Frequently Asked Questions
The Sun & Light | 31 July -2 August 2026
What is included in the program cost of the retreat?
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Guided Sensory Journeys: Full access to all curated sensory sessions, including both facilitated group workshops and self-guided moments of stillness.
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The Nuuksio Forest Experience: Immersive slow-paced, reflective walks through the ancient trails of Nuuksio National Park.
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Cultural Discovery: Entry to the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia and a dedicated traditional kantele session.
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Creative Expression: Professional instruction in our Art and Tactile Photography workshop, designed to help you "see" through touch.
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Movement & Stillness: Yoga session with live kantele music to feel the energy of the Finnish summer.
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Wild Foraging: A guided berry-picking excursion where we gather seasonal wild berries to taste the summer forest.
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Sauna Tradition: A guided Finnish sauna ritual including traditional herbs and the refreshing option of a cold plunge in the lake.
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Nourishment: All lunches and dinners during the program (breakfast is included for guests staying on-site at Haltia Lake Lodge).
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Connection: Facilitated group reflection circles to process the experience in a supportive, small-group setting.
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Important accommodation note:
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The total prices listed reflect the entire experience including accommodation at Haltia Lake Lodge (e.g. program fee plus your room type). However, you will book and pay for your accommodation directly with Haltia Lake Lodge using a preferred retreat rate code. The hotel will handle your reservation according to their terms and conditions. To guarantee your room, please complete your hotel booking no later than 60 days before the retreat.
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You are free to stay elsewhere, but we recommend Haltia Lake Lodge, our accommodation partner, for convenience.
What is not included in the program cost of the retreat?
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Flights or transportation to and from Helsinki
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Transportation to and from the airport or train station
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Massages and additional spa treatments at Haltia Lake Lodge
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Personal travel insurance​
Can I join for only a portion of the retreat?
Our summer program is designed as a continuous sensory narrative, moving from the bright morning light into the deep evening glow. To fully immerse yourself in "The Sun & Light" experience, we encourage attending from start to finish. However, if your schedule only allows for a partial stay, please contact us. We are happy to discuss how a shortened visit might work without disrupting the rhythm of the group or your personal journey.
Where is the home base for the retreat?
Our recommended sanctuary is Haltia Lake Lodge, an award-winning boutique hotel nestled directly within Nuuksio National Park. Staying here allows you to remain fully immersed in the forest atmosphere between sessions.
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Accommodation Choice: While we highly recommend the Lodge for its convenience and comfort, you are welcome to arrange your own stay elsewhere and join us as a "Retreat Only" participant.
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Shared Stays: If you are traveling solo but would like to share a room with a fellow retreat guest, let us know. We are happy to facilitate a connection if another participant is looking for a similar arrangement.
What is the group size?
We intentionally keep the group small to create an intimate, calm, and personal experience. We are aiming for a group of 10-15.
How physically demanding is the retreat?
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The retreat is designed to be gentle and accessible.
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Forest walks are slow and unhurried
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No hiking experience is required
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Terrain is natural forest terrain with some uneven paths
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You can walk as much or as little as feels right for you
Nothing is physically demanding unless you choose to make it so. The focus is on presence, not performance. In case of inclement weather, we will adapt any outdoor activities accordingly.
What should I bring for a summer forest experience?
To ensure you stay comfortable while moving between the lakeside, the sauna, and the forest trails, we recommend packing:
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Breathable Trail Shoes: Comfortable footwear with good grip for navigating natural forest paths.
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Summer Layers: Light, breathable clothing for the daytime and a warmer layer (like a fleece or light wool sweater) for when the sun dips in the evening.
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Weather Protection: A lightweight, waterproof outer layer in case of passing summer showers.
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Retreat Wear: Soft, flexible clothing for yoga, meditation, and restorative indoor sessions.
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Swim & Sauna Essentials: A bathing suit for the traditional sauna ritual and the refreshing lake plunges.
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Adventure Gear: A small day backpack to carry your essentials and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in the summer heat.
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Personal Reflection: An optional notebook or journal to capture thoughts during our reflection circles.
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Note: The Finnish summer is beautiful, but can be unpredictable. We recommend checking the Nuuksio forecast 48 hours before arrival to fine-tune your choices.
What about food and meals?
You will be well fed throughout the retreat. All meals during the program are included:
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Nutritious daily breakfast at Haltia Lake Lodge (if you are staying at the Lodge)
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Lunch buffet at Finnish Nature Centre Haltia
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Dinner at Haltia Lake Lodge
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Wild berry tasting and foraging session
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Three-course bonfire dinner in a kota/teepee
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Traditional bonfire pancake feast
Meals are seasonal, nourishing, and thoughtfully prepared. You can expect three satisfying meals each day along with tastings and workshops. Please bring a reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated throughout the day.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes. We can accommodate most dietary needs including:
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Vegetarian
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Vegan
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Gluten-free
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Dairy-free
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Food allergies
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Please let us know your dietary requirements during registration so we can coordinate with our chefs and partners.
When is my payment due?
To keep things simple and secure your spot, we use a two-step payment schedule for the retreat participation fee:
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Deposit: 30% is due within seven (7) days of receiving your confirmation email.
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Final Balance: The remaining 70% is due by 15 June 2026.
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Late Bookings: If you register after 15 June 2026, the full amount is due immediately upon confirmation.
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Please note: All dates and deadlines are based on local time in Finland (EEST). Your accommodation reservation at Haltia Lake Lodge is made separately using our preferred rate code and is subject to the Lodge’s own payment terms and conditions.
What is the cancellation policy?
Because we commit to our partners and guides in advance, the following policy applies to the retreat participation fee:
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Until 15 June 2026: Full refund, less a €69 administrative and transaction fee.
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16 June – 25 June 2026: 50% refund of the total participation fee.
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From 26 June 2026: No refund can be issued.
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Please note: All dates and deadlines are based on local time in Finland (EEST). Cancellations for your hotel room must be handled directly with Haltia Lake Lodge and are subject to their specific cancellation deadlines. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip.
Who will benefit most from this experience?
If you find yourself searching for a "pause button," you’re in the right place. This retreat is designed for the modern worker—whether you spend your days in a high-pressure office, managing a household, or working on the front lines.
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It is a sanctuary for those seeking:
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Reclamation of Energy: Using the expansive Finnish summer light to move from burnout to balance.
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Sensory Reconnection: Trading screen time for forest time and digital pings for the sounds of the kantele and the lake.
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Authentic Stillness: Finding a slower rhythm that allows for genuine reflection and deep, restorative rest.
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Cultural Roots: Immersing yourself in Finnish traditions that celebrate the simple, profound link between humans and nature.
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If you are craving a space where nothing is "productive" but everything is "nourishing," this retreat is for you.