Reviews
“The Wilderness Wisdom Retreat was an unforgettable experience for me.
The harmony within the group, the exciting survival techniques and guided reconnections with David, as well as the loving energy Lina put into this place and her delicious cooking, made these days truly special.
A lake just for us, untouched forests, and the feeling of really arriving in nature – an absolute dream. What was especially valuable for me was being able to completely disconnect from my phone for six days. Day by day, you could feel the group becoming more relaxed, and everyone could simply be themselves – almost like being with family.
One highlight for me was building a shelter in the forest, spending a night there, and cooking over the fire – a real adventure that brought me closer to myself and to nature.
A retreat full of love, freedom, and genuine connection – absolutely recommended!”
— Chris, Germany
“Connecting with nature and the true essence of life can be hard in these hasty and chaotic times, but not here in Naverdalen.
A very unique and amazing experience. To be cut off from the outside world and from time was a new experience for me, but one of the best experienced I have had in my life. The environment and activities gave me a lot to think about and it has done more to me than any therapy ever could.
Some came to connect and become closer with nature. Some came to learn about survival. Some came to progress trauma and heal. Some came to discover and find themselves. To be in a diverse group like that of all like minded people was very healing for me. No judgements, no pressure, but only love and acceptance. This retreat gave me a new view on life. A new goal to work towards and a new vision of where I want to be. People overcame their fears and insecurities all in their own way, and the group grew super close in just 5 days, which felt like weeks or even months.
The retreat was hosted perfectly with a laid back and relaxed atmosphere throughout. No hectic time schedule, we just flowed through he days with activities and you were always free to go and do as you pleased. And the fresh organic food made by Lina was amazing.
This retreat is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am super thankful and glad I was able to attend.
Thank you to David & Lina (and Jonathan) for this wonderful time.”
— Peter, Netherlands
“For me, this retreat was a magical door into an inner world within myself where a pure primal force awakens. A strong soft true reminder of that place.
A place that I love to rest in, be and hold dear in my heart.
Sometimes life takes me out of it but here in Navadalen from the first breath of her mist I instantly found myself awake in that magical wild place within me.
It’s a living artifact of frequencies that David and Lina weaved in the fabric of wilderness wisdom retreat’s container.
Every detail was vibrating with life.
With Wild innocence.
With Deep wisdom.
With nourishment.
With permission to be as we are meant to be.
Wild and free.
Authentic and unique.
I am very grateful that I got to witness this beauty and even more grateful that I got to be part of it.
The food was alive and nourishing.
The abundance of blue berries everywhere.
The hot saunas and cold lake swims.
The bushcraft survival skills.
The healing.. so much healing.
The honest real authentic conversations with everyone who participated.
We got together as strangers and left as family.
I would say that there was a True embodiment of the wild spirit of nature within the space holders that allowed for this magic to happen. Hence, I would recommend this experience to those who feel the call of the wild within themselves.
Thank you David for organizing, teaching, holding space and for being and embodying the wild and the masculine.
Thank you lina for hosting, cooking nourishing food, guarding the magical nature of Navardalen and for being and embodying the wild and the feminine.”
— Sumaya, Yemen
“I can't express how grateful I am to have been able to do this. The moment we arrived, you could feel something magical. The forest, the lake, the outdoor fireplace, all lovely accomodations.
I could immediately sense that this was going to be a truly enriching experience.
After we arrived we had a briefing and then everyone had time to settle in and take in the beautiful surroundings. A first day to relax a bit from the long journey.
Cell phones were locked away to disconnect from the stress of normal life.
During this week, we participated in various activities. We learned about the plants and wildlife, learned how to make a fire, what to do if you encounter wild animals, ect. We also did some more physical activities like hiking in the woods, building and sleeping in our own shelter, the ice bath, doing sauna’s and swimming in the lake.
Some activities can be a bit challenging, but afterwards you feel so much stronger. And David made sure we all felt comfortable.
You can immediately tell David puts his heart and soul into these retreats. I admire his knowledge of nature and how he is able to handle life. It’s wonderful to learn from him. Not just about nature-related things, but also about how to control your dark thoughts and shift your mindset.
So besides the more physical activities, there was also time for breathing sessions and meditations. This was more difficult for me, as it often involved a lot of emotions. But I found this part of the retreat particularly valuable, because it tought me how I can deal with my own heavy thoughts and anxieties.
So I definitely want to integrate this into my daily life.
There was also plenty of time for ourselves to spend in nature. Or if we wanted to have a good talk with David or Lina 1 on 1.
And this brings me to Lina.
She made us feel so welcome and created this place for people who want to connect with nature, want to heal.
She is such a sweet soul. And also a great chef, the food was delicious. And enough choice for everyone, I never went hungry.
I also loved it when we were eating around the fire in the woods.
I highly recommend this retreat to anyone. This was the first time I did it and I never felt uncomfortable.
Healing takes time, but I feel like I've finally taken a new step with participating in this retreat.
And I will definitely come back again.”
— Michelle, Belgium
When I first arrived at the retreat, I came as a photographer, as a part of work project — curious, observing, and ready to capture moments. What I didn’t expect was… to leave as part of a family. ❤️
The people I met here made this experience something truly unforgettable. There was no sense of being an outsider; from the very beginning, I felt welcomed, accepted, and embraced for who I am. Every shared story, every laugh around the fire, every deep talk with each person there and every quiet moment in nature built a sense of belonging I didn’t know I was missing.
The food alone deserves its own mention — Lina’s cooking was incredible, nourishing both body and soul. And not to meniton the best carrot cake on Earth- I swear!! Every meal felt like a gift, full of warmth and made with care. And David, our retreat leader, with endless knowledge, patience and passion, guided us through the wilderness — from learning how to make a fire, build a shelter, to countless other skills that made us feel deeply connected to nature, and to ourselves. Thank you David and Lina for being exactly who you are- most pure, passionate, kind and funny people I have ever met. 🥹
This retreat wasn’t just about being in the wild; it was about rediscovering what it means to be human. To connect, to share, to slow down, accept yourself for who you are — raw and vulnerable. And most importantly, to be fully present. I came here to take photos, but I’m leaving with something much greater: new friends, unforgettable memories, and a piece of myself I found in the Swedish wilderness. 🥹❤️
— Nika, Slovakia
"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 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
