Juhannus Retreat
15.06–21.06.2026 • Central Finland
A 7-day midsummer experience rooted in Finnish wisdom, presence, and meaningful connection. For those seeking depth over spectacle, rhythm over rush, and connection that stays with you long after the week ends.
Immerse yourself in Finnish rituals, wisdom, and traditions alongside me and an intimate group of like-minded individuals, and uncover why Finns have been ranked the happiest people on earth for the eighth year in a row.
Midsummer Retreat
2023 Recap
What gives some people a quiet strength that remains steady through life’s challenges?
If this speaks to you, keep reading.
Why do Finns often appear quietly strong and grounded, even in life’s challenges?
Let me tell you about sisu.
Sisu is a Finnish way of relating to life—a quiet inner strength rooted in endurance, honesty, and self-trust. It is not about pushing harder, but about staying present with what is.
During the Juhannus Retreat, we practice this every day, so it becomes something you carry with you—helping you stay connected, steady, and deeply at ease long after you return home.
So how do we get sisu?
Through practice. Through gentle challenge and conscious rest.
By connecting body, mind, and soul.
Think of sisu as a muscle—not one you force, but one you strengthen through presence, repetition, and care.
That is exactly what we do during Midsummer.
Sauna bathing relaxes your muscles and invites you to stay present with warmth and intensity—without rushing, without forcing.
Ice bathing or snow rolling refreshes the body and gently challenges the mind to soften, surrender, and breathe through discomfort.
Intuitive movement with eyes closed helps release stored tension and deepens trust in your body’s own rhythm, beyond performance or comparison.
Holistic workshops and creative practices—like writing a letter to your younger self, candle gazing, or a playfulness asana exploration lab—open space for reflection, insight, and quiet inspiration.
Nourishing plant-based meals and gentle cleansing rituals support digestion, clarity, and a grounded sense of wellbeing from the inside out.
Connection with others, rooted in understanding, care, and inclusivity, creates safety—allowing acceptance of ourselves and the world around us.
And most importantly: Slowing down. Digital detox.
Learning to be with what is—without the need to do, fix, or go anywhere.
Do you recognize yourself in any of these?
you are easily inspired and passionate always trying new things
you love the outdoors and to spend time in and with nature
you are empathetic, humorous and love to laugh from the bottom of your heart until the belly hurts (or tears flow)
you are sociable and like to go into deep conversations but you also love to spend time alone and release your inner introvert
you tend to have little projects all the time and hands-on activities are your strong suit
movement of any kind is something you couldn’t live without, yoga being a big part of it but equally as much any other intentional movement like dancing or somatic experiences
diving into different cultures and traditions gets you excited, especially when they teach you about happiness
forests and lakes give you the calmness and presence you need when after a long day at work or when feeling stressed in daily life
early bird (I mean the real bird) rush hours are the the only rush hour you enjoy (and maybe early bird classes in the studio)
you don’t like huge groups of people but instead choose your crowd intentionally
If even one of these resonated, Juhannus might be exactly what you need.
Here are some highlights of this journey for you
Movement & Body
Outdoor Hatha Yoga and sunset Restorative Yoga
Intuitive Movement Practices
Breath & Nervous System
Deep transformational breathwork journeys and gentle daily breathing practices
The science of breath
Sound & Expression
Sound baths with Tibetan singing bowls
Sound exploration workshop
Singing circle around the fire
Nature & Ritual
Finnish sauna rituals and cold exposure (ice bath)
The Art of Foraging: get to know natures treasures
Boat rides and swimming in the lake
Juhannus (Midsummer) celebrations
Fermentation workshop
Nourishment
Nutritious, organic plant-based meals (three times a day)
This retreat is for you if:
You love long days outdoors and the feeling of sun on your skin
You enjoy movement that feels alive like swimming, walking, dancing, exploring
You appreciate activity that’s followed by real rest
You value presence more than productivity, even when days are full
You always wanted to experience midsummer in the North
This retreat might not be for you if:
You prefer large groups or very structured, fast-paced days
You’re looking for quick fixes or dramatic transformations
You want yoga mainly as a physical workout to tone the body
You’re not quite ready to put your phone aside for parts of the day to enjoy real connection through presence (we approach this gently and with choice)
What makes Juhannus different is that it isn’t about escaping life.
It’s about learning how to stay steady, connected, and alive, even when things feel intense.
Where will
we stay?
We will stay at modern but cozy Villa in the pure nature directly at a lake, very close to Mikkeli, Finland.
It is a 2,5 hrs beautiful train ride from Helsinki Airport or city centre towards the North of the country.
What’s
included?
All yoga equipment, classes and activities, different workshops, group activities, 3 delicious vegan local meals a day and facilities of our home such as a wood-fired sauna. Additionally we will provide non-alcoholic beverages (water, tea, coffee) and snacks throughout the day.
What’s
not included?
Travel and private expenses of any kind. If you travel by train/bus, we will pick you up at the bus station in Heimari.
What is
the price?
Early Bird pricing starts at 1500€
Regular pricing starts at 1700€
(please contact me for payment plans, if needed)
I am Rika, born in Finnland raised in Germany, wanting
to spread the beautiful Finnish culture with you and the world. Every retreat is different but always connecting to my roots and sharing knowledge and wisdom of the Finnish culture and traditions. I combine the Finnish bliss with different aspects of the yogic path to create an holisitic approach that has supported (and still does) me along the way.
-
Host and Space Holder
Rika is a certified Yoga Teacher for Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin. 2022 she accredited as sound healer and ever since has been including sound into her classes and sound baths/healings into her schedule. Breath, the science of the breath and its healing benefits are a big part of her daily life. You won't miss a good pranayama or breathing exercise within her classes.
She is passionate about the practice of yoga and dedicated to spread her knowledge to the world. But her willingness to share personal experiences and her unique journey is even greater.
Rika has had quite a few opportunities to do so through regular classes and events like retreats and workshops all around Germany, Finland, Greece and Online.
Her classes are created with much thought and therefore creative with playful elements and fun transitions, yet long holds to feel all sensations.
Movement has always been a huge part of her life and she wouldn't want to miss it. She was a dancer in Jazz- and Modern from a very young age, where she at some point competed in tournaments all around Germany.
Every summer is filled with berry picking, swimming in the lake and many many rounds of sauna. As well as eating grandmas famous "mustikkapiirakka" (blueberry pie), that you might get a taste of during her retreat.
Tiia is an inspiring Yoga teacher and even more inspiring aunt, who has always had a deep relationship to the body and its movement through dance.
-
Yoga Teacher
Tiia has been quite literally dancing her way through life until she found the path of yoga. She has dedicated her practice to serve others with Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Yin classes in her very own studio in the center of Leeds, UK.We are excited to have her as our Yoga Teacher for Ashtanga and Yin and maybe some special movement classes influenced by contemporary dance.
She is also available for 1:1 sessions throughout the retreat.