Yoga festivals are not only a fantastic way to check-in, reconnect with yourself, and disconnect with your hectic life, but also a great way to meet and immerse in your practice with like-minded individuals. It’s one of the many reasons why they’re so popular.
In Europe, for example, there’s no scarcity of yoga retreats and festivals: there seems to be something for every ability level and location! Our picks for the best festivals in the Old Continent are set in blissful spaces and combine yoga and wellness with art, culture, and music, or boast activities like workshops, and lectures.
Here are nine of the best yoga festivals in Europe.
Barcelona Yoga Conference
- Where: Barcelona, Spain
- When: July 4-8, 2019
- How Much: From $225.64
This Barcelona-based yoga festival, which sees hundreds of attendees during its five-day stint, is built on the premise of openness, both of mind and body. It welcomes participants of all ages, backgrounds, and level of experience, and encourages all attendees to communicate, make genuine connections or friendships, and perform their practice as a community.
During the conference, visitors have access to many yoga styles, internationally-acclaimed yoga teachers, and free activities. They also get to practice as well as immerse in music and dancing outdoors in the Escola del Sagrat Cor grounds.
Buddhafield Festival
- Where: Somerset, England
- When: July 17-21, 2019
- How Much: Ticket prices available soon
Over 3000 participants agree that Somerset’s Buddhafield Festival is amongst the world’s unique festivals. This summer festival combines music, yoga and meditation, and arts and crafts in a life-affirming celebration of our connection with the land and with one another. They typically have a very welcoming and open attitude, so anyone, whatever your practice, will feel part of the community.
Besides music, dancing, and crafts, however, there are also workshops, rituals, and Buddhist teachings, as well as spaces designed for specific activities: they’ve got an area for kids, for example, making it a family-friendly affair. To make it even more fun, they’ve got a different theme every year.
World Yoga Festival
- Where: Reading, England
- When: July 18-21, 2019
- How Much: From $192
Touting itself as a “Celebration of Postures, Meditation and Non-Duality,” the World Yoga Festival is all about bringing together the world’s greatest and most revered yoga teachers and masters to give attendees a chance to learn from them. It also aims to encourage practitioners to explore other styles of yoga.
Though you’re learning from the masters, it’s far from straight-laced. Besides expanding your practice and learning from the best, you’ll also be participating in kirtan, chanting, and wisdom talks as well as watching concerts and studying Ayurveda; not to mention supporting sustainability.
Wilderness Festival
- Where: Oxfordshire, England
- When: August 1-4, 2019
- How Much: From $236
While Wilderness Festival is the most expensive one on our list, it’s perhaps one of the most creative and stunning festivals you’ll ever come across. Every year, its organisers turn an otherwise normal field into paradise, full of beautiful colours, lights, music, magic, and artistic expressions. And while it doesn’t revolve around yoga, it does have an incredible wellness section.
Wilderness’ Wellbeing side not only has master classes in a gorgeous lakeside setting, but it also offers other yoga classes (paddleboard yoga, anyone?), tai chi lessons, yoga raves, Yoga Brunch Club, and so much more! After an incredible session (or before, if you like), you can get a relaxing massage.
Sun & Moon Festival
- Where: The Cotswolds, England
- When: 2019 dates to be announced
- How Much: From $40
Is there anything more charming than the villages in the Cotswolds? No wonder it’s the setting for the Sun & Moon Festival, whose focus is not just on yoga, but on wellbeing in general. It is a more intimate gathering that many of its peers, but it’s got a lot to offer in the realms of yoga, pilates, and wellness.
On top of their yoga workshops, there are also lectures about crystals, meditation, and finding your inner harmony and balance, alongside workshops on Indian head massages, writing poetry, and even songwriting.
Udaya Live
- Where: Bulgaria
- When: August 14-19, 2019
- How Much: Ticket prices available soon
Yoga students who’ve developed a penchant for an all-inclusive affair will appreciate Udaya Live. This retreat, typically set in South Eastern Europe, hasn’t entirely made concrete plans for their 2019 event yet. Though if this year’s set is any indication, then it’s going to be a life-changing one.
Blending unforgettable yoga classes, both big and intimate, with great music, Udaya Live is all about diversity: from its settings and spaces to its classes and the music. Don’t let the fact that you’ll be staying at a resort put you off; the grounds are more than enough to inspire you and your practice.
The Groove
- Where: Hamburg, Germany
- When: October 5-7th, 2018
- How Much: From $112
This three-day festival incorporates music and uses two studio spaces for a range of yoga classes, such as Bakhti yoga. There are also classes on different parts of the body and yin yoga, amongst many others. The Groove’s events are unique, fun, and ever-changing, and this year seems to be no exception!
The Groove Festival includes a five-hour, pre-festival workshop and a yoga jam with multiple price points. You can attend the pre-festival workshop and do one day or purchase the “all in” ticket for full access to all the events.
Move Copenhagen
- Where: Copenhagen, Denmark
- When: July 12-15th, 2018
- How Much: From $280
On the shores of the city, the community-driven Move Copenhagen encompasses not only Yoga and Acroyoga, but also dance, parkour, and other family activities. This festival, based on the ideas of move, play, explore, and inspire, is a multifaceted experience that’s not only meditative one, but a social one as well. This festival is also accommodating to all age levels with workshops on activities such as parkour and slackline geared towards the younger crowd.
Camp for free if you’re willing to rough it, or take advantage of this world-class city’s hotels. Either way, Move Copenhagen is a fun and light-hearted entry into the world of yoga festivals.
Yogafestival Kitzbühel
- Where: Kitzbühel, Austria
- When: September 20-22, 2019
- How Much: TBD
While the Yogafestival Kitzbühel is skipping 2018, the four-year-old festival promises a wonderful and relaxing return to Austria in 2019. The festival, which has attracted well-known yoga teachers such as Petra Werner and Meghan Currie, sets three days against the backdrop of the Alps and the old world charm of A-Rosa Hotel.
Not only is the festival packed with workshops from multiple yoga teachers, but a stay at the festival means a two-night stay at the hotel. Spa treatments, bio-sauna, and relaxation areas coupled with fruit and tea stations and a breakfast buffet make this an almost all-inclusive experience. The hotel keeps WiFi limited to the bar and lobby area to keep you focused on what matters.
If you want to elevate your yoga practice to the next level, a yoga festival may be the best option! Not only will you be able to reconnect with nature and your practice, but these festivals will also allow you to learn about various wellness practices, take in live music and performances, and make new friends.
Are you planning to attend a yoga festival? Do you have any tips for future attendees? Let us know!
