The Polish group Chakaruna runs dark retreats in a simple house in the mountains right next to the village of Nýdek in the Beskydy Mountains (Frýdek-Místek district, Moravian-Silesian Region). It is surrounded by wild nature and silence. The operator itself writes that this is neither a hotel nor a luxury spa, and points out that the house can be on the cool side. It is about 70 km from Bielsko-Biała and about 180 km from Kraków. The retreats are led by Piotr, whom the website introduces as Piotr Chakaruna, and his team. In the dark, no phone or watch is used and there is no talking. There is no set programme: there is room for sleep, breathing, meditation, prayer, observation and your own process.
There are four formats to choose from. The 36-hour solo retreat is watched over by a facilitator who stays on site. In the 36-hour format with personal guidance, the facilitator accompanies you through the whole process, including work with breath, emotions and integration. The 36-hour group option is for up to 6 people in one dark room. The advanced individual format lasts 108 hours (4.5 days). The retreat takes place without food; water is available. It suits people who want silence, solitude and reduced stimulation, and previous meditation experience is not necessary. Those who do not want to go into the dark alone can join the group. Before every booking there is a mandatory introductory conversation about the conditions and readiness. The website is only in Polish and gives prices in euros.
Note: The website lists dates only until 15 Oct 2026; further dates depend on the weather and the condition of the house. Check whether it is operating.
Price list
36 hours solo (facilitator on site, not with you in the dark): €780
36 hours with personal guidance from the facilitator: €1,080
36 hours in a group of up to 6 people: €540/person
108 hours individually (advanced format, 4.5 days): €2,160
Price includes
dark retreat in the chosen format (36 h or 108 h)
facilitator on site who looks after safety (in the solo option comes to check on you)
in the guided option, personal accompaniment through the process (breath, emotions, integration)
in the group, your own mattress and a facilitator present with the group
water
introductory conversation before booking
list of things to bring, sent before arrival
Meals
no food, water available
The retreat takes place without food; water is available and details are discussed before entering the dark.
One of the participant testimonials on the website mentions a dry fast. However, the website explicitly states that water is available.
Length of stay
36 hours
The basic formats last 36 hours (always 2 days in the calendar, e.g. 12–14 Aug).
The advanced format lasts 108 hours (4.5 days, e.g. 21–26 Sep) and is individual only, after a prior conversation and assessment of readiness.
Deposit and payment
The website does not say anything about a deposit or method of payment; ask before booking.
Before every booking there is a short introductory conversation, and the place is only confirmed after it. Dates are requested by e-mail or via Instagram.
Cancellation
The website does not give cancellation terms; ask before booking.
Leaving early: the website does not say; ask before booking.
Health restrictions
The website does not list contraindications; ask before booking.
The operator points out that a dark retreat is neither therapy nor a substitute for medical or psychological care.
Readiness is assessed during the introductory conversation. The 108-hour format is only for people with experience of practice, silence, fasting or secluded retreats and is not recommended as a first step.
Other conditions
A mandatory introductory conversation about the conditions, format and readiness takes place before booking.
In the dark, no phone or watch is used and there is no talking.
The retreat is without food; water is available.
A simple mountain house, not a hotel. It can be cooler here, and a list of things to bring is sent before arrival.
In the group (up to 6 people) everyone is in one dark room, each with their own mattress and space.
The dates are planned availability; in 2026 only until 15 Oct. Further dates depend on the weather and the condition of the house.
The website does not give arrival and departure times; ask before booking.
Guide
Piotr (“Piotr Chakaruna” on the website) and the Chakaruna team. The website does not state any qualifications; it talks about personal experience with secluded retreats and work with the body, breath and consciousness.
Solo: the facilitator stays on site, looks after safety and checks on you as often as needed.
With personal guidance: the facilitator accompanies you through the whole process, including the harder moments, breath, emotions and integration.
Group: the facilitator is with the group and leads the process.
The website is in Polish. The chatbot on the website answers in Polish or English; the website does not say whether retreats are also led in Czech.
Information taken from the operator's website chakaruna.com.pl, last checked 9. 10. 2026. Prices and conditions may change; please confirm them with the operator before booking.. Texts are translated from Czech.
Getting to Chakaruna Nýdek:
Location: simple house in the mountains near the village of Nýdek
Chakaruna Nýdek on the map:
Do you own this centre and would like more photos or a different description here? Contact us at info@pobytvetme.com.
Chakaruna NýdekLocation: simple house in the mountains near the village of NýdekPrice: by donationThe price is not charged per night but per package without food: 36 h solo €780, 36 h with guidance €1,080, 36 h in a group €540/person, 108 h individually €2,160.
How to book Chakaruna Nýdek
Book directly with the operator: website chakaruna.com.pl, e-mail czakaruna@gmail.com, Instagram @dark_retreat_chakaruna.
If they are fully booked, you can use these free dates at Léčba tmou near Kutná Hora. These are not dates of Chakaruna Nýdek, but of the centre in Lomec near Kutná Hora (Czechia):
Svatyně klidu is available from 17.10.2026 Book 3 nights
Svatyně zdraví is available from 17.10.2026 Book 3 nights
