Retreat Information

Last update: 29 April 2026

The Joy of Enlightenment: When Positive Emotions Awaken Nirvana

Retreat Teacher

Haemin Sunim

Dates

Sept. 4th - 6th, 2026

Location

Dohasa Zen Group
Margit Hansens gate 3, 0190 Oslo, Norway

Daily Schedule

The retreat begins Friday at 09:00 and ends Sunday at 15:00

Doors open at 09:00 on Friday. Registration takes place from 09:00 to 09:30.

Please plan to arrive during the registration window. If you expect to be late, contact us in advance.

The full daily schedule will be shared closer to the retreat.

Transportation to Oslo

Arrival by Air

Flying into Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL) is the most convenient option. Alternatively, you can sometimes find cheaper flights to Sandefjord Airport Torp (TRF), though it requires additional travel to reach Oslo.

From Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL), the two main options into Oslo are via 1) VY, the public train system, or 2) Flytoget, a private option that is slightly faster and more comfortable, but also more expensive. Tickets for both trains can be purchased directly in the airport, at separate kiosks.

It is strongly advised not to take a taxi directly from the airport queue, due to high fees. Instead, if using a taxi, book a taxi in advance at oslotaxi.no or by calling 02323 for a fixed rate. Other providers are also available.

Arrival by Train

Arriving by train to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) is the most convenient option when traveling from other parts of Norway or abroad. From Oslo S, Dohasa Zen Center is 15 minutes away by foot, or one t-bane (metro) stop. Oslo S is directly connected to the main t-bane (metro) station in Oslo, Jernbanetorget.

Arrival by Car
Oslo can be easily reached by car, but please be aware that parking is not available at the retreat location. It is strongly advised that you arrange your own long-term parking beforehand. By using the official parking app of Oslo, you can find various locations in the city offering long-term street parking. Private options, such as parking garages, also exist.

App for Android

App for iPhone

Please be aware that there are some paid highways in Oslo and Norway. If you drive into Oslo, tolls are automatically registered by your license plate, and an invoice will be sent to your home address after your visit, even if your vehicle is registered in a different country.

Getting to the Retreat Center

From within Oslo

Dohasa is located in the heart of Oslo and within easy walking distance of the Grønland t-bane (metro) station. All t-bane lines pass through Grønland station. The Oslo bus terminal is also just a few hundred meters down the road. Oslo is a small city, so it is also within walking distance of many locations in the center of town.

Purchasing Tickets for Public Transportation
There are still a few ticket machines in some t-bane (metro) stations, but bus tickets must be purchased in advance. The easiest solution is to use the Ruter App, the app of the official transportation authority in Oslo.

App for Android

App for iPhone

Accommodation

Tips for Personal Accommodation

Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. Oslo offers a wide range of options, and staying anywhere with access to metro, tram, or bus lines will provide easy access to the retreat. Central areas such as Sentrum, Barcode/Bjørvika, Tøyen, Kampen, Gamle Oslo, and Grünerløkka are convenient, though Oslo is a relatively small city and most locations will involve only a short commute.

For a reliable mid-range stay, hotel chains like Scandic and Thon Hotels are widely available across the city. Budget-friendly options include hostels such as Anker Hostel and Bunks at Rode, as well as simple hotels like Citybox Oslo. Short-term rentals via Airbnb are also a flexible option. Booking early is recommended, as availability can be limited.

What to Bring

Clothing

We recommend comfortable, loose and stretchy clothing that allows you to sit and move freely. If possible, please choose modest clothing with simple colors and patterns, so that we can maintain a calm and undistracting environment for everyone.

In Scandinavia, we do not wear shoes indoors and leave them at the front door. So please bring warm and comfortable socks to wear during the retreat.

The weather in Norway is already starting to become chilly in September, so it is advised to bring layers to keep warm and adjust as needed.

Other Personal Items

If you would like to do some yoga or light stretching during breaks, you are welcome to bring a yoga mat. You may also bring your own meditation cushions if preferred. A small personal blanket might be a good idea for those who get cold easily. Please make sure that you bring any necessary medicines to the retreat with you.

Storage Spaces

There is a designated area within the retreat facility where you can store your personal belongings. Please note that this space is not locked, so we recommend not bringing valuables.

Food and Drinks

Meals

Lunch and dinner will be served on Friday and Saturday, and lunch on Sunday. All meals are vegetarian or vegan, with egg and dairy products offered separately when possible. Please inform us as soon as possible of any medically necessary dietary restrictions. We are unable to accommodate non-medical dietary preferences and may ask you to bring your own food if needed.

Refreshments

Tea, coffee, water, fruit and light snacks will be available during breaks and free periods.

Restrooms and usage

Restrooms

There are two restrooms in the retreat facility. One of them is spacious and wheelchair accessible. Participants are free to use the restrooms when needed. Please avoid leaving during meditation periods unless necessary.

Changing clothing

Participants can change clothing, if necessary, within the restrooms.

Retreat Etiquette

To support a focused and respectful environment for all participants, we ask that you observe the following during the retreat:

Please arrive on time for all sessions. Entering late can be disruptive to others.
Please keep phones turned off in the retreat center.
Maintain a quiet atmosphere in the practice space.
Refrain from taking photos, recording, or using devices in the practice area.
Keep your personal area tidy to create a visually calm and relaxing environment.
Please follow the guidance of the teacher and organizers at all times.

Emergency Contact

If you are running late or need to get in touch about urgent matters related to the retreat, please contact Alex Carroll at +47 411 266 26.

In case of emergency, call 112. Emergency services in Norway are available in English.

Cancellations & Refunds

General Policy

To cancel your participation, please email us at info@dohasa.org. If you cancel more than 60 days before the retreat, you will receive a full refund. Cancellations between 30 and 60 days prior are eligible for a 50% refund. Unfortunately, cancellations within 30 days are non-refundable. In exceptional circumstances, we may allow a transfer to a future retreat.

Questions?

Feel free to contact us with any other questions you have in the meantime.