SUN TO MOON: autumn retreat in the Swiss Alps
23–25 October 2026 · Schweibenalp, Bernese Oberland
By the end of October, autumn has settled into the mountains. The days are shorter, the forests have changed colour, mornings arrive with cooler air and the light carries a different quality. After the expansive energy of summer, the season begins to draw us inward. Sun to Moon follows this movement.
The sun carries the qualities of warmth, energy and action, while the moon invites a slower rhythm, reflection and rest. Across the weekend, our days will move between these two energies, following the light outside and paying attention to our own rhythms within. Early mornings begin with yoga asana, pranayama and meditation as the day wakes around us. Later come long breakfasts, time in the forest, nourishing food, creativity, ayurveda, conversations and moments of quiet. As evening arrives, the practices soften again through breath, meditation, sound and rest.
Autumn will already be in full swing when we meet. These few days give us time to experience the season consciously, to reflect on the months behind us, become curious about what lies ahead, and most of all spend some time with where we are right now. You might find yourself walking through the forest, sitting somewhere with a cup of tea, writing, sleeping, sharing a conversation or watching the light change over the mountains. A rhythm will hold our weekend, with plenty of space inside it.
WHERE WE ARE GOING
Our home for the weekend is Schweibenalp, Zentrum der Einheit, sitting at around 1,100 metres above Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland. Forest, mountains, gardens and open space surround the centre, creating a beautiful setting for a few days lived closer to the rhythm of nature. Schweibenalp is a retreat and community centre rooted in spirituality, ecology, permaculture and conscious living. Its grounds stretch across around 20 hectares, with gardens, forest paths and many little places to wander, sit, read or spend time outside.
For our weekend, we will have our own practice room. Mats, blankets, cushions and yoga props will already be waiting there for us, which makes packing wonderfully easy. Accommodation reflects the simple and grounded character of the centre. You can choose between a single room or a shared room, with newly renovated shared bathrooms and showers available on each floor. Life at Schweibenalp follows a slightly different rhythm, and for a few days, we get to follow it too.
THE RHYTHM OF OUR DAYS
Here is an idea of how our weekend will unfold. The schedule gives our days a rhythm while leaving plenty of room for your own experience. Every session is an invitation, and you are always welcome to listen to what feels right for you. An afternoon in the forest, another hour of sleep, your journal, a book, a cup of tea or some extra quiet time can become just as much a part of the retreat as our shared practices.
FRIDAY · ARRIVING
from 17:00 · Arrival & settling in
18:00–19:00 · Dinner together
evening · Opening gathering & evening practice
Friday evening gives us time to arrive. After settling into our rooms and sharing dinner, we will meet in the practice space for our first gathering. Movement, breath, meditation and sound will accompany us into the evening, gradually shifting the pace from the journey and the week into the quieter rhythm of the weekend.
SATURDAY · SUN TO MOON
06:30 · Yoga asana, pranayama & meditation
08:00–09:00 · Breakfast
morning · Quiet time, reflection & space for yourself
13:00–14:00 · Lunch
afternoon · Forest walk & creative seasonal workshop
18:00–19:00 · Dinner
evening · Breathwork & meditation
Saturday begins early, moving with the first part of the day through yoga asana, pranayama and meditation. From waking until lunch, we will spend the morning in silence. Breakfast becomes part of this quieter time, followed by several hours that you can shape for yourself. Walk through the forest, read, journal, rest, explore the grounds or find a beautiful corner and stay there for a while.
Around lunchtime, words slowly return. The afternoon brings us back together for a forest walk and a creative workshop inspired by the season. We will explore another form of expression, allowing hands, colours, textures and imagination to become part of the practice. Anyone who feels drawn to continue the silence throughout the afternoon or evening is warmly welcome to follow that rhythm. After dinner, our attention turns inward again with breathwork and meditation, following the light towards evening.
SUNDAY · CARRYING IT FORWARD
06:30 · Yoga asana, pranayama & meditation
08:00–09:00 · Breakfast
morning · Forest walk
late morning · Ayurveda, seasonal rhythms & closing gathering
13:00–14:00 · Lunch
after lunch · Departure
Sunday begins once more with morning practice and breakfast. We will spend some time outside before gathering for an Ayurveda-inspired conversation about autumn, seasonal rhythms and ways of supporting ourselves as the year moves towards winter. Our final gathering will bring the weekend together before we share lunch and begin the journey home. The practices may end at Schweibenalp, while some of their rhythm can travel home with us.
WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?
Sun to Moon is open to everyone. Experience with yoga, meditation, pranayama or Ayurveda can take many forms, and the practices throughout the weekend will offer different possibilities so you can find what works for your body and your experience. Coming alone is very welcome too. The weekend naturally creates opportunities to meet and connect with others, alongside plenty of room for your own company. The retreat will be held mainly in English, and Guka also speaks German and is always happy to support or translate in German when helpful.
WITH GUKA
The weekend will be facilitated by Guka, founder of Yoga Nest Zürich. Her teaching brings together yoga asana, pranayama, meditation, philosophy and sound, alongside a curiosity about how these practices can live beyond the yoga mat and become part of everyday life. Across the weekend, Guka will guide the practices and gatherings while creating space for everyone to experience the retreat in their own way.
ROOMS & FOOD
Our retreat includes two nights at Schweibenalp and all meals from Friday evening through Sunday lunch. Meals at Schweibenalp are vegetarian/vegan and served at shared times:
Breakfast · 08:00–09:00
Lunch · 13:00–14:00
Dinner · 18:00–19:00
Choose the room that feels best for you:
Early Bird until 15 September 2026
Shared room · CHF 590
Single room · CHF 749
Regular Price (after 15th September)
Shared room · CHF 690
Single room · CHF 790
Our group will be intentionally small, and we have a limited number of single rooms available. Reaching out early gives you the best chance of choosing your preferred room.
WHAT YOUR RETREAT INCLUDES
The retreat price covers:
two nights of accommodation in your chosen room
all meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch
the full programme of yoga, pranayama, meditation, breathwork and sound with Guka
our creative seasonal workshop and ayurveda-inspired gathering
our dedicated yoga room throughout the weekend
mats, blankets, cushions and all practice props
a few little gifts and surprises along the way
Transport to and from Schweibenalp, personal travel/health insurance and personal extras are arranged individually.
GETTING THERE
Schweibenalp – Zentrum der Einheit
Schweibenalp 123
3855 Brienz, Switzerland
By public transport
The journey from Zürich takes you by train to Brienz, followed by the final journey up towards Schweibenalp. We are currently exploring a shared pickup from Brienz for the group. Once confirmed, everyone travelling by public transport will receive a recommended train connection, making it possible to meet in Brienz and travel the last part together. Any shared transfer will be organised separately from the retreat fee.
By car
Schweibenalp can be reached directly by car, with parking available at the centre. Before the retreat, we will send everyone detailed travel information, recommended connections and everything you need for an easy arrival.
BOOKING YOUR PLACE
To join us, write to info@theyoganest.ch and let us know whether you would prefer a single or shared room. A CHF 300 deposit confirms your place.
Once your booking is confirmed, we reserve your accommodation and begin making the arrangements for your stay with Schweibenalp. For this reason, the CHF 300 deposit goes directly towards these commitments and stays with the booking.
Up until 23 September 2026, one month before the retreat, the remaining retreat fee can be refunded if your plans change.
From 23 September onwards, the accommodation, meals and other arrangements for your place will already have been confirmed and paid for. Your booking therefore becomes final from this date.
And of course, life can bring unexpected changes. When another participant is able to take over your place, we are very happy to return the full amount you have paid, including the deposit, once the replacement booking is confirmed. Travel/cancellation and health insurance can offer additional peace of mind for the weekend.
SUN TO MOON
As autumn settles into the mountains,
we follow the light.
Morning sun through movement and breath,
forest paths beneath changing leaves,
afternoons with space to create,
evenings slowly turning towards the moon.
And somewhere between the sun rising and the moon appearing, we hope you find a little more space for yourself.
We are very much looking forward to sharing these autumn days with you.
23–25 October 2026
Schweibenalp · Bernese Oberland
Bookings & questions · info@theyoganest.ch