park
  • Meditative Self-Reflection at the Bavarian Forest National Park
4 People interested

Meditative Self-Reflection at the Bavarian Forest National Park

St. Oswald Riedlhütte, Germany

$1,622 / 8 Days

5.0
  • Meet & Lead - K1 Baumhaus Bergisch Gladbach
  • Meet & Lead - K1 Baumhaus Bergisch Gladbach
  • Meet & Lead - K1 Baumhaus Bergisch Gladbach
  • Meet & Lead - K1 Baumhaus Bergisch Gladbach
  • Meet & Lead - K1 Baumhaus Bergisch Gladbach
  • Meet & Lead - K1 Baumhaus Bergisch Gladbach
  • Meet & Lead - K1 Baumhaus Bergisch Gladbach
16 People interested

Meet & Lead - K1 Baumhaus Bergisch Gladbach

Odenthal, Germany

$1,768 / 8 Days

  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching & time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching & time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching & time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching & time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching & time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching & time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching & time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching & time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching & time out in nature
  • Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching & time out in nature
7 People interested

Self-determined living in harmony with your soul - coaching & time out in nature

Krakow am See, Germany

$1,981 / 7 Days

5.0
  • Kundalini yoga vacation "The five prana vayus" - self-discovery with a wellness factor
  • Kundalini yoga vacation "The five prana vayus" - self-discovery with a wellness factor
  • Kundalini yoga vacation "The five prana vayus" - self-discovery with a wellness factor
  • Kundalini yoga vacation "The five prana vayus" - self-discovery with a wellness factor
  • Kundalini yoga vacation "The five prana vayus" - self-discovery with a wellness factor
  • Kundalini yoga vacation "The five prana vayus" - self-discovery with a wellness factor
  • Kundalini yoga vacation "The five prana vayus" - self-discovery with a wellness factor
  • Kundalini yoga vacation "The five prana vayus" - self-discovery with a wellness factor
  • Kundalini yoga vacation "The five prana vayus" - self-discovery with a wellness factor
12 People interested

Kundalini yoga vacation "The five prana vayus" - self-discovery with a wellness factor

Bad Wörishofen, Germany

$815 / 5 Days

4.9
  • Monastery Retreat: Mind Detox with Qigong, Mindfulness, Meditation, and Hiking (with health insurance reimbursement)
  • Monastery Retreat: Mind Detox with Qigong, Mindfulness, Meditation, and Hiking (with health insurance reimbursement)
  • Monastery Retreat: Mind Detox with Qigong, Mindfulness, Meditation, and Hiking (with health insurance reimbursement)
  • Monastery Retreat: Mind Detox with Qigong, Mindfulness, Meditation, and Hiking (with health insurance reimbursement)
  • Monastery Retreat: Mind Detox with Qigong, Mindfulness, Meditation, and Hiking (with health insurance reimbursement)
  • Monastery Retreat: Mind Detox with Qigong, Mindfulness, Meditation, and Hiking (with health insurance reimbursement)
  • Monastery Retreat: Mind Detox with Qigong, Mindfulness, Meditation, and Hiking (with health insurance reimbursement)
  • Monastery Retreat: Mind Detox with Qigong, Mindfulness, Meditation, and Hiking (with health insurance reimbursement)
  • Monastery Retreat: Mind Detox with Qigong, Mindfulness, Meditation, and Hiking (with health insurance reimbursement)
  • Monastery Retreat: Mind Detox with Qigong, Mindfulness, Meditation, and Hiking (with health insurance reimbursement)
5 People interested

Monastery Retreat: Mind Detox with Qigong, Mindfulness, Meditation, and Hiking (with health insurance reimbursement)

Kall, Germany

$554 / 6 Days

  • Time out for me week - Gutshaus Gottin
  • Time out for me week - Gutshaus Gottin
  • Time out for me week - Gutshaus Gottin
  • Time out for me week - Gutshaus Gottin
  • Time out for me week - Gutshaus Gottin
  • Time out for me week - Gutshaus Gottin
  • Time out for me week - Gutshaus Gottin
  • Time out for me week - Gutshaus Gottin
  • Time out for me week - Gutshaus Gottin
  • Time out for me week - Gutshaus Gottin
10 People interested

Time out for me week - Gutshaus Gottin

Warnkenhagen OT Gottin, Germany

$1,555 / 7 Days

5.0
  • Men's weekend at the Gottin manor house
  • Men's weekend at the Gottin manor house
  • Men's weekend at the Gottin manor house
  • Men's weekend at the Gottin manor house
  • Men's weekend at the Gottin manor house
  • Men's weekend at the Gottin manor house
  • Men's weekend at the Gottin manor house
  • Men's weekend at the Gottin manor house
  • Men's weekend at the Gottin manor house
  • Men's weekend at the Gottin manor house
15 People interested

Men's weekend at the Gottin manor house

Warnkenhagen OT Gottin, Germany

$593 / 3 Days

5.0
  • Personal Retreat Week for Individuals & Couples // Nature, Silence & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal Retreat Week for Individuals & Couples // Nature, Silence & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal Retreat Week for Individuals & Couples // Nature, Silence & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal Retreat Week for Individuals & Couples // Nature, Silence & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal Retreat Week for Individuals & Couples // Nature, Silence & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal Retreat Week for Individuals & Couples // Nature, Silence & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal Retreat Week for Individuals & Couples // Nature, Silence & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal Retreat Week for Individuals & Couples // Nature, Silence & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal Retreat Week for Individuals & Couples // Nature, Silence & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal Retreat Week for Individuals & Couples // Nature, Silence & Meditation Near Hamburg
13 People interested

Personal Retreat Week for Individuals & Couples // Nature, Silence & Meditation Near Hamburg

Hoisdorf, Germany

$1,118 / 8 Days

  • 4-Day Yoga Retreat for Beginners – Get 1 Day Free
  • 4-Day Yoga Retreat for Beginners – Get 1 Day Free
  • 4-Day Yoga Retreat for Beginners – Get 1 Day Free
  • 4-Day Yoga Retreat for Beginners – Get 1 Day Free
  • 4-Day Yoga Retreat for Beginners – Get 1 Day Free
  • 4-Day Yoga Retreat for Beginners – Get 1 Day Free
  • 4-Day Yoga Retreat for Beginners – Get 1 Day Free
  • 4-Day Yoga Retreat for Beginners – Get 1 Day Free
  • 4-Day Yoga Retreat for Beginners – Get 1 Day Free
  • 4-Day Yoga Retreat for Beginners – Get 1 Day Free
9 People interested

4-Day Yoga Retreat for Beginners – Get 1 Day Free

Horn-Bad Meinberg, Germany

$274 / 5 Days

  • Personal 11-Day Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 11-Day Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 11-Day Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 11-Day Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 11-Day Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 11-Day Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 11-Day Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 11-Day Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 11-Day Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
  • Personal 11-Day Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg
11 People interested

Personal 11-Day Retreat for Individuals & Couples / Nature, Silence, & Meditation Near Hamburg

Hoisdorf, Germany

$1,543 / 11 Days

  • Exclusive New Year's Retreat in the Spreewald at Michelberger Farm ***1 room left***
  • Exclusive New Year's Retreat in the Spreewald at Michelberger Farm ***1 room left***
  • Exclusive New Year's Retreat in the Spreewald at Michelberger Farm ***1 room left***
  • Exclusive New Year's Retreat in the Spreewald at Michelberger Farm ***1 room left***
  • Exclusive New Year's Retreat in the Spreewald at Michelberger Farm ***1 room left***
  • Exclusive New Year's Retreat in the Spreewald at Michelberger Farm ***1 room left***
  • Exclusive New Year's Retreat in the Spreewald at Michelberger Farm ***1 room left***
  • Exclusive New Year's Retreat in the Spreewald at Michelberger Farm ***1 room left***
  • Exclusive New Year's Retreat in the Spreewald at Michelberger Farm ***1 room left***
  • Exclusive New Year's Retreat in the Spreewald at Michelberger Farm ***1 room left***
6 People interested

Exclusive New Year's Retreat in the Spreewald at Michelberger Farm ***1 room left***

Vetschau/Spreewald, Germany

$255 / 4 Days

  • "Just for Me" Retreat
  • "Just for Me" Retreat
  • "Just for Me" Retreat
  • "Just for Me" Retreat
  • "Just for Me" Retreat
  • "Just for Me" Retreat
  • "Just for Me" Retreat
  • "Just for Me" Retreat
6 People interested

"Just for Me" Retreat

Balderschwang, Germany

$2,013 / 4 Days

  • Mindfulness Retreat "Strength & Clarity" – Yoga, Intuitive Massage & Ayurvedic Cuisine
  • Mindfulness Retreat "Strength & Clarity" – Yoga, Intuitive Massage & Ayurvedic Cuisine
  • Mindfulness Retreat "Strength & Clarity" – Yoga, Intuitive Massage & Ayurvedic Cuisine
  • Mindfulness Retreat "Strength & Clarity" – Yoga, Intuitive Massage & Ayurvedic Cuisine
  • Mindfulness Retreat "Strength & Clarity" – Yoga, Intuitive Massage & Ayurvedic Cuisine
  • Mindfulness Retreat "Strength & Clarity" – Yoga, Intuitive Massage & Ayurvedic Cuisine
  • Mindfulness Retreat "Strength & Clarity" – Yoga, Intuitive Massage & Ayurvedic Cuisine
  • Mindfulness Retreat "Strength & Clarity" – Yoga, Intuitive Massage & Ayurvedic Cuisine
  • Mindfulness Retreat "Strength & Clarity" – Yoga, Intuitive Massage & Ayurvedic Cuisine
  • Mindfulness Retreat "Strength & Clarity" – Yoga, Intuitive Massage & Ayurvedic Cuisine
14 People interested

Mindfulness Retreat "Strength & Clarity" – Yoga, Intuitive Massage & Ayurvedic Cuisine

Flechtingen, Germany

$782 / 4 Days

  • Who I Really Am – Yoga & Coaching in the Alps
  • Who I Really Am – Yoga & Coaching in the Alps
  • Who I Really Am – Yoga & Coaching in the Alps
  • Who I Really Am – Yoga & Coaching in the Alps
  • Who I Really Am – Yoga & Coaching in the Alps
  • Who I Really Am – Yoga & Coaching in the Alps
  • Who I Really Am – Yoga & Coaching in the Alps
  • Who I Really Am – Yoga & Coaching in the Alps
  • Who I Really Am – Yoga & Coaching in the Alps
  • Who I Really Am – Yoga & Coaching in the Alps
3 People interested

Who I Really Am – Yoga & Coaching in the Alps

Aschau im Chiemgau, Germany

$805 / 5 Days

  • The Five Animals of Shaolin Qi Gong – Chiemgau
  • The Five Animals of Shaolin Qi Gong – Chiemgau
  • The Five Animals of Shaolin Qi Gong – Chiemgau
  • The Five Animals of Shaolin Qi Gong – Chiemgau
  • The Five Animals of Shaolin Qi Gong – Chiemgau
  • The Five Animals of Shaolin Qi Gong – Chiemgau
  • The Five Animals of Shaolin Qi Gong – Chiemgau
  • The Five Animals of Shaolin Qi Gong – Chiemgau
  • The Five Animals of Shaolin Qi Gong – Chiemgau
  • The Five Animals of Shaolin Qi Gong – Chiemgau
3 People interested

The Five Animals of Shaolin Qi Gong – Chiemgau

Aschau im Chiemgau, Germany

$649 / 4 Days

5.0
  • Yoga Retreat with a Themed Week at the Bad Meinberg Ashram
  • Yoga Retreat with a Themed Week at the Bad Meinberg Ashram
  • Yoga Retreat with a Themed Week at the Bad Meinberg Ashram
  • Yoga Retreat with a Themed Week at the Bad Meinberg Ashram
  • Yoga Retreat with a Themed Week at the Bad Meinberg Ashram
  • Yoga Retreat with a Themed Week at the Bad Meinberg Ashram
  • Yoga Retreat with a Themed Week at the Bad Meinberg Ashram
  • Yoga Retreat with a Themed Week at the Bad Meinberg Ashram
  • Yoga Retreat with a Themed Week at the Bad Meinberg Ashram
  • Yoga Retreat with a Themed Week at the Bad Meinberg Ashram
11 People interested

Yoga Retreat with a Themed Week at the Bad Meinberg Ashram

Horn-Bad Meinberg, Germany

$353 / 6 Days

  • Fasting, Detox, Yoga, Hiking, and Stress Management (Educational Leave) at Seegut Blaue Blume
  • Fasting, Detox, Yoga, Hiking, and Stress Management (Educational Leave) at Seegut Blaue Blume
  • Fasting, Detox, Yoga, Hiking, and Stress Management (Educational Leave) at Seegut Blaue Blume
  • Fasting, Detox, Yoga, Hiking, and Stress Management (Educational Leave) at Seegut Blaue Blume
  • Fasting, Detox, Yoga, Hiking, and Stress Management (Educational Leave) at Seegut Blaue Blume
  • Fasting, Detox, Yoga, Hiking, and Stress Management (Educational Leave) at Seegut Blaue Blume
6 People interested

Fasting, Detox, Yoga, Hiking, and Stress Management (Educational Leave) at Seegut Blaue Blume

Boitzenburger Land, Germany

$987 / 5 Days

  • Meditation & Silence – A Break for Inner Peace and Clarity
  • Meditation & Silence – A Break for Inner Peace and Clarity
  • Meditation & Silence – A Break for Inner Peace and Clarity
  • Meditation & Silence – A Break for Inner Peace and Clarity
  • Meditation & Silence – A Break for Inner Peace and Clarity
  • Meditation & Silence – A Break for Inner Peace and Clarity
  • Meditation & Silence – A Break for Inner Peace and Clarity
  • Meditation & Silence – A Break for Inner Peace and Clarity
  • Meditation & Silence – A Break for Inner Peace and Clarity
  • Meditation & Silence – A Break for Inner Peace and Clarity
10 People interested

Meditation & Silence – A Break for Inner Peace and Clarity

Horn-Bad Meinberg, Germany

$239 / 3 Days

  • Silent Retreat: Accepting Change & Embracing Transience [4 Days Near Berlin]
  • Silent Retreat: Accepting Change & Embracing Transience [4 Days Near Berlin]
  • Silent Retreat: Accepting Change & Embracing Transience [4 Days Near Berlin]
  • Silent Retreat: Accepting Change & Embracing Transience [4 Days Near Berlin]
  • Silent Retreat: Accepting Change & Embracing Transience [4 Days Near Berlin]
  • Silent Retreat: Accepting Change & Embracing Transience [4 Days Near Berlin]
  • Silent Retreat: Accepting Change & Embracing Transience [4 Days Near Berlin]
  • Silent Retreat: Accepting Change & Embracing Transience [4 Days Near Berlin]
  • Silent Retreat: Accepting Change & Embracing Transience [4 Days Near Berlin]
  • Silent Retreat: Accepting Change & Embracing Transience [4 Days Near Berlin]
9 People interested

Silent Retreat: Accepting Change & Embracing Transience [4 Days Near Berlin]

Schorfheide-Klandorf, Germany

$274 / 4 Days

4.8

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Frequently asked questions

Which meditation tradition fits me?
Those looking for a religiously open, contemplative frame with little explicit method are well placed in the Christian monastic houses in NRW or Bavaria; silence is shared discipline there, the guidance comes from a centuries-old tradition. Those wanting a clear, methodical practice with longer sitting blocks find a sharp profile in the Zen line, especially Soto, with sesshin weeks. Vipassana fits anyone wanting to engage with the observation of breath and sensation; the Goenka line is particularly strictly structured. MBSR is the most secular variant, methodically clear, with body scan and applied exercises; good for anyone practising without a religious frame or seeking mindfulness as a stress tool.
How much does a meditation retreat in Germany cost?
Across all 196 active meditation programs, the average is €667, with a range from €92 for weekend taster retreats to €3.379 for longer sesshin weeks or monastery stays with single rooms and full board. A seven-day sesshin or Vipassana week typically sits between 350 and 800 euro, including full board and guidance. Many houses, especially in the Buddhist and contemplative Christian traditions, work on donation or self-assessment models, with a staggered minimum fee plus a customary Dana offering to the teacher. Travel and insurance are not included.
Are meditation retreats suitable for beginners?
Yes, many German programs are explicitly designed for beginners. A two- or three-day weekend introduction to MBSR or mindfulness practice is a good start; the guidance is accessible, sitting blocks are shorter and embedded in instruction. Those wanting more depth can move on to a five- or seven-day Vipassana or Zen week after that. Strict sesshin formats in the Zen line and ten-day Vipassana silent retreats are not a first entry; they assume sitting experience and silence tolerance. The monastic houses also offer beginner days and gentle introductory weekends in which shared silence is built up slowly.
Do I have to stay silent during the retreat?
In many programs yes, in some no. Zen sesshins, Vipassana weeks and longer monastery stays are usually fully silent, with the exception of teachings or one-on-one interviews with the teacher. MBSR weekends, Christian introductory days and some mindfulness weeks allow speaking during meals and breaks. Anyone who has never been silent for several days should start with a weekend retreat that frames silence as optional or partial. Silence is not an end in itself but helps draw attention out of the usual language tracks. The first one or two days are often the hardest; after that, a stillness arrives for most guests that is hard to imagine in advance.
How long should my first meditation retreat last?
For a first attempt, a weekend retreat of two to three days or a five-day introductory week works well. You get a feel for sitting positions, daily structure and silence without running into the sesshin discipline that is hard to carry without experience. Anyone feeling secure with the form and clearly decided on a tradition can move to a seven- to ten-day sesshin, Vipassana or monastery week. Three- or four-week retreats are a league of their own and should not be approached as a first-time experience. After every retreat, a day of rest before returning to everyday life is recommended.
What is typically included in the price of a meditation retreat?
The standard price of a German meditation retreat usually covers accommodation in a double or shared room, vegetarian full board and guided practice. Teachings and one-on-one interviews with the teacher are part of most programs. What can come on top: single-room supplements; in the Buddhist and contemplative Christian traditions, a Dana offering to the teacher; in some houses, a small material fee for reading texts or cushions. Travel and insurance are not included. Among the 196 programs, the range from €92 to €3.379 is wide; it pays to check carefully before booking what is covered and whether a donation model is part of the picture.