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SWITZERLAND



PROGRAMME



  • 5 days 2-4 hours of guided Shinrin-Yoku to the most beautiful areas of the region. The programme builds up throughout the week, thus guidance will be more detailed in the beginning, preparing you to incorporate different practices independently by the end of the week and after your return back home
  • 6 guided meditations, usually before breakfast
  • 6 yoga classes, usually before dinner
  • 2 workshops: an introduction to Self-Hypnosis with Romain and an interactive debate on transformation & change
  • And plenty of time to be actively lazy!


ACCOMMODATION



  • 6 nights / 7 days accommodation at the Saanewald Lodge at 1'400m above sea level
  • bright private bedroom either facing the valley or forest with bathroom and shower including linen, towels, hairdryer
  • all family-style meals are included: breakfast, lunch and dinner cooked by our plant-based chef as well as a coffee & tea station with fruits and nuts during the day
  • transfer from and to local train station on arrival and departure days (walking distance ca. 15min) as well as transport to nearby forests as part of the Shinrin-Yoku programme


SOCIAL



every participant receives a lifelong passive Friends of Saanenwald membership: stay connected with fellow members and the team!


SPONSORED STAYS

We follow a social business concept: next to paying participants we are able to sponsor the stay for up to 20 less fortunate participants this year (1 out of 3 participants). If you know of anyone who is going through a truly challenging time in his or her life and would benefit from a break and participation at SAANENWALD, contact us via e-mail.


For our Switzerland Programme we can only accept Swiss Residents to apply for sponsored stays.



VALUE



The value of the week is CHF 1'900 per person.


As we finance the sponsored stays through the revenues of paying participants and donations, we cannot offer any other direct discounts.


Reservation & Cancellation Policy: A deposit of 50% is required to secure your place, paid within 1 week after confirmation of your booking. The balance is due 14 days prior to arrival. In case of cancellation, a full refund is issued only if a replacement can be found. We will also try to fill the places, but sometimes it is not possible, especially in short notice cancellations. ​If that is the case an administration fee of CHF 200 is deducted from your refund.



WEEK I



04.06. - 10.06.2022





Join the June programme while the valley is covered in spring flower blossoms. Our core team is looking forward to kicking-off the season with you:


Nadine, Christina, Bartolomeo & Mel

Volunteer: Smiljka


Saturday arrival: 2 - 4 pm

Friday departure: until 11am


2 out of 12 spaces left


BOOK

WEEK II



25.06. - 01.07.2022





Join the June programme while the valley is covered in spring flower blossoms. Your team is looking forward to welcoming you:


Nadine, Pascale, Bartolomeo & Mel

Volunteer: Nina


Saturday arrival: 2 - 4 pm

Friday departure: until 11am


2 out of 12 spaces left


BOOK

WEEK III



02.07. - 08.07.2022





During July you still see colourful meadows, yet summer has usually arrived with warmer temperatures. Your team is looking forward to welcoming you:


Nadine, Pascale, Bartolomeo & Mel

Volunteer: Pablo


Saturday arrival: 2 - 4 pm

Friday departure: until 11am


3 out of 12 spaces left


BOOK

WEEK IV



16.07. - 22.07.2022





During July you still see colourful meadows, yet summer has usually arrived with warmer temperatures. Your team is looking forward to welcoming you:


Nadine, Christina, Bartolomeo & Mel

Volunteer: Claudine


Saturday arrival: 2 - 4 pm

Friday departure: until 11am


1 out of 12 spaces left


BOOK

WEEK V



23.07. - 29.07.2022





Join our last summer programme in Switzerland in 2022. Your team is looking forward to welcoming you:



Nadine, Mona, Bartolomeo & Mel

Volunteer: Brecht


Saturday arrival: 2 - 4 pm

Friday departure: until 11am


1 out of 12 spaces left


BOOK

FAQ



I am still not sure what exactly Shinrin-Yoku is. Do we need to hug trees?

There are many forms of Shinrin-Yoku. We are going through the forest and our guide helps you to activate your senses through different practices and activities (e.g. meditation, visual exercises). We do not promote any spiritual approaches, but will leave room for it if you wish to personally explore it. Hugging tree is not a must of course, but it is surprisingly enjoyable! :)


Is the programme in English or German?

The programme is in English due to the different languages of participants. We are located right at the so called 'Rösti-Graben', where the French and German part of Switzerland meet. Throughout the last 3 years participants came from different areas in Switzerland and we rather enjoyed the mix of different people and languages but agreed, that English would be the common ground. Understanding English is essential to follow the programme but be assured that throughout the week you probably also hear German, French and even other languages.


What do I need to bring for Shinrin-Yoku?

Ankle-high trekking shoes are necessary, as well as water proof trousers and jackets. Also bring a fleece just in case. We hope for sunny days - but… no rain, no flowers!


Do you provide vegetarian meals?

Yes, we mostly eat plant based food, but also give the chance to taste local meat during the week at very little amounts. If you are vegetarian or have any food allergies, please let us know during your booking.


Are mobile phones forbidden?

Yes, but we are aware that you may need to have mobile access. We kindly ask you to leave your mobile phones inside the room, so if you really need to check e-mails, talk to your friends or family you are welcome to do it from there.


You are a non-profit association but are charging people to participate at SAANENWALD - how exactly does this work?

With your stay, you are supporting the stays of less fortunate people. The revenues of the nature weeks as well as donations and membership fees enable stays of participants who are facing a difficult time in their lives, suffer from a sickness and need some time off, or simply need to slow down from their hectic lives but don’t have the financial means for it.

To support this model and to support the participation of somebody in a similar situation in the future, invited participants are welcome to make a voluntary donation of any value - to keep the SAANENWALD spirit alive. In 2022 we have about 20 spaces for these kind of participations.


Can I bring my dog?


We love dogs and in general the location is ideal to bring your companion to the mountains. Due to the programme's intensity, mindfulness practices and fellow participants, we do not recommend to bring your dog. However, there is a nearby dog-hotel if your dog needs to be taken care of during the week.



WHY NATURE MAKES US HAPPIER.



© Friends of Saanenwald 2022



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