Experience Myth, Magic and Mystery
June 16-23, 2024
Sweden Pilgrimage
Classical Labyrinth Tour on the Island of Gotland
Join Lars Howlett (DiscoverLabyrinths.com), Veriditas, and Valarie Budayr (Mongata.org) for an unforgettable journey to the island of Gotland, where we’ll explore, walk, and contemplate a stunning variety of outdoor classical labyrinths.
For one special week on an enchanting island in the Baltic Sea, we will follow the mytho-poetic thread of “The Maiden in the Labyrinth.” Connecting millennia, centuries, and our present day, we will share local stories, songs, images, and contemplative practices to weave together the myth, magic, and mystery of Gotland.
The medieval village of Visby will be our home for seven nights with walking tours of the local museum, ruins, and labyrinths. We will circumnavigate the island by bus on three day trips to explore ancient and historic sacred sites with breaks at cafes, farms and artisanal shops. Our pilgrimage culminates with a Midsummer eve labyrinth walk and a traditional Swedish celebration in the city center coinciding with a full moon.
Program registration and hotel reservations are now open to those who have paid the initial deposit.
We have four spaces left for those wishing to secure their spot. Registration Closes May 1st 2024
Look below for more information about our pilgrimage, including an informative video.
Join the Waitlist
Advanced reservations for the Pilgrimage to Sweden are moving quickly. If you are unable to make a deposit above because the tour is sold out, please submit your information using the form to join the waitlist and be notified of openings if they become available.
Want to Know More ?
If you’d like to get an overview of our trip, and meet the leaders, have a look at the Zoom meeting we had.
In our meeting we discussed our itinerary, accommodations, registration, payment plans, how to get to Gotland, travel insurance, and much more.
Please also feel free to send questions ahead of time to Valarie: budayr@gmail.com or Lars: findlars@gmail.com
Meet Your Guides
Lars Howlett is a Veriditas Faculty Member, Advanced Certified Labyrinth Facilitator, and master Labyrinth Designer/Builder creating exact replicas of ancient and contemporary designs.
Since 2011 Lars has traveled to Gotland four times to research and rediscover its lost labyrinths, twice leading group tours to share his love and learnings with others.
Valarie Budayr is a Board Certified Sound Practitioner, Clinical Musician, Trauma-Certified Breathwork Facilitator, Mindfulness Teacher, and Labyrinth Builder.
Gotland is Valarie’s ancestral home where she spends nearly every summer relishing in the beauty of the island and practicing its traditions. Valarie’s parents are from Gotland and she shares in the knowledge, traditions, and beauty of this place.
Welcome To Visby
Our home base will be the enchanting medieval village of Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
St Clemens Hotel
We’ll be staying at the St. Clemens Hotel within the medieval walls of Visby. It is owned by Carl and Menette Von Schulman who are so happy to welcome us. Carl’s grandfather and great-grandfather built two labyrinths we’ll visit. We’ll also have access to the St Clemens Cathedral ruin, where we’ll have our morning meetings and meditations.
Getting to Gotland
Arrive at Visby by plane or ferry on Sunday, June 16th or earlier (transportation to Gotland is not included) to meet for orientation that evening. We will tour the ancient walled city and visit medieval churches, ruins, and a marvelous museum. Enjoy Swedish island culture and cuisine, including smoked salmon and fresh asparagus. See ancient Viking graves and runestones, labyrinth frescoes in medieval churches, windmills, fishing villages, and wool boutiques.
Our program culminates with a group labyrinth walk and final meal on Saturday, June 22nd. Participants can join local Midsummer celebrations in and around Visby on Friday, June 21st.
Questions? Email:FindLars@gmail.com or valarie@mongata.org
Tour Packages
Prices include local transportation for group excursions on Gotland, lodging, full breakfasts, museum passes, a city tour with a local historian, and expert guidance.
Participants are responsible for their transportation to and from Visby, where the tour begins.
All lunches, dinners, and beverages are not included and will be at your own discretion. Site visits involve short walks on uneven ground at risk of participants.
Double Occupancy 7 Nights / 6 Days $2700* per person
Single Occupancy 7 Nights / 6 Days $3400* per person
Last day for registration is May 1st 2024. We have a two-part registration process.
First you register at Veriditas for your pilgrimage tuition.
Second you purchase your housing accommodations from Valarie Budayr at Mongata.
Once you’ve registered for the pilgrimage/tour with Veriditas, Valarie Budayr will be in touch about housing accommodations.