AROUND THE CENTER
Enjoy the Blissful Austrian CountrysideExplore garanas & Bad Schwanberg
While most people who come to stay at Kalapa are here for the profound blessings of the retreat center, the area around us has abundant offerings. We receive visitors who have traveled to us from around the world. If this is your first or only time to visit Austria, you might additionally want to experience our relaxed village atmosphere.
Whether you are hosting a group retreat with us or want to adventure into the surrounding area during your personal stay, the Austrian countryside is something wonderful to explore. For those who join for a personal meditation retreat but have not practiced extensively in solitude before, a preparatory walking meditation in the forest may benefit you. When hosting group retreats, one can include excursions into the surrounding nature. If you visit at the right time of year, during event breaks you may be able to enjoy forest bathing while hiking to the waterfalls, or visit the local swimming facility.
In Walking Distance from the Center
Lady Chapel (Marienkapelle) – 15-minute WALK
The so-called “Graben-Gutschi“ Chapel at around 900m above sea level has a special charm and is popular with both locals and visitors from near and far. A peaceful place to relax, reflect, recharge your batteries and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Some meditators love the place for its astonishing valley view.
Sulm waterfall – 60-minute WALK
Discover a natural perle during a beautiful walk through the forest, until you hit back to the main route, leading to the 60m high gradient on the white Sulm river. Rinpoche himself and meditators regularly visit this re-charging area.
Observation Tower at the high moor at Garanas – 75-minute walk
The Garanas raised moor at around 1300 m above sea level is the highest medicinal moor in Austria. The composition of the Garanas’ healing mud has a very special effect and is used for treatments in the local Spa. Guided tours can be booked. The traditional local Austrian tavern Schirchleralm is nearby.
Alpine hut “Brendler Hütte” – 90-MINUTE walk
The Brendlhütte in the Styrian Lavanttal Alps is a cozy inn for the whole family. It is open from May to October. There are various charming glades in the surroundings which inspire contemplation.
Local RESTAURANT “Pauritisch” – 60-MINUTE walk
Exemplary fine traditional Austrian cuisine from a family-run farm. The family places great importance on quality and not on quantity. You will feel their love and welcoming atmosphere while there.
Bad Schwanberg Town – 15 minutes by car or local taxi (100-minute walk)
The Municipality of Bad Schwanberg is located at the foot of the Koralpe (part of the Austrian alps) at an altitude of 431 m in the valley of the Black Sulm (a river). The village center consists of the city hall, a Capuchin church, a few restaurants serving traditional Austrian food, hotels, a supermarket, an ice cream parlor etc. Around the town, you will find several hiking and mountain bike routes. In the suroundings, there is also the possibility for horse riding, canoeing, golfing, as well as skiing.
Josefikirche
The Roman Catholic Josefikirche at Schwanberg is a listed monumental protection building. Built on a hill, it is a landmark of the town that can be seen from far away.
Baroque passion figures from the first half of the 18th century decorate on the rosary path from the town to the church.
Bad Schwanberg Castle and “Altenburg”
The area around Schwanberg at the Black Sulm river is a very old settlement area and was already settled in the Latene period (Celtic period) and Roman times.
Life in and around the castle is brought closer to visitors, through an interactive medieval adventure trail.
Spa Hotel “Heilmoorbad”
Nestled in the quiet oasis of Bad Schwanberg village center is the traditional healing mud bath in the former Schwanberg Monastery. The healing moor comes from the highest raised moor in Austria, developing its unique natural healing power.
Highly trained doctors and therapists have known for decades how this natural gem can be used to alleviate problems with the musculoskeletal system.
Outdoor Pool at Bad Schwanberg
Enjoy amazing scenery, overlooking the wineyards, with a leisure time offer for the whole group: A huge local pool with a giant slide, diving board and diving tower. There is also a separate area reserved for children.
The outdoor pool has also facilities for beach volleyball court, boccia court, mini golf and table tennis. Some meditators enjoy practicing yoga on its grounds.