4 Day Meditation, Yoga & Lu Jong Monastery Retreat in Bavaria

The retreat takes place in the Oberzell Monastery, located in Zell am Main, Bavaria, right on the banks of the Main River, about six kilometers from Würzburg. The Franciscan Sisters have been running this place since 1855, and their mission is all about welcoming people with warmth and giving them space to recharge. The grounds are expansive – there's an herb garden, ancient trees, and peaceful fountains, which are perfect for contemplative walks. You'll be staying in the Klara house, a modernly renovated building that blends old and new architectural styles, with clean, comfortable rooms.

Your teacher is Sylvia Asmodena Kurtar, whose journey with yoga began 40 years ago and has included a 900-hour training at the SVYASA Yoga Institute in India, completed in 2005. She teaches classical yoga and yoga therapy, and she brings a spiritual depth to the practice, having also walked the shamanic path. Reviews of her teaching are glowing – guests describe her as radiating calm, practicing yoga from the heart, and being a wonderful group leader with humor and great organizational skills. She is often assisted by Ann (Anne), who also receives high praise for her teaching and warmth.

Each day includes two to three yoga sessions – classical yoga and Lu Jong, a Tibetan form of moving meditation that helps to open the energy channels and calm the mind. All sessions are completed before dinner to support digestion and relaxation. There's also an optional 6:00 a.m. outdoor meditation, where you can watch the sun rise over the monastery grounds. In addition to the physical practice, Sylvia leads philosophical discussions about yoga as a life practice, exploring subtle energies, body awareness, and the art of feeling oneself. Evenings might include storytelling, where Sylvia reads stories that open the heart and encourage introspection.

A unique aspect of this retreat is the geomantic walks – mindful walks across the monastery's grounds to explore its geomantic features, which are said to have a grounding and nurturing effect. The retreat is conducted in German, so a basic understanding is helpful. Whether you choose the three-night or four-night option, you'll have time to deeply relax, connect with nature, and enjoy the simple pleasures of monastery life: good food, good conversation, and the silence of the cloister. This is a retreat for those who want to go deeper – not to be entertained, but to truly unwind and find some inner quiet.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals (vegan full board) - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Lu Jong sessions - Parking - Luggage storage - WiFi connection

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional activities not included in the itinerary