Welcome to beautiful Nøsen
for an enrichment, deepening, and exploration of what yoga truly is.
This week is for you who wish to develop your self-practice and build good routines in daily life that strengthen your experience of yoga and Sāṅkhya philosophy.
If we truly want to live with clarity, balance, and freedom, the study of Sāṅkhya can be a turning point. This ancient philosophy shows us that body, mind, emotions, and struggle all belong to prakṛti – that which is constantly changing. But deeper within us lies puruṣa – pure consciousness, unchanging and free.
To understand this brings immense freedom. We learn to distinguish the transient from the true. Restlessness and suffering belong to nature’s play, while peace and clarity belong to the self. Instead of being pulled around by desire, fear, and moods, we can stand firmly as the witness and act with awareness.
The teaching of the guṇas
Sattva, rajas, and tamas give us a key to life. They explain why we can feel heavy and stuck, restless and driven, or calm and clear. By strengthening sattva, we transform not only our inner life but also how we live, eat, work, and meet others.
Sāṅkhya is not a belief, but a map of reality. It sharpens the intellect, teaches us to see clearly, and points toward liberation – kaivalya – as a natural state. The stillness we seek has always been there. Sāṅkhya helps us find it.
Schedule
Morning: Early meditation/japa, followed by physical practice and breathing exercises.
Afternoon: Technique studies, practical yoga philosophy, or soft yoga and breathing exercises that promote calmness and well-being.
Adaptation: Each morning participants are divided into two groups according to wishes and needs — a Led Class and a Mysore class.
Nature and surroundings
Nøsen is located in magnificent, untouched natural surroundings. Each day offers plenty of time to go for walks, enjoy the silence, swim in mountain lakes, cycle, paddle, or simply lie in the grass and relax. Canoes, SUP boards, and bicycles are available for rent for those who wish.
Who it is for
This course is well suited for all levels. We will help you find depth according to your conditions and capacity. You will certainly bring with you valuable tools that enrich your practice, your yoga, and your life as a whole.
Come and enjoy the peace of the mountains, feel strength in your own practice, and treat yourself to nourishing flavors that bring lightness to the body and promote health and well-being on every level.
Program
Sunday
15:00 – 18:00 Arrival
17:00 – 18:00 Welcome. Short overview of the week. Breath, movement, and relaxation
18:00 – 19:00 Dinner
Monday
07:00 – 08:30 Led Class and Mysore Class (two separate rooms)
08:30 – 09:15 Meditation and breathing exercises
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 – 12:00 Free time
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 16:30 Free time
16:00 – 16:30 Yoga Technique
16:30 – 17:15 Practical Yoga Philosophy
17:15 – 18:00 Pranayama: Breathing exercises to purify body and mind
18:00 – 19:00 Dinner
Tuesday
07:00 – 08:30 Led Class and Mysore Class (two separate rooms)
08:30 – 09:15 Meditation and breathing exercises
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 – 12:00 Free time
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 16:30 Free time
16:00 – 16:30 Yoga Technique
16:30 – 17:15 Practical Yoga Philosophy
17:15 – 18:00 Pranayama: Breathing exercises to purify body and mind
18:00 – 19:00 Dinner
Wednesday
07:00 – 08:30 Led Class and Mysore Class (two separate rooms)
08:30 – 09:15 Meditation and breathing exercises
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 – 11:00 Yoga Philosophy
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 18:00 Free time
18:00 – 19:00 Dinner
Thursday
07:00 – 08:30 Led Class and Mysore Class (two separate rooms)
08:30 – 09:15 Meditation and breathing exercises
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 – 12:00 Free time
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 16:30 Free time
16:00 – 16:30 Yoga Technique
16:30 – 17:15 Practical Yoga Philosophy
17:15 – 18:00 Pranayama: Breathing exercises to purify body and mind
18:00 – 19:00 Dinner
Friday
07:00 – 08:30 Led Class and Mysore Class (two separate rooms)
08:30 – 09:15 Meditation and breathing exercises
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 – 11:00 Check-out
12:00 – 13:00 Summary and Closing
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch and Departure
Your Teachers
R. Alexander Medin has been teaching yoga for 28 years.
He was certified by the legendary Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in 2002 – an honor granted to only 33 people worldwide. He holds an MA in Sanskrit and Indian Religions (SOAS, 2004) and has had the privilege of traveling the world to teach yoga. Alexander is also the founder of Puro Yoga, the Back in the Ring Foundation, and Nøsen Yoga and Mountain Hotel.
Alexander’s own life journey reflects resilience and transformation. Despite a challenging upbringing, he became the Norwegian champion in Breakdance (1984) and later in Boxing (1987), before completing a classical ballet education (1990). He went on to work for five years as a dancer and musical performer before finding his true calling in teaching yoga.
On this retreat, Alexander will be assisted by Monika Amundin, who has been his student and has maintained a daily Ashtanga Yoga practice for over 20 years. She has extensive experience teaching both beginners and seasoned practitioners, as well as pregnant women, children, and – not least – inmates in prison.
“Yoga is a treasure chest – an inner resource we can always open for strength, balance, self-regulation, and true joy.” – Monika
Retreat Prices
Shared room (up to 4 people): NOK 6,200 per person
Twin room (up to 2 people): NOK 7,150 per person
Single room: NOK 8,950 per person
Double room (shared bathroom): NOK 8,950 (1 person) / NOK 15,300 (2 people)
About Nøsen Yoga og Fjellhotell
Nøsen Yoga og Fjellhotell is a mountain retreat center in the heart of Valdres, Norway, surrounded by breathtaking nature and peaceful hiking trails. We host yoga retreats, workshops, and events all year around, offering guests a chance to slow down, connect with themselves, and enjoy nourishing vegetarian meals in a warm and welcoming community.
About BITR – Back in the Ring
Our hotel is run by a dedicated mix of staff and volunteers, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere. Some of our volunteers join us through Back in the Ring (BITR) – a transformative program that supports people in rebuilding confidence, resilience, and purpose after life’s challenges. They take part in daily operations while developing practical skills, building community connections, and engaging in personal growth activities. This means you may meet people from all walks of life, each contributing in their own way to the Nøsen experience. We invite you to embrace the spirit of patience, openness, and shared humanity that makes our community special.