BERGSLAGEN, SWEDEN
A living community in the Swedish forest. Nestled beside a quiet lake, surrounded by ancient pines and wide open skies.
OUR STORY
Shambala began in 2005 as a gathering of artists, musicians, and seekers who fell in love with a piece of land beside a lake in the Swedish countryside. What started as summer gatherings under canvas slowly grew into something more rooted, a community dedicated to conscious living, creative expression, and inner transformation.
“What started as summer gatherings under canvas slowly grew into something more rooted, a community dedicated to conscious living, creative expression, and inner transformation.”
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 – September
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.
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.
Charming Scandinavian-style rooms in the main house, cosy cabins among the trees, and soulpad tents for those who want to sleep closer to nature. All with quality linens and heating.
Two dedicated practice spaces,a light-filled indoor shala with wooden floors and forest views, and an outdoor platform beside the lake for summer practice under open sky.
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.
A beautiful yurt for ceremonies, sound healing, and intimate gatherings. Surrounded by a 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, many from our own garden.
Meals are eaten together,in the garden during summer, by the fire in winter. Breakfast is slow and silent. Lunch is abundant. Dinner is candlelit. Herbal teas, coffee, and homemade snacks are available throughout the day.
We accommodate all dietary needs with care and creativity. 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
Melissa Nunez Brown
Founder
Alissa Carvalho
Founder
Browse our retreats, book a winter deep rest stay, or get in touch to learn more about Shambala.
