Dark retreats are led by Arnold E. Wiegand in Kelkheim-Münster in the Taunus hills, about 20 minutes by train from Frankfurt am Main. The dark space takes up the whole attic floor of a detached family house on a quiet street, just a few houses from the edge of the forest: two rooms and a bathroom for a single guest or a couple only. He has been taking individual guests since 2016 and in that time has run about 300 retreats lasting from three days to three weeks. He himself has spent over 200 days in darkness, the longest stretch being 49 days. He is a Heilpraktiker für Psychotherapie, i.e. a non-medical psychotherapist licensed in Germany. He accompanies couples together with his partner Edith Schwarz.
The approach is neither a programme nor a technique. It is about perceiving and accepting whatever arises in the dark (feelings, tension, beliefs), in the spirit of a non-dual view of the mind. Wiegand himself says it is neither therapy in the usual sense nor esotericism. He is in contact with the guest every day: briefly in the morning when bringing food, and for about an hour in the afternoon. It suits people who want to untangle recurring patterns, are searching for meaning or want to step out of psychological stress. It is also suitable for couples and for those who accompany others themselves and want to combine their own experience with supervision. Before the retreat there is a free phone or video call; afterwards there are three video calls, which are included in the price.
Prices and conditions at Dunkelretreat Arnold Wiegand Kelkheim
Country
Germany
Week with meals (7 nights, 1 person)
≈ 37,522 CZK 7 days × €220 (meals included); arrival is the evening before the first day and departure the morning after the last day, so 7 days in darkness correspond to 8 nights. A couple pays €2,300 for 7 days, i.e. €1,150 per person.
Couple, 7 days: €2,300 per couple (€1,150 per person)
Other length of stay, or consideration for a very limited financial situation: by arrangement
Introductory phone or video call: free
3 video calls of 30 min within 3 months after the retreat: included
Price includes
accommodation in two dark rooms with a bathroom (for you or a couple only)
vegan meals and drinks
daily conversations with the guide (short in the morning, about 60 min in the afternoon)
bedding and towels; towels changed on request
an empty notebook for notes
final cleaning
3 video calls of 30 min within 3 months after the retreat
pick-up from Kelkheim-Münster station and back
no VAT charged (small business under § 19 UStG)
Meals
included, vegan; the website does not say exactly how many times a day food is brought
Food brought in the morning: fresh fruit or porridge, mixed salads with home-made wholegrain spelt bread; a hot meal in the evening.
Meals are adapted to individual needs and intolerances; just let them know in advance. Fasting is also possible on request.
Drinks: sparkling and still mineral water, tea, ginger water.
Tableware has a fixed place on the table so that it can be found even in the dark.
Length of stay
from 3 days
For a deeper experience he recommends at least 7 days, ideally 7–10 days.
Dates and length by arrangement; retreats so far have lasted from 3 days to 3 weeks.
For couples, the length is agreed in the introductory conversation.
Deposit and payment
part on registration, the rest no later than 10 days before the start
The website does not say how much the deposit is; ask before booking.
You register by e-mail or phone, usually after the free introductory conversation.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms vary by offer and the operator sends them in advance together with the other documents. They are not on the website; ask before booking.
Leaving early: you can end the retreat at any time, the rooms are not locked. Before you leave, a reflective conversation is offered. The website does not say whether part of the price is refunded in that case.
Health restrictions
Not suitable for people who need light because of an illness, e.g. to measure blood sugar or to count drops of medication.
The retreat can trigger intense inner processes; you need to be able to handle feelings and bodily sensations mindfully. If you are unsure, this is discussed in the introductory conversation.
Medication is fine as long as it can be taken safely in the dark and there is no risk of mixing it up. This is discussed in the introductory conversation.
Psychoactive substances are prohibited; using them means the retreat ends immediately.
Other conditions
Arrival the evening before the first day, departure the morning after the last day.
On arrival everything is shown to you in the light so that you can find your way in the dark.
Smoking, alcohol and drugs are prohibited in the rooms.
Your mobile phone is switched off, or you can hand it in. A voice recorder is allowed; its display and LEDs must be taped over.
Couples are welcome and are accompanied by Arnold Wiegand and his partner Edith Schwarz.
Entry to the room is announced by a bell and a call.
A home emergency call button (it dials the guide's mobile) and a torch are available.
In an emergency your family can reach you through the guide.
You can bring your own things such as a meditation cushion. Light, comfortable clothing and warm socks or slippers are recommended.
By RB12 train from Frankfurt about 23 min; the guide will pick you up at Kelkheim-Münster station. By car, you can usually park in front of the house.
Guide
Arnold E. Wiegand, Heilpraktiker für Psychotherapie (non-medical psychotherapist licensed in Germany)
He has been spending time in darkness since 2005, over 200 days in total, the longest 49 days in a row (he wrote a book about it). He has been taking guests since 2016, about 300 retreats so far.
With couples and in some formats he works together with his partner Edith Schwarz.
Communication: a short talk in the morning when food is brought, a conversation of about 60 min in the afternoon. Beyond that he can be reached via the emergency button on the phone.
He does not record the conversations; guests may make their own recordings.
Information taken from the operator's website dunkelretreat.org, 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 Dunkelretreat Arnold Wiegand Kelkheim:
Location: attic floor of a family house in a quiet neighbourhood at the edge of the forest Parking: 0 km Train: 0,6 km Bus: 0,4 km
Dunkelretreat Arnold Wiegand Kelkheim on the map:
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Dunkelretreat Arnold Wiegand KelkheimDELocation: attic floor of a family house in a quiet neighbourhood at the edge of the forestParking: 0 kmTrain: 0,6 kmBus: 0,4 kmPrice: ≈ 5,360 CZK/night€220 per day for 1 person incl. meals and conversations; a couple pays €1,100 (3 days), €1,750 (5 days), €2,300 (7 days)
How to book Dunkelretreat Arnold Wiegand Kelkheim
Book directly with the operator: website dunkelretreat.org, tel. +49 6195 685962, e-mail info@dunkelretreat.org.
If they are fully booked, you can use these free dates at Léčba tmou near Kutná Hora. These are not dates of Dunkelretreat Arnold Wiegand Kelkheim, 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