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And with this rapid growth, yoga festivals and conferences are cropping up throughout the year in hip cities and picturesque vacation destinations everywhere from Gothenburg to Barcelona.
A yoga festival is a wonderful way to explore diverse forms of yoga, learn from some of the best local and international teachers, and connect with like-minded yogis.
Even the most established European yoga events—like the Yoga Conference Germany, going into its 12th year this May—are still tiny in comparison to mass gatherings like Wanderlust. The experience, therefore, is more intimate, personal and local.
Here are 10 hot summer European yoga festivals and events guaranteed to raise your vibration. Each offers a uniquely fresh flavour, combining international and European talent, diverse movement arts, musical acts, talks, and spaces to gather and play.
1. The Groove Yoga Festival: Island Jam
Where: Hvar, Croatia
Festival vibes meet island chill, featuring a mega line up of internationally loved teachers and musicians, including Dylan Werner, Doug Swenson, Twee Merrigan, DJ Drez & Daphne Tse. Europe’s sunniest island, Hvar is a hotspot known for its stunning scenery and laid-back atmosphere. Salute the rising sun with classes held on the hotel terrace. Dip your yogi toes in the clear aquamarine waters of the Adriatic Sea. Let loose with afternoon DJ sets and groovin’ sundowner concerts. Get on it quick – early bird prices end June 15.
When: September 8-11, 2016
Cost: €79-399 EUR (approx. $89-448 USD)
Info: www.thegroovefestival.com
2. Udaya Live
Where: Borovets, Bulgaria
Roll out your matt off the beaten path at Udaya’s first 5-day retreat-style Yoga & Music Festival. Set in the Rila Mountains amidst the highest peaks of the Balkans, this region is known as the Root Chakra of the world. The scenery promises to be spiritually uplifting, as do workshops and musical acts from over 40 inspirational teachers and musicians, including Sienna Shermann, Daniel Scott, Dave Stringer and DJ Drez.
When: August 18-22, 2016.
Cost: day passes $250-700 USD, retreat passes $950-1400 USD
Info: www.udayalive.com
3. Move Copenhagen
Where: Copenhagen, Denmark.
Explore motion. Alongside yoga and acro-yoga workshops, Move Copenhagen offers a diversity of ways to discover and celebrate the moving body: climbing, slackline, parkour, dance and more.
This outside-the-box festival is run on a volunteer basis, drawing teachers and participants from around the world. New this year is a Move Family segment dedicated to the inspiring movement as a natural part of family dynamics.
When: July 14-17, 2016.
Cost: 955 DKK (approx. $144 USD)
Info: www.movecopenhagen.com
4. Yoga Festival Kitzbühel
Where: Kitzbühel, Austria
The hills are alive with the sound of Om. Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of the Austrian Alps and a pristine golf course, this festival takes place in one of Europe’s chicest holiday towns.
Featuring Simon Park and German favorites such as Nicole Bongartz, Roland Jensch, and Alexey Gaevskij, an opening concert with Darren Austin Hall, and an all-white pool party Saturday night. Last year’s festival wristbands were gem-studded wraps donated by Swarovski. Despite all the glam and glitz, festival ticket prices are on par. Early bird prices end June 30.
When: September 2-4, 2016.
Cost: 100-230 EUR (approx. $112-258 USD)
Info: www.yogafestival-kitz.com
5. The Swiss Yoga Conference
Where: Zürich, Switzerland
Under the motto Move smarter. Breathe Deeper. Live more., the first Swiss Yoga Conference takes a modern spin on yoga. Featuring business management guru Ava Taylor, instagram star Koya Webb, as well as local favourites Young-Ho Kim and Barbara Noh. The program is a mix of 90-minute master classes and 3-hour workshops. While it might lack the wild flair of a festival, it’s certainly a place to intensively explore your yoga practice.
When: June 3-5, 2016.
Cost: 80-320 CH (approx. $81-323 USD)
