Zen Retreat

Zen meditations, Zen retreats and the search for oneself. If you decide to spend your vacation in a Zen retreat center, you will not only enter into an outer silence. In Zen, stillness and silence also mean stillness for the eyes, for the body and its gestures and for all other senses of perception. Going completely into one's own inner self with instructions and an appropriately prepared exterior is a lasting benefit for the body and soul. Hide all thoughts, just follow your own breath and feel yourself. And all this in wonderful places and locations around the world that are second to none.

16 curated retreats 4.9 (20 reviews) from €260

Just Be: Mindful – Authentic – Alive

Holzkirchen, Germany

$302 / 4 Days

5.0

HERZ-WÄRTS AM MEER in Andalusien

Benajarafe, Spain

$751 / 8 Days

5-Day Christmas Zen Silent Retreat at the End of the Year

Mondsee, Austria

$691 / 5 Days

4.6

5-Day ZEN Silent Meditation Course: Carnival Retreat "The Fool Within Us"

Mondsee, Austria

$691 / 5 Days

5.0

5-Day ZEN New Year's MBSR Silent Retreat

Mondsee, Austria

$726 / 5 Days

5.0

5-Day Silent Retreats at Easter and Pentecost

Mondsee, Austria

$691 / 6 Days

5.0

Meditation in motion with the Zen martial art Seonmudo

Aschau im Chiemgau, Germany

$621 / 4 Days

Yoga retreat at the monastery on Lake Starnberg

Bernried am Starnberger See, Germany

$754 / 3 Days

10-Day Silent Retreat in the Vipassana Tradition

Mondsee, Austria

$1,041 / 11 Days

Yoga and archery - Activate your corepower!

Blankenberg, Germany

$418 / 4 Days

Retreat & Rethink: A yoga and mindfulness retreat on the island of Hvar!

Hvar, Croatia

$931 / 5 Days

5-Day Summer Silence Retreats in July and August

Mondsee, Austria

$691 / 5 Days

5.0

ONLY YOU oneTOone private retreat series.holistic ANTI AGEING. WELLNESS /Mallorca/ganzjährig buchbar

manacor, Spain

$5,460 / 11 Days

ONLY YOU oneTOone private retreat series.holistic ANTI AGEING. WELLNESS /Mallorca/ganzjährig buchbar

Manacor, Spain

$3,833 / 8 Days

Strength from Silence – New Year's Retreat January 22, 2027 – January 24, 2027

Freiberg, Germany

$720 / 3 Days

IKIGAI AND MEDITATION RETREAT · SEPTEMBER 2026

Freiberg, Germany

$836 / 4 Days

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a Zen retreat?

A Zen retreat is a getaway rooted in the principles of Zen Buddhism. It focuses on Zazen (seated meditation), mindfulness, silence, and the conscious simplicity of everyday life. The goal is to calm the mind, find inner clarity, and cultivate a deep connection to the present moment. At Retreat Urlaub, you'll currently find 16 Zen retreat offerings.

Who is a Zen retreat suitable for?

Zen retreats are suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators. Whether you're encountering Zen meditation for the first time or looking to deepen your existing practice, most retreats offer compassionate guidance tailored to different experience levels. The most important thing is a willingness to embrace silence and simplicity.

How much does a Zen retreat cost?

Prices for Zen retreats vary depending on duration, accommodation, and location. At Retreat Urlaub, prices range from €260 to €4.699, with an average price of around €1.155. Many retreats include accommodation, meals, and the full program in the price.

What does a typical day at a Zen retreat look like?

A typical day at a Zen retreat starts early in the morning with Zazen meditation, followed by mindful activities such as walking meditation (Kinhin), communal work (Samu), and vegetarian meals eaten in silence. The day is clearly structured, alternating between meditation sessions, short breaks, and Dharma talks. This conscious rhythm helps you immerse yourself deeply in the practice.

Do I have to remain silent throughout the entire Zen retreat?

Many Zen retreats include periods of silence (also known as 'Noble Silence'), which are a central part of the practice. This doesn't mean you can't speak at all – communication is possible during personal interviews with the teacher (Dokusan) or for organizational matters. The silence serves to reduce distractions and sharpen inner awareness.

Do I need prior meditation experience for a Zen retreat?

No, you don't need any prior experience. Many of our 16 Zen retreats are explicitly designed for beginners as well, offering careful instruction in sitting posture, breathing techniques, and the basics of Zen meditation. However, it's a good idea to check the description when booking – some retreats are specifically designed for advanced practitioners.

What sets a Zen retreat apart from other meditation retreats?

A Zen retreat is characterized by its clear structure, simplicity, and discipline. Unlike many other meditation retreats, Zen focuses less on guided visualization or relaxation and more on silent sitting (Zazen) and the direct experience of the present moment. The practice is often minimalist yet powerful – it's about getting to the essence.

How do I find the right Zen retreat for me?

At Retreat Urlaub, you can choose from 16 Zen retreats. When selecting, pay attention to the duration, experience level (beginner or advanced), location, and pricing – prices range from €260 to €4.699. Read the descriptions carefully and consider whether you prefer an intensive Sesshin (multi-day meditation period) or a gentler introductory retreat.

Zen Retreat

Just Be: Mindful – Authentic – Alive

HERZ-WÄRTS AM MEER in Andalusien

5-Day Christmas Zen Silent Retreat at the End of the Year

5-Day ZEN Silent Meditation Course: Carnival Retreat "The Fool Within Us"

5-Day ZEN New Year's MBSR Silent Retreat

5-Day Silent Retreats at Easter and Pentecost

Meditation in motion with the Zen martial art Seonmudo

Yoga retreat at the monastery on Lake Starnberg

10-Day Silent Retreat in the Vipassana Tradition

Yoga and archery - Activate your corepower!

Retreat & Rethink: A yoga and mindfulness retreat on the island of Hvar!

5-Day Summer Silence Retreats in July and August

ONLY YOU oneTOone private retreat series.holistic ANTI AGEING. WELLNESS /Mallorca/ganzjährig buchbar

ONLY YOU oneTOone private retreat series.holistic ANTI AGEING. WELLNESS /Mallorca/ganzjährig buchbar

Strength from Silence – New Year's Retreat January 22, 2027 – January 24, 2027

IKIGAI AND MEDITATION RETREAT · SEPTEMBER 2026

Frequently asked questions

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