Cultivate a Serene Mind at the Art of Silence Retreat

Step into stillness at the

Art of Living Silence Retreat

Experience an all-inclusive retreat in the tranquil Black Forest with silence, meditation, breathwork, and yoga.

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Immerse yourself in an oasis of calm and serenity within

Embark on a journey to yourself, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life

The Art of Living Silence Retreat offers the perfect setting to reconnect with yourself and recharge from the demands and challenges of daily life. Every day is carefully structured so that you can simply lean back, relax, and turn your focus inward.

When we direct our senses inward, our thoughts settle, energy is restored, and true rejuvenation occurs. Outer silence supports the journey toward mental and emotional calm, leading us to the space of inner stillness where all transformation begins.

Your overactive mind slows down, allowing you to discover a new dimension within yourself. In this space of purity, limiting beliefs, regrets, and worries effortlessly dissolve. You gain a fresh perspective on life's challenges.

The time spent in silence enables you to return to your life grounded and centered. You uncover a joy that remains untouched by external circumstances. Feeling refreshed and revitalized, you are ready to approach your tasks with greater focus and enthusiasm.

The art of silence meditation, mudras, and pranayamas for mental clarity

Experienced Instructors

The retreat is lovingly guided by Britta, Elke, Eva, Petra, or Tatiana. Each instructor brings over 20 years of experience.

Space for Questions

Even in silence, you can write down your questions, which will be answered — whether personal, knowledge-based, or organizational.

Experience Deep Meditation at the Art of Silence Retreat

Comprehensive Practice

You will take home a powerful practice of Hatha Yoga, breathing techniques, and meditation that can easily be integrated into your daily life.

Ongoing Support

After the Retreat, you’ll have access to regular practice sessions online and in many cities across Germany. The instructors will remain available to answer any further questions.

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Experience yoga in its most authentic form with the Silence Retreat

A smiling male with both his palms facing downwards performing breathing exercise

RAJA YOGA

Meditations

Through meditations specially designed for the Silence Retreat by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, you can release deep-rooted emotions and past impressions, discovering inner peace.

SUDARSHAN KRIYA™ YOGA

Breathwork

The Sudarshan Kriya™ is a powerful breathing technique that uses specific rhythms to cleanse the body of accumulated stress and tension on a cellular level, fostering greater mental clarity and calmness.

HATHA YOGA

Asanas

Learn gentle yoga exercises (asanas) suitable for all levels – beginner or advanced. You’ll take home three impactful yoga sequences: the Art of Living Hatha Basic Series, the Padma Sadhana Flow, and the classical Sun Salutation.

HATHA YOGA

Mudras

Discover various mudras, subtle techniques that direct prana (life energy) to specific areas of the body, replenishing them with fresh vitality.

GYANA YOGA

Yogic Knowledge

Gain practical yogic wisdom to navigate life’s challenges. Explore the connection between chakras and emotions, learning how to manage difficult feelings and break free from negative emotional cycles.

KARMA YOGA

Seva

Seva is an active, selfless contribution to the community. It calms the restlessness of body and mind, enabling deeper meditations. Short seva sessions infuse everyday activities with peace, helping you carry the silence of the Retreat into daily life.

A Place of Peace and Relaxation

The Silence Retreat takes place at the Art of Living Retreat Center, nestled in a high valley in Oppenau. Surrounded by hiking trails and the abundant greenery of the Black Forest, the profound tranquility is broken only by the gentle sounds of streams and birdsong.

The retreat center captivates with its unique architectural charm, whispering of its past as a renowned spa. The healing water spring, still in use today, once attracted Tsar Alexander II, princes, and princesses.

For nearly 30 years, Bad Antogast has been the European Retreat Center of the Art of Living – a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation that immediately feels like home. It is lovingly managed by a dedicated community that cares for retreat guests from around the world, as well as the Ayurvedic wellness center.

Schedule of the Silent Retreat All the details at a glance

Services Included

3-4 days of guided silence with 2–4 meditations daily
Daily practice of pranayamas and Sudarshan Kriya™
Two yoga sessions (15–30 minutes each) per day
Vedic wisdom sessions featuring videos of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Daily Q&A sessions
Interactive exercises to help prepare for silence
Personalized support from experienced instructors
A take-home guide for continuing your practice
Post-retreat support for maintaining your routine
Access to weekly online practice sessions after the retreat
Wi-Fi in the common areas (limited mobile network coverage)
Shuttle service to/from Oppenau train station
Parking for those arriving by car
Option to book treatments at the onsite Ayurveda wellness center, subject to availability

Schedule

Course sessions:

Day 1:
Evening Session: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Introduction to Sudarshan Kriya™ Yoga)

Day 2:
Morning Session: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon Session: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Days 3–5:
Morning Session: 7:00 AM – 8:15 AM
Late Morning Session: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Silence begins on Day 3)
Afternoon Session: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Evening Session: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Days 4–5:
Additional: 30-minute Karma Yoga session

Last day:
Morning Session: 7:00 AM – 8:15 AM (Silence ends)
Late Morning Session: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The retreat concludes with lunch.

Please note that slight changes to the schedule may occur.

Meal timings:
Breakfast: 8:15 AM
Lunch: 1:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM

Meals

The onsite meals are freshly prepared and vegetarian, following Ayurvedic principles. Start your day with a light breakfast featuring fruits, muesli, porridge, homemade bread, various spreads, and tea. The meals, lovingly crafted, primarily use organic ingredients.

Tea, drinking water, and fruits are available at all times.

Special dietary needs can be accommodated upon request.

Accommodation

You can choose from four room categories when booking:

Single room with private bathroom
Single room with shared bathroom
Double room with private bathroom
Double room with shared bathroom

The bright and cozy rooms offer a lovely view of nature and are equipped with a desk or small table, chair, wardrobe, heating, and Wi-Fi.

Prices

The prices depend on the room category and include the course fee, accommodation, and full board:

890€ Single room with private bathroom
840€ Double room with private bathroom
790€ Single room with shared bathroom
720€ Double room with shared bathroom

Arrival

By Car:

Take the A5 motorway (Frankfurt - Karlsruhe - Basel) and exit at Appenweier. Follow the B28 road towards Oberkirch, Freudenstadt, and Oppenau. In Oppenau, take the third exit at the roundabout and continue straight through the historic city gate. Turn right after crossing the bridge, and after 500 meters, turn right again towards Maisach - Bad Antogast.

If using a GPS, enter: Bad Antogast 1, 77728 Oppenau.

By Train:

Choose Oppenau Bahnhof (train station) or Oppenau Post as your destination. From Oppenau, you can book our shuttle service.

By Plane:

The nearest airports are Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden (FKB), Frankfurt (FRA), Strasbourg (SXB), and Stuttgart (STR). From the airport, you can either rent a car or use public transport to travel to Oppenau. Travel times:

Frankfurt and Stuttgart airports: approximately 2 hours
Strasbourg airport: approximately 1.5 hours
Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airport: approximately 1 hour

From Oppenau, our shuttle service is available.

The joy of silence

What participants say

“It was amazing! The best thing that could have ever happened to me in my life! I’d give it 1000 stars and wholeheartedly recommend it.” – Kathrin Zehe

“The most relaxing vacation I’ve ever had. A stunning location surrounded by meadows, forests, and streams, fantastic food, wonderful people, and unforgettable experiences through silence, meditations, and being with the group. I’d do it again anytime!” – Steffi S.

“The course, the people there, and the house are perfect for finding peace and reconnecting with yourself. I never thought it was possible to recharge so deeply in just one week. A brilliant concept and a supportive atmosphere made it all possible.” – Beate Jaskolla

“It was an incredibly wonderful, profound, and intense experience unlike anything else. Delicious food, beautiful surroundings, kind people. I arrived without expectations and left with new friends.” – Larissa Kollmann

“I felt so warmly welcomed. The atmosphere and lectures were excellent. The day was well-structured. The rooms were nice and clean. The silent retreat is highly recommended.” – Michelle Sokolow

“The perfect combination of knowledge and practice. Skilled guidance and easy-to-learn breathing, meditation, and yoga exercises. Ideal for continuing in everyday life. A beautiful place with amazing food and all-around care.” – Petra Kruppenbacher

“A one-of-a-kind experience. The seminar helped me regain my inner calm and shed the burdens of daily stress and worries. I will definitely do it again.” – S. Richter