The Sebapoznanie v tme centre is located in Čertenie, part of the village of Hrušov in the Veľký Krtíš district in the south of central Slovakia. The stay takes place in a single natural hut of its own, built specifically for total darkness: a straw-and-timber structure with clay plaster inside and lime render outside. Inside there is a bed, a shower with hot water, a flush toilet, space for exercise and a meditation cushion; it is heated by a radiant panel and ventilated by heat-recovery ventilation. It is run by a civic association which, according to the website, has been operating since 2025; the stay is paid for as a membership contribution.
The approach is meditative and focused on self-discovery – silence, meditation, journaling, gentle movement and rest without any programme. A guide accompanies you throughout the stay: before you enter the darkness they walk you through the space and how the stay works, bring food once a day with a short chat, and at the end help you process your experiences. Stays last from 3 to 14 days or more; the website recommends three days as a first experience and seven for a deeper one. It suits people who need to switch off after burnout or are looking for peace and answers within themselves, including complete beginners.
Prices and conditions at Sebapoznanie v tme Hrušov
Country
Slovakia
Week with meals (7 nights, 1 person)
≈ 11,102 Kč 7 × (50 € + 15 € food) meals are paid separately, we added them
Price per night
≈ 1,586 Kč
Price list
Short stay of 3–4 days: 60 €/day + food 15 €/day = 75 €/day
Stay of 5 days or more: 50 €/day + food 15 €/day = 65 €/day
One-week stay with food: 455 €/7 days
One-week stay without food (fasting): 350 €/7 days
Parking: free by the hut
Price includes
stay in a natural hut adapted for total darkness
darkness guide throughout the stay (initial preparation, contact when food is delivered, final integration)
food, if ordered (15 €/day)
bedding
certificate of completion
parking by the hut
Not included: transport to Hrušov, towels, toiletries and personal items
Meals
extra charge 15 €/day, vegetarian (meat-free), once a day
Fresh home-made meat-free food adapted to the season, brought once every 24 hours.
Food is optional – if you fast or stay without food, you do not pay the food contribution; fasting is possible by arrangement.
The website does not state the exact menu or whether vegan or other diets are possible; ask before booking.
Length of stay
from 3 days
The short 3–4-day stay is intended as a first experience of darkness.
For the deepest experience the website recommends at least 7 days; stays of 14 days or more are possible.
The website gives prices per day; check when booking whether a “day” means a night.
Deposit and payment
50% in advance
You pay the deposit in advance according to the instructions sent by email after agreeing the date by phone.
Cancellation
Cancellation 60 days before arrival: 30% of the deposit
Cancellation 30 days before arrival: 50% of the deposit
Cancellation 14 days before arrival: 70% of the deposit
If you find a replacement, no cancellation fee is charged.
By arrangement, the booking can be moved to another available date.
The website does not state the terms for cancelling less than 14 days before arrival; ask before booking.
Early departure: you can end the stay at any time, but the contribution is treated as a gift and is not refunded.
Health restrictions
serious mental health problems (anxiety, depression, psychosis), acute mental health crisis, schizophrenia
ongoing addiction treatment
pregnancy and children
untreated epilepsy and serious heart and vascular diseases
chronic conditions affecting energy or sleep (e.g. diabetes)
regular use of strong medication
recent major loss in life – the website recommends waiting a few months
If in doubt, the website recommends consulting a professional and discussing your situation with the centre in advance.
Other conditions
The date is arranged by phone, email or WhatsApp; you then receive an email with a summary and instructions.
Before the stay you hand in electronics, watches and keys to the guide for safekeeping.
Do not bring perfume, strongly scented cosmetics, books or jewellery.
What to bring: comfortable clothes for layering, toiletries without a strong scent, your own towel, a journal and pen, dark glasses for returning to the light.
Bedding is provided.
You can end the stay at any time – just tell the guide or use the bell in the room.
Own transport; pick-up from the station by arrangement.
Gift vouchers available (3–14 days, no expiry).
The website does not state arrival and departure times or whether couples can stay; ask before booking.
Guide
The website does not give the guide's name or qualifications; ask before booking.
According to the website, the guide is available throughout the stay (24/7).
Before you enter the darkness, the guide shows you around and explains how the stay works.
The guide brings food once a day – there is time for a short conversation and sharing; in between you can call the guide with a bell.
At the end of the stay the guide helps you return to the light and process your experiences.
Information taken from the operator's website sebaspoznanievtme.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 Sebapoznanie v tme Hrušov:
Location: natural straw-and-timber hut in Čertenie, part of the village of Hrušov Parking: 0 km Bus: 1 km
Sebapoznanie v tme Hrušov on the map:
Do you own this centre and would like more photos or a different description here? Contact us at info@pobytvetme.com.
Sebapoznanie v tme HrušovSKLocation: natural straw-and-timber hut in Čertenie, part of the village of HrušovParking: 0 kmBus: 1 kmPrice: ≈ 1,586 Kč/night65 €/day for stays of 5 days or more (50 € stay + 15 € food); for 3–4-day stays 75 €/day (60 € + 15 €). 15 € less without food.
How to book Sebapoznanie v tme Hrušov
Book directly with the operator: website sebaspoznanievtme.sk, tel. +421 903 765 656, WhatsApp +421 944 539 696, email info@sebaspoznanievtme.sk.
If they are fully booked, you can use these free dates at Léčba tmou near Kutná Hora. These are not dates of Sebapoznanie v tme Hrušov, but of the centre in Lomec near Kutná Hora (Czechia):
