Friends of the Forest
Shamanic Yoga & Nature Immersion
on Kelvänsaari Island, Lake Pielinen, Finland
Wednesday-Sunday 29th of July- 2nd of August 2026
With Sófía Stefánsdóttir & Helena Karhu
This summer, we gather on a secluded island in Lake Pielinen, surrounded by the ancient hills of Koli National Park.
We arrive by boat.
We live simply.
We practice yoga and shamanism.
We sit in silence.
We enter the traditional smoke sauna.
We listen for what emerges from the soul.
This retreat offers space for embodied rest, clarity and renewed direction. Held within wild Nordic nature and a supportive circle.
Together we create a council of mutual listening and shared reflection.
What to Expect
– Daily yoga (dynamic and restorative)
– Shamanic journeys for insight and grounding
– A full silent day for inner integration
– Rituals and solo time in nature
– Community fire circles
– Smoke sauna and lake swimming
– Time for rest, walking, reading, and being
The rhythm of the days balances practice, silence, and spaciousness.
Photo: Helena by Tarina-aho.
The Setting
Tarina-aho is a retreat place with traditional wooden buildings on Kelvänsaari Island in Lake Pielinen.
We stay in historic wooden buildings arranged around a quiet courtyard. Excellent vegetarian food made of local products and harvesting. Fish from the lake might be offered in the menu.
We eat excellent local organic food in this beautiful setting with hand-crafted furniture and crafts.
There is no traffic here. No noise.
Only water, forest, sky, and light.
We will experience North Karelia’s largest traditional smoke sauna and swim in the lake while the long Nordic summer evening skies stretch above.
"No pictures can properly describe the uniqueness and charm of Tarina-aho. The place has to be experienced. The buildings that exude cultural history, the two-part smoke sauna, the quiet location in the bay of the island, the magical objects all make an impression." Helena
Boat transport:
We go to the island off Koli from the harbor of Koli. Our route passes in front of the peaks of Koli, following the rugged island line of the national park, while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Pielinen. The ship is open seaworthy and suitable for any weather, although for the sake of traveling comfort, we ride slower in bigger waves. The boat can accommodate 10 people at the same time.
Retreat Guides
Sófía Stefánsdóttir
Yoga teacher and ritual facilitator with Icelandic roots, based in Denmark. Her work weaves mindful movement, breath, and shamanic journeying in a grounded and accessible way.
Helena Karhu
North Karelian shamanic practitioner, ritual artist, and cultural researcher. Founder of House of the Bear and currently completing her PhD on Finnish shamanism. Helena brings deep knowledge of the land and its traditions.
Together, we create a retreat that bridges Nordic wisdom, embodied practice, and contemporary life.
Retreat language: English (with translation support when needed).
Practical Information
Retreat Fee
Early Bird (until 1 April 2026): 350 €
Spring Rate (until 1 May 2026): 390 €
Regular: 430 €
Accommodation & Full Board (paid separately to Tarina-aho): 420 €
Includes shared rooms, all meals (Wed dinner–Sun brunch), and boat transfers.
Single room supplement: +20 €/night
Linen rental: 15 €
This retreat is alcohol- and substance-free.
Normal mobility is required.
The course fee does not include trips from your home to Koli Port and back and travel insurance. Course participants are obliged to familiarize themselves with reservation and cancellation conditions: https://www.karhuntalo.com/booking-and-cancellation-conditions
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is for you if you long for simplicity, depth, and time in nature, and if you feel ready to slow down and listen.
Daily Rhythm
(Program may be adjusted according to weather and group flow)
Wednesday – Arrival
16:00 Meet at Koli harbor and boat transfer to the island
17:00 Arrival at Tarina-aho, settling in, and Dinner
19:00 Opening circle
20:00 Evening smoke sauna
Thursday – Listening & Vision
07:00 Morning yoga
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Guided shamanic journey
12:00 Lunch
Afternoon break — walking, swimming, rest
15:00 Fire circle and shared reflection
18:00 Dinner
19:00 Evening relaxation (Deep Yoga Nidra)
Friday – Silence
Morning yoga (in silence)
Breakfast (in silence)
Solo time in nature
Journaling and personal reflection
Silent lunch
More solo time in nature
16:00 Gentle meditation and yoga
18:00 Dinner (in silence)
19:00 Evening sauna (in silence)
Saturday – Expression & Integration
07:00 Morning yoga
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Group co-creation — song, prayer, ritual
12:00 Lunch
Afternoon free time — swimming, canoeing, walking, rest
16:00 Closing ceremony in nature
18:00 Dinner
19:00 Sauna
Sunday – Return
Morning yoga
Brunch
Final circle
Packing
13:00 Boat transfer back to Koli harbor
