Dark Shelter is a Polish dark retreat centre in the village of Łany (Czernica commune), just outside Wrocław. Retreats take place in a single detached cabin built specifically for this purpose: it is completely blacked out and soundproofed, with heat-recovery ventilation with an anti-smog filter, air conditioning and underfloor heating. Inside there is a living area with a bed, an armchair and space for meditation and exercise, and a bathroom/kitchen area with a shower, toilet, small fridge and microwave (both without light). The cabin stands on a large fenced private plot by the Strachocin Forest, not far from the Oder, so after the retreat you can go for a long walk in nature.
The centre was founded by Marcin Czub, a psychologist and researcher at the Institute of Psychology, University of Wrocław, who has been meditating for 20 years and is researching the therapeutic effects of dark retreats together with the University of Ostrava, and Agnieszka Mysiak-Wrzeszcz, who has long run creative workshops. The approach is secular: darkness as a path to deep rest, mental hygiene, meditation and self-knowledge, without ties to any particular spiritual tradition. It suits both beginners and experienced participants – shorter stays from 3 nights as well as a week or longer, daily care from the caretaker, meals delivered, and a talk with a psychologist available if needed.
Longer stays: possible, price on request (the English version of the website gives approx. €100/night incl. meals)
Psychotherapeutic integration sessions (Marta Kochan-Wójcik): paid separately, price not stated on the website
Price includes
accommodation in the blacked-out cabin
meals (70 PLN/day)
introductory briefing and daily care from the caretaker
option of a talk with a psychologist if the experience becomes difficult
Meals
included (70 PLN/day), delivered once a day at lunchtime
Lunch and dinner come in a thermos, plus a cold breakfast for the next day.
The cabin has a small fridge and a microwave (without light).
Food allergies must be reported when booking; a special diet can be arranged individually.
The website does not state the type of food (vegetarian/vegan).
Length of stay
from 3 nights (Tue–Fri)
They offer stays of 3 nights (Tue–Fri), 4 nights (Fri–Tue), one week (Fri–Fri or Tue–Tue) and longer.
Start around 18:00, end around 11:00.
Deposit and payment
full amount within a week of booking
First the dates are provisionally reserved by e-mail; after reading the terms you pay the full price, and the payment confirms the booking.
Cancellation
Cancellation at least a month in advance: 100% refund.
Cancellation at least 2 weeks in advance: 50% refund.
If a replacement is found for your dates, 100% is refunded regardless of when you cancelled.
Cancellation less than 2 weeks in advance: the website does not say; ask before booking.
Leaving early: you can leave the cabin or switch on the light at any time, and the last days can be spent “in the light”; the website does not mention refunds.
Health restrictions
The website does not list contraindications; ask before booking.
Other conditions
Arrival on Tuesday or Friday around 18:00, departure around 11:00.
Available dates are shown in the calendar on the website; booking by e-mail.
You can come out of the dark on the evening of the second-to-last day or on the morning of the last day.
The phone is not used during the stay (they recommend switching it off and putting it away); family and friends can pass on messages via the caretaker.
The door locks from the inside and only the caretaker has a key; you can switch on the emergency light or leave at any time.
The cabin has fire safety equipment, a first-aid kit and electric heating.
After the stay your eyes need 2–3 hours to adjust to the light – if you came by car, you should wait.
The website does not mention stays for couples.
Guide
Marcin Czub – co-founder, psychologist, assistant professor at the Institute of Psychology, University of Wrocław, 20 years of meditation practice including dark retreats.
The caretaker comes once a day with meals, and you can tell them about any problems or needs; a longer talk with a psychologist experienced in dark retreats can be arranged.
Partner psychotherapist Marta Kochan-Wójcik helps with integrating difficult experiences (paid, in Wrocław or online, in Polish or English).
Information taken from the operator's website darkshelter.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 Dark Shelter Łany:
Location: detached cabin on a fenced plot by a forest, on the edge of Wrocław Parking: 0 km Train: 2,8 km Bus: 1,3 km
Dark Shelter Łany on the map:
Do you own this centre and would like more photos or a different description here? Contact us at info@pobytvetme.com.
Dark Shelter ŁanyPLLocation: detached cabin on a fenced plot by a forest, on the edge of WrocławParking: 0 kmTrain: 2,8 kmBus: 1,3 kmPrice: ≈ 2,035 CZK/night370 PLN per night incl. meals (300 PLN stay + 70 PLN meals) for a one-week stay; shorter stays are priced differently
How to book Dark Shelter Łany
Book directly with the operator: website darkshelter.pl, e-mail info@darkshelter.pl.
If they are fully booked, you can use these free dates at Léčba tmou near Kutná Hora. These are not dates of Dark Shelter Łany, 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
