"It’s rather expressing my gratefulness than a review. Everything was just perfect for me: the place with fantastic nature, the setting, useful survival skills I’ve learned, Lina’s talent to create coziness, David’s travel stories, the food around the fire and the most important - the people. I absolutely loved the connection that we had with all the group. All the people there were amazing. The atmosphere of peace and safety to express yourself, deep and meaningful conversations as well as funny jokes. I miss that a lot.
There was so much beauty in smiles, openness and sincerity, tears and emotional vulnerability, the strength and resilience of human spirit to transcend fear and failure on the way of becoming truly self.
Thank you so much for your wisdom, your kindness, your support, encouragement and lots of inspiration!
Hope for the more retreats in the future! "
— Lera, Ukraine
"Wilderness Wisdom has been the most beautiful adventure.
Navardalen is the perfect place for a retreat like this, cozy and wild and so peaceful.
Lina and David have been the most amazing hosts, holding space for everyone and have been so kind and encouraging.
Thank you David, for deciding to share your wisdom and wilderness knowledge. I feel very inspired and I have learned so much. I feel prepared to go on an adventure into the woods by myself now and I have gained more trust in my self and life.
I am so grateful for every person that I have met during this experience, we have had so many beautiful conversations and laughed so much together. Magic happens when strangers come together with an open heart and without a phone.
I don’t think I ever felt so connected to a new place and new people so quickly. We ate the most delicious and nourishing food during the retreat. I will forever be grateful that I decided to come join this retreat and I am so grateful to David and Lina for bringing it to life. I will always keep these memories close to my heart."
— Maja, Germany
“When u arrive at this magical place you can already feel the magic of nature around you, the place is stunning. The retreat was very flexible, from room/cabin choice, to food options. There was also plenty of time between activities for rest and relaxation. Great time to use the sauna and wash and fresh up in the beautiful lake.
As someone who is not physically super fit or experienced & has arthritis. i would advise to keep in mind it will be challenging.This mainly because of the terrain being rough and steep hills. Luckily alot of help was offered and alternative transport like the boat were possible, this really helped me relief my joints & still make it possible for me to join.
What i really loved is that there were multiple cosy spots to "hide away" in. If you wanted a bit more solitary space or calm down by urself you were able to do so.
Lina & David both are amazing supportive people who will regularly check in with you to ask how you are doing. Lina is an amazing host, cook & motivational coach! David is an experienced expert in survival, living off grid & great story teller. Lina & David really make u feel safe and heard.
I cant wait to return again some time.”
— Rosalie, Ireland
"Strength of the body and mind ,These are qualities that could been taken out of some great tale of an Antique warrior or a medieval knight , an ideal for a character that should prevail as the main pre-requisite for any never-ending tale the world of humans is made of.
Qualities that for once, did not seemed so distant, into the reality we’ve experienced in the wild, with David & Lina.
The wonders started as soon as we first stepped into the wonderful hidden valley of Navardalen, the wonderful and mysterious lake, the typical, warm and welcoming accommodations and the many smalls and sometime hidden places around that are in itself an invitation to discover and play around the property cared and maintained by Lina. The whole week revolved around a early breakfast, different activities that ranged from discovering and learning about the plants around us, discovering a way to filter our water or meditating in group ,to a lunch with always excellent food and delicacies , other activities with the scary but conquered ‘’ice bath’’ or endless back and forth between the sauna and the lake - always punctuated with nice conversations with the other guests and the wonderful hosts !
Like the ice bath , some activities required some more ressources to be found in one-self, the night spent in a self made-shelter as much as the challenging landscape and weather have invited us to find in ourself the forgotten ability to thrive in challenging situations. David is not to forget anyone in the process and has shown deep trust into the strength of each participant during the tough moments, as a teacher , a friend and a model for anyone who pursue a life closer to a certain idea of truth and freedom.
Both Lina and David are carrying within themselves a passion and a mystery: Pure, gentle and carrying for her guests and the entire world , Lina has no limits when it is about doing everything she can for us to feel good in any given situation that occurred throughout the experience. David has certainly a rougher edge but a real conviction about the idea of freedom and independence of the mind and the body and the will to teach much more than the average basic knowledge, you’re in for a total experience whatever your expectations !
At the end, with all that regained self-confidence, that poetic feeling of leaving a part of you own soul over there and the certainty to have acquired a new found determination : strength of the body and the mind is no more an unknown object from the great tales, It has become a part of you, for you to write your own story with a greater wisdom and a more gentle force. I’m very grateful and hope I’ll get back there sometime!"
— Oscar, Belgium
“Thank you for everything Navardalen. It was the most beautiful experience. The atmosphere felt enchanting and alive and it was unique and secluded in the best way, like having your own world to get to know the nature in together with others. It created opportunities to both growth and rest. To recharge and other times push your limits with new challenges.
The campfires together were the best and the big tipi tent was super cozy to live in! I really recommend it. An amazing retreat in the perfect environment.”
— Elin, Sweden