The dark retreats are run by Juraj Nedorost on his organic farm with a fruit orchard in the hamlet of Riečky near Modrý Kameň in the Veľký Krtíš district. He built the darkness hut himself with friends from natural and partly recycled materials; it stands by the forest and inside there is a washbasin, shower, composting toilet, passive ventilation and heating. According to the public booking calendar, he has been hosting guests since at least 2016. The food is raw, from his own garden or from local growers, and the stay is paid for by a voluntary contribution that goes towards developing the orchard.
The approach is spiritual and focused on self-discovery: the website describes darkness as an ancient method in which a person is “their own therapist”, and mentions vivid visions, work with childhood memories and, on longer stays, out-of-body experiences. The guide comes once a day with food; otherwise nobody disturbs the guest. Musical instruments, coloured pencils with a notebook and a sleeping mat are provided. It suits people who want a longer stay in silence and nature, like raw food or want to try fasting; you can come alone or as a couple.
Voluntary contribution: 50 €/night (including raw food and guide)
One-week stay: 350 €/7 days
Discounts for students and people on low incomes: by arrangement (amount not stated on the website)
Price includes
stay in a natural hut adapted for total darkness
raw food (once a day) and water with fruit in the hut
guide with many years of experience with darkness
Meals
included in the price, raw, once a day
Fruit and vegetable salads and smoothies, in summer only from their own harvest or from local growers; honey from a family beekeeper is added to the meals.
Water and a bowl of fruit are always available in the hut.
Fasting is possible, and you can return to eating at any time during the stay.
Dietary restrictions must be reported before the stay.
Length of stay
The website does not state a fixed minimum length; it recommends at least 7 days.
For a deeper spiritual experience it recommends 10 days or more.
Deposit and payment
the booking is valid only once the non-refundable contribution has been paid
The website states that the booking is binding and valid once the non-refundable voluntary contribution of 50 €/night has been paid.
However, the cancellation terms refer to “percentages of the deposit” – check the exact deposit amount before booking.
Cancellation
Cancellation 2 months before arrival: 30% of the deposit
Cancellation 1 month before arrival: 50% of the deposit
Cancellation 2 weeks before arrival: 70% of the deposit
If you find a replacement, no cancellation fee is charged.
By mutual agreement, arrival can be moved to another available date.
Early departure: the contribution is a gift and is not refunded.
Health restrictions
The website does not list contraindications; ask before booking.
Other conditions
Arrival normally at 18:00 (ideally in the afternoon or early evening); the guide shows you the hut, then draws the curtains and the stay begins.
The stay ends in the morning of the last day; the guide opens the door slightly so your eyes can gradually get used to the light.
You can stay alone or as a couple.
Booking by phone (also WhatsApp) or email.
What to bring: comfortable clothes, 2 towels, optionally a favourite musical instrument and small healthy snacks (dried fruit, nuts).
They recommend natural cosmetics or none at all.
Gift vouchers available.
The website does not state the price for a couple, parking or any prohibitions; ask before booking.
Guide
Juraj Nedorost – organic farm owner and guide; the website mentions many years of experience with darkness but no formal qualifications.
The guide comes once a day with food; otherwise nobody disturbs the guest.
When food is delivered you can talk to the guide, e.g. to change your decision about fasting.
Information taken from the operator's website pobytyvtme.sk, last checked 8. 10. 2026. Prices and conditions may change; please confirm them with the operator before booking.. Texts are translated from Czech.
Getting to Pobyty v tme Riečky:
Location: hut made of natural materials by the forest on an organic farm with a fruit orchard Bus: 1 km
Pobyty v tme Riečky on the map:
Do you own this centre and would like more photos or a different description here? Contact us at info@pobytvetme.com.
Pobyty v tme RiečkySKLocation: hut made of natural materials by the forest on an organic farm with a fruit orchardBus: 1 kmPrice: ≈ 1,220 Kč/nightVoluntary contribution of 50 €/night for 1 person including raw food and guide. The website does not state the price for a couple.
How to book Pobyty v tme Riečky
Book directly with the operator: website pobytyvtme.sk, tel. +421 904 202 358 (also WhatsApp, Signal, Viber), email pobytyvtme@gmail.com.
If they are fully booked, you can use these free dates at Léčba tmou near Kutná Hora. These are not dates of Pobyty v tme Riečky, but of the centre in Lomec near Kutná Hora (Czechia):
