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Rooted & Rising

August 17 - 23, 2026

Grafenwiesen, Germany

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7 days

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12 person retreat

Highlights

  • In the ancient Bavarian Forest

  • Shamanic Breathwork

  • Fire Ceremony

  • Water and other rituals

  • Workshops to remove limiting beliefs

  • Somatic healing work

  • Forest bathing

  • Releasing Limiting Beliefs

  • 100% transformation guarantee

Details

Rooted & Rising is a 7-day transformational retreat held in the heart of the ancient Bavarian Forest, Germany, one of Europe's oldest and most pristine wilderness areas. This is not a holiday or a passive wellness experience. It is an active, deeply supported return to yourself. The retreat is designed for ambitious professionals who have built successful careers and lives on the outside, yet feel a quiet disconnection within; tired of performing, holding it all together, and running on empty. Through a carefully layered programme of Shamanic Breathwork, Myofascial Release Yoga, somatic healing, fire, cacao and water ceremonies, guided inner work, and forest immersion, you will shed what no longer serves you and reconnect with the version of yourself that has been waiting underneath. Every day follows an intentional rhythm of depth and integration, moving through morning grounding practices by a forest waterfall, ceremonial afternoon sessions, and evening sharing circles under an open sky. The ancient forest is not just the backdrop; it is your co-facilitator. You will be held in an intimate group of up to 12 participants, staying at the Spirit & Spa Birkenhof am Elfenhain, a 4-star superior wellness hotel nestled in the forest, offering 4,000 m² of spa facilities, organic cuisine, and 20,000 m² of enchanted gardens and forest grounds. Your guide is Elli, an international transformation guide, Shamanic Breathwork Master Practitioner, Reiki Master, and Myofascial Release Yoga teacher with 15 years of corporate leadership experience. Her approach is compassionate yet direct, spiritual yet structured; a rare blend that makes this work both deeply felt and practically grounded. You will leave rooted, clear, light, and more powerfully yourself. I am so confident in the depth of this work that if you fully show up, attend every session, engage openly, and still feel no shift by the end, I will refund the portion of your payment attributed to my facilitation. No retreat should be a leap of blind faith. Find details in the FAQ section.

Location

Grafenwiesen, Germany

Grafenwiesen (postal code 93479) is a tranquil spa village nestled in the scenic Bavarian Forest near the Czech border in southeastern Germany. Surrounded by dense woodlands, rolling hills, and fresh mountain air, the area is known for its peaceful atmosphere and wellness-oriented environment, with nearby thermal spas and nature trails. Ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, Grafenwiesen offers a quiet retreat into nature while still reflecting the charm and tradition of rural Bavaria.

Venue

Spirit & SPA Birkenhof am Elfenhain

4.7 910 Reviews

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Experience the 4-star superior wellness hotel Birkenhof am Elfenhain as a source of strength. In harmony with nature. In harmony with yourself. Creating moments of well-being and unforgettable days for you is our passion. So you can return home with a smile on your face and look forward to your next Birkenhof wellness holiday. The Birkenhof is the place for your very own personal getaway: a holiday for two or with a friend. Relax in the 4.000 sqm wellness area or enjoy culinary delights in the "GaumenZauber" restaurant. Fasting holidays or yoga retreats. Everything is perfectly arranged for you! The Birkenhof wellness hotel at the Elfenhain is simply "magical.mystical." and above all "human..."

Pool

Pool

Towels

Towels

Restaurant

Restaurant

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Shower

Bathroom

Bathroom

Meals

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Not included - self catered

A holiday at the Birkenhof Wellness Hotel also includes a very special culinary journey. They ensure this with their colorful and diverse Birkenhof 3/4 cuisine with fresh and regional products. Start your day with a delicious Breakfast Buffet that leaves nothing to be desired. In the afternoon you can enjoy the varied afternoon buffet and refreshment. 5-course menu and varied buffet evenings are the culinary highlight in the evening. Special details make the Birkenhof kitchen from: - Fresh herbs from our own herb garden - In summer, salads from our own raised beds - Numerous regional suppliers of bread & baked goods, meat & sausage, vegetables - Natural products from 5-Elemente-Versand, Ökoring and Bioking - Vegan and vegetarian dishes according to their partner “Gourmet Vital”, the vital gourmet cuisine according to the teachings of ancient world cultures and local health teachings

Schedule

Each day of Rooted & Rising is thoughtfully structured to move between depth and integration, giving you space to go inward and space to rest and absorb. No two days are identical, but every day follows a gentle rhythm that honours both transformation and restoration. Mornings begin with grounding movement and somatic practices on our outdoor platform by the forest waterfall, inviting your nervous system to soften and your body to arrive in the day. Middays are unhurried; nourishing organic meals, free time to journal, explore the hotel's extensive spa facilities, or simply sit in stillness in the Zen garden. Afternoons and evenings move into the deeper ceremonial and inner work; Shamanic Breathwork, guided meditation and journeying, fire, cacao and water ceremonies, forest immersion, and intimate sharing circles. The week is designed as a spiral; each day builds on the last, guiding you progressively deeper into your own wisdom and wholeness. By the final morning, something has shifted. Not because your life has changed yet, but because you have.

Testimonials

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I came with the desire to rediscover myself, find peace, and gain new strength. That’s exactly what I achieved. I felt safe, seen, and supported at all times. I notice in everyday life how these days have changed me internally. More mindful of myself and my feelings, more clarity about my desires, and a sense of balance I hadn’t felt in years.

Xenia, Germany

Several experiences created powerful physical and emotional shifts for me. One moment that stood out was moving from fear to deep calm during a guided drum journey. It felt like my mind stepped aside and my body could finally communicate something deeper. I left feeling more connected to myself and more aware of the intelligence of the body.

Charlotte, Belgium

I can’t put into words what the retreat did for me — but I would say it solidified something within me. I notice this now with my family. I no longer let things get to me. I’m good at setting boundaries. I’m so grateful that I was able to heal a little and grow as a person.

Johanna, Germany

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Host

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Elli Fruehwirth

Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia

Elli is an international transformation guide, energy healer, and yoga teacher based in Bali. Originally from Austria, she spent 15 years in the corporate and start-up tech world—from Business Analyst...

Certified Yoga Instructor

Accreditation has been verified

2 languages

English and Deutsch

Teaching for 8 months

Joined Insight Timer in Jul 2025

What's Included

7 days of transformational programme with expert facilitation by Elli

Shamanic Breathwork

Fire, cacao, water ceremonies

Meditations

Shamanic Drum Journeys

Forest Bathing

Yoga (Myofascial Release, Yin Yoga, Flow Yoga)

Workshops (Limiting beliefs, inner child healing, ...)

Group airport transfers; Munich MUC pick-up Aug 17 & drop-off Aug 23

One post-retreat integration call to anchor your transformation in daily life

Not Included

Accommodation

Meals (included in hotel room rate)

Spa (included in hotel room rate)

Travel insurance

Visa to enter Germany

Personal expenses (e.g. spa treatments)

FAQs

Guest requirements

  • Please book your own room at the retreat venue

  • If you are pregnant or have any health concerns around heart, lung, blood pressure, prescription medication, please reach out before booking to discuss suitability.

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 60 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 60 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 60 days before the retreat begins.