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 offers abundant natural and local sights. We receive visitors 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 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 natural surroundings. 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 pearl during a beautiful walk through the forest until you arrive back at the main route, leading to the 60m high gradient on the white Sulm river. Rinpoche himself and meditators regularly visit this 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 in treatments at the local Spa. Guided tours can be booked. A traditional local Austrian tavern called 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 that 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 rather than 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 cuisine, hotels, a supermarket, an ice cream parlor, etc. Around the town, you will find several hiking and mountain bike routes. In the surroundings, there is also the possibility of horseback riding, canoeing, and golfing as well as skiing.
Josefikirche
The Roman Catholic Josefikirche at Schwanberg is an official protected monument. Built on a hill, it is a town landmark visible from afar.
Baroque passion figures from the first half of the 18th century decorate 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 and was already settled in the La Tène 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, which contributes its unique natural healing power.
Highly trained doctors and therapists have known for decades that this natural gem can be used to alleviate problems with the musculoskeletal system.
Outdoor Pool at Bad Schwanberg
Enjoy amazing scenery, overlooking the vinyards, 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 also has facilities for beach volleyball court, a boccia court, mini golf, and table tennis. Some meditators enjoy practicing yoga on its grounds.