More than Just Movement: Yoga at Spirit & SPA Birkenhof am Elfenhain
For many guests, it provides a balance to everyday life; for others, it is the gateway to a more conscious way of living. Here, the gentle world of yoga meets the comprehensive wellness offerings of the hotel, creating a perfect harmony for body, mind, and soul.
Surrounded by Nature
Yoga at Birkenhof begins where nature comes into play: on the Yoga Plateau in the expansive Garden & Forest SPA, surrounded by lush forests and meadows, or in the light-filled yoga room of the wellness pagoda SinnesReich. Depending on the season and weather, sessions are held indoors or outdoors, always with a view of the greenery.
What makes it special: yoga at Birkenhof is not just a class in the weekly schedule—it is a holistic approach woven throughout the hotel’s offerings. Whether it’s a mindfulness ritual at the start of the day, a gentle morning practice, pranayama breathing exercises, heart chakra meditation, or dynamic asana sequences, each session is designed to promote relaxation while simultaneously boosting energy.
Spirit at Elfenhain with Hotel Manager Ingrid Gmach
A new offering debuting in 2026 is the “Spirit at Elfenhain with Ingrid Gmach” package. This multi-day program is specifically designed for people seeking a break from everyday life to dive deeper into mindfulness. Ingrid Gmach is not only the host but also a certified yoga teacher who lovingly integrates her extensive experience into the yoga sessions.
Participants of this retreat can expect a combination of yoga, meditation, and mindful rituals aligned with the rhythm of the seasonal festivals. Daily yoga sessions are complemented by a fire ritual, Tibetan back massage, and many other spiritual inspirations. This structured retreat is ideal for anyone wishing to experience yoga not just as physical exercise, but as a holistic path to inner balance.
Diverse Year-Round Yoga Program
Beyond the retreat with Ingrid Gmach, Birkenhof offers a wide range of yoga retreats throughout the year, led by different teachers. The variety is extensive, from Hatha and Yin Yoga to breathing and meditation workshops, as well as special Yoga Energy Days. These offerings are designed to cater to both beginners and experienced yogis. Collaboration with external instructors further expands the content, providing fresh inspiration regularly.
Meanwhile, the weekly Body & Mind fitness program ensures that yoga remains accessible to all hotel guests.
A Natural Connection Between Wellness and Yoga
Birkenhof views yoga as an essential part of a holistic wellness holiday. Yoga and wellness naturally complement each other: after a session, the hotel’s spacious spa areas—with pools, saunas, relaxation zones, and rooftop pools—invite guests to unwind. Guests can also combine their practice with massages, treatments, or a stroll through the 20,000 m² Garden & Forest SPA.
Especially through the combination of movement, breath, and conscious relaxation, yoga at Birkenhof shows its true effect: it helps reduce stress, sharpens awareness, and promotes a sense of the body as an integrated whole. The serene environment of the Bavarian Forest provides the perfect setting.
Yoga at Birkenhof is far more than a weekly class. It is a holistic experience that engages guests on every level. Whether in daily programs or exclusive retreats, yoga here is lived with heart, energy, and presence. Guests can look forward to a year full of movement, mindfulness, and conscious moments of retreat.