Midsummer is the highlight of the summer season here in Shambala, and we warmly invite you to join us in an ecstatic celebration of all that the Earth bestows upon us.
During the summer solstice, a unique window of opportunity opens, allowing us to fully blossom in all aspects of our being. Nature envelops us with her vibrant creative energy, while the harmonious union of masculine and feminine forces reveals nature’s abundance, beauty, and fertility—a time to revel in Mother Earth’s generosity.
This is not your typical Swedish Midsummer; it’s a sacred, multidimensional ceremony that intertwines ancient pagan traditions with Eastern spirituality. Experience nourishment for the body through somatic movement therapy, immersive nature healing practices, uplifting kirtans with our musician friends, gentle yoga, and endless swims in the tranquil waters of our lake.
Together, we will gather in circles adorned with flowers and receive blessings from the four elements. Through yoga, Vedic art, and music, we will embody the essence of life, love, and creative expression. We will honour Mother Earth’s most fertile season while guiding you into a deep, embodied presence with yourself.
Let this be a moment of joy, stillness, and devotion—a sacred space to rest, sing, and express your true self.
SOMATIC MOVEMENT THERAPY
A way of being with yourself and your body that regulates your nervous system and brings you into deeper presence in your body. In movement therapy you let go of tensions, integrate life, and express what your body holds on to so that it can be released from your body.
YOGA
In our Yoga classes, we find the grounding and rest needed to balance this time of fullness and high frequency. We’ll be journeying through gentle hatha yoga classes and restful sooting afternoons, with meditative yoga, Yoga Nidra and puja.
KIRTAN
Kirtan (ecstatic singing) is a way to connect your heart with others, and then feel the divine presence together. We cleanse the dust we all gathered on top of our pure being and channel our emotions towards higher power and blissfulness.
NATURE IMMERSION & RITUALS
You will be guided in nervous system regulating practices that deeply soothe your body and brings you in deep connection with the earth as a spiritual being
VEDIC ART
Vedic art is a way to explore your inner world of visions, longings and emotions on a canvas. You don’t have to have any previous experience of painting. On the contrary, the less ideas about how to paint the better. You will be gently guided into expressing whatever wants to flow from your heart onto the canvas.
“The energy is so so clear, deeply heart centred. And the intent with which Shambala is held is so beautiful, it has become a massively important of my life”.
“This is where the magic happens – together, with open hearts in beautiful nature.”
“Shambala is this gorgeous space where strangers become family, the lake and forest your home, your breath is your theme song, your movement medicine, and vibrant food to nourish YOU for your journey with yourself.”
“Shambala is a way of life I have yet to find anywhere else in the world. The healing and growth I experienced there has been life changing. This is a place I have encouraged so many people I love to go. The beauty of the forest, the lake, the food and most of all in the connections made with the people there has left a mark on my soul I know will remain there forever. Whether Shambala finds you as a guest, a teacher or a member of the community living and working there, its magic is present and overflowing with possibility.”
“A little corner of Paradise! Shambala is a magnificent, peaceful, calm, spiritual place. The volunteers are always full of smiles and attention to you.
If you have the opportunity to go there, don’t miss this unique opportunity. A beautiful journey, towards returning to the source.”
DAILY SCHEDULE
(The schedule is organic and subject to change)
Arrival Time: Earliest 3:00 PM
Departure Time: 3:00 PM
Please note that we are unable to accommodate early arrivals or late departures. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to your stay!
Thursday
15.00 Arrival and check-in
16.30 Landing yoga
19.00 Dinner
20.00 Sauna
Friday – Midsummer Eve
07.30 Hatha Yoga Flow
09.00 Breakfast
11.00 Nature Ritual
13.30 Midsummer celebration buffet
15.00 Midsummer celebration
18.00 Restful Yoga
19.00 Dinner
20.30 Sauna/Kirtan
Saturday
07.30 Hatha Yoga Flow
09.00 Breakfast buffet
11.00 Sauna
13.30 Lunch
15.00 Vedic Art
16.30 Somatic Movement Therapy
19.00 Dinner
20.30 Kirtan
Sunday
07.30 Hatha Yoga Flow
09.00 Breakfast
11.00 Meditation and closing circle
13.30 Lunch
15.00 Check out
THE FOOD
Inspired by the Indian Ayurvedic health tradition, our kitchen serves delicious and nutritious food that is vegan, gluten-free, and made primarily with organic ingredients. Meals are often enjoyed on the sunny deck overlooking the lake. We are happy to accommodate dietary allergies—please inform us when making your booking.
THE PLACE
Shambala Gatherings is a beautiful retreat center and yoga community in the middle of the Swedish forest. Located just two hours away from Stockholm, the area is easily accessible and makes a great option for a short break wildlife destination.
The dense forests of Bergslagen around Skinnskatteberg, are a fantastic place to encounter the very best of Sweden’s wildlife. Other than enjoying its abundant flora and lush beds of moss, the magnificent ”king of the Swedish forest”, moose – otherwise known as elk – can be seen here in its natural habitat, and the many lakes and watercourses are home to the beaver. The area has also proven to be one of the best regions in Sweden to see other wildlife such as wolves, bears, lynx and owls.
ACOMMODATION
At Shambala, beyond being a retreat space, we cultivate a way of living deeply rooted in the yogic values of simplicity, presence, non-attachment, contentment, and communion with nature. Rather than luxury, what we offer is intimacy and a sense of belonging. Therefore, our accommodations are simple and mostly shared, with a variety of twin rooms, triple rooms, and glamping tents. The guiding ethos is one of community and sustainability, creating a vibe that is understated, modest, welcoming, and easy.
Shared Twin Room
Shared Triple Room
Private Glamping Tent
double bed, lake view, heating and electricity
Bring Your Own Tent
meet the team
TEACHER’S BIO
JOHAN SVANBORG
JENNY Janaki
Jenny’s spiritual journey started 14 years ago in India, when she met her Yoga teacher. This was the start of a life long study of inquiry into her real being. She’s been studying traditional Vedanta for over a decade and lives weaving that into her sharings. In her teaching, she guides with softness and compassion, allowing the uniqueness of every person and their process to take place. Her background is in Hatha Yoga, Yoga therapy, Yoga Nidra, Womb Yoga, Cranio Sacral therapy and Vedanta. She also works with Womb Awakening and Feminine Embodiment for women.
MORE at Shambala
GALLERY
How to get here
Shambala Gatherings
Borntorpet 1
Skinnskatteberg
Sweden
Located just two hours away from Stockholm in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden, the area is easily accessible by air, train and car, making a great option for a short break wildlife destination.
- Coming by air: The nearest airport to Shambala is Stockholm Vasteras. The second nearest airport is Arlanda airport, the main airport in Sweden. You can easily take a train all the way to Skinnskatteberg from both of them.
- Coming by train / bus: We are fortunate to have a train / bus station at Skinnskatteberg only 5 minutes ride from the center. We offer free pick up services from this station in summer.
- Coming by car: Simply open this Google map on your navigator and follow directions to Borntorpet 1 in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden.