BERGSLAGEN, SWEDEN
A living community in the Swedish forest. Nestled beside a quiet lake, surrounded by ancient pines and wide open skies. Only 2 hours away from Stockholm and close to all international airports.
OUR STORY
Shambala began in 2005 as a gathering of artists, musicians, and spiritual practitioners who fell in love with a piece of land beside a lake in the Swedish countryside. What started as summer gatherings of yoga, music and art, slowly grew into something more rooted, a community dedicated to conscious living, creative expression, and inner transformation.
Today, Shambala Gatherings is an intimate retreat center that hosts yoga retreats, meditation workshops, teacher trainings, and community gatherings throughout the year.
We work closely with retreat teachers to support the entire experience from beginning to end, from planning and logistics to hospitality and care, so they can fully focus on teaching and holding transformative spaces. The spirit of those first summers remains: simplicity, warmth, and a deep reverence for nature.
Founded by Johan Svanborg, Shambala Gatherings is co-owned by Melissa Núñez Brown and continues to evolve, guided by the land, the seasons, and the people who find their way here.
"What started as summer gatherings of yoga, grew into something more rooted. We now work closely with retreat teachers to support the entire experience from beginning to end, from planning and logistics to hospitality and care."
EXPERIENCE SHAMBALA
Watch how our guests experience the magic of Shambala, from sunrise yoga by the lake to evening gatherings around the fire. A glimpse into the transformative journey that awaits you.
THE RHYTHM OF THE YEAR
Shambala follows the natural rhythm of the Swedish year, a vibrant high season of gatherings and an intimate low season of deep rest.
May – mid October
The forest comes alive. Retreats run back-to-back with international teachers. Long summer days of yoga, wild swimming, outdoor ceremonies, and community meals in the garden. The sauna glows late into the white nights.
mid October – April
The pace slows. Snow blankets the forest. A small community stays through winter,tending the land, practicing yoga, sitting by the fire. Guests can book “Just Be” deep rest stays: sauna, lake dips, forest walks, and silence.
BERGSLAGEN FOREST
Shambala sits in the heart of Bergslagen, a vast region of forests, lakes, and iron-age history in central Sweden. Moose, deer, foxes, and eagles are our neighbours. The nearest village is a quiet drive away. Here, the only soundtrack is birdsong, wind in the pines, and water lapping at the shore.
WHAT'S HERE
Simple, beautiful spaces designed for practice, rest, and connection. Nothing excess. Everything you need.
Simple and comfortable rooms in the main house, cosy cabins among the trees, and canva bell-tents tents with bed, electricity and heating for those who want to sleep closer to nature.
Two dedicated practice spaces, a light-filled indoor shala with wooden floors and lake views, and a smaller shala perfect for silence, yoga and introspection.
A traditional Swedish sauna overlooking the lake. Heat up, cool down in the water, repeat. Available to all guests, year-round.
A pristine freshwater lake for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The dock is the heart of Shambala,where sunrise dips and sunset conversations happen daily.
A peaceful reading room filled with books on yoga, philosophy, poetry, and nature. Grab a cup of tea and curl up by the window.
During the Summer season, enjoy our beautiful yurt for ceremonies, sound healing, and intimate gatherings. Next to our fire circle where the community gathers under the stars.
NOURISHMENT
Food at Shambala is a practice in itself. Our kitchen serves plant-based, organic meals inspired by Ayurvedic principles and Scandinavian seasonal eating. Ingredients are locally sourced where possible.
Meals are eaten together, in the garden during summer, in our cozy dining room during the winter. Breakfast is slow and silent. Lunch is abundant. Dinner is candlelit. Herbal teas, are available throughout the day.
Our cookbook, featuring 50+ of our most-loved recipes, is available for purchase.
THE PEOPLE
The humans behind Shambala. A small, dedicated team that keeps this place running with heart.
Johan Svanborg
Founder & Co-Owner
Melissa Núñez Brown
Co-owner & Co-Director
Jenny Janaki
Somatics & Bodywork
Rachel Vaughan
Recruitment & Project Lead
Lizzy Domigan
Marketing & Content
Alissa Carvalho
Communications & Media
Browse our retreats, book a winter deep rest stay, or get in touch to learn more about Shambala.
