VIPASSANA Meditation Retreat

Es stehen einfache gestaltete Einzelzimmer mit separatem WC/Dusche zur Verfügung, die Verpflegung ist einfach aber ausreichend gestaltet, das Leben im Kloster Stift Altenburg ist auf das Wesentliche beschränkt, sodass du wirklich zur Ruhe kommen kannst. In den Zimmern sind Handtücher sowie Bettwäsche für deinen Aufenthalt vorhanden, das Zimmer wird anfangs- und endgereinigt.

Meals during the retreat are served twice a day (breakfast and lunch) in accordance with traditional Vipassana retreat practices. We serve vegetarian dishes made with organic ingredients; fish or meat, as well as a third meal of the day, are available upon request. Please note that meals during the retreat are served according to Buddhist tradition, which means no solid food is eaten after 2:00 p.m.—if you have metabolic issues or are prone to low blood sugar, please let us know in advance so we can arrange a third meal for you.

The Vipassana retreat is conducted according to Buddhist tradition, alternating between formal and informal practice. Each hour consists of 50 minutes of meditative practice and a 10-minute break. Formal practice is done while sitting, standing, or walking; during the informal sessions, moving, dynamic forms of meditation (such as Qi Gong) are also practiced. In this way, sitting in silence is continually “enlivened” by more active forms of meditation. The day begins with the first meditation session at 8 a.m., and the last meditation ends at 9 p.m. After the lunch break (1–2 p.m.), there is a one-hour opportunity to practice walking meditation outdoors. The entire Vipassana retreat is spent in silence; once a day, there is an opportunity to reflect on your practice experiences with an experienced meditation teacher. The base price of €260 covers the costs of room and board; the retreat is held in accordance with Buddhist tradition based on the DANA principle (free giving).

The Vipassana Retreat takes place at the beautiful Benedictine monastery, Stift Altenburg, in Lower Austria.

Directions by car:
From Vienna, take the A22/E49 (B4, then B2) to Horn, then follow the signs toward Zwettl (B 38) for 6 km to Altenburg.

By public transportation:
Take the Franz-Josefs-Bahn from Vienna to Horn, then take a bus or taxi from Horn to Altenburg.

Take the Franz-Josefs-Bahn from Vienna to Hadersdorf, then take the Kamptalbahn to Rosenburg, and from Rosenburg take a taxi or bus to Altenburg.

From St. Pölten to Horn by train (direct or with a transfer in Hadersdorf), then take the bus from Horn to Altenburg.

For bus schedules, call 05 1717 (Postbus Customer Service).
Plan your route using the ÖBB timetable.