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Build your own Gong

Gong Making Retreat in Germany

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey of Sound, Craftsmanship & Culture
Only 6 spots available 

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build your own Gong in Germany

 

You’re invited to join Ute Coleman and Marc Neuberger for this special Gong Making Retreat in Germany — a creative adventure open to everyone, with no previous experience required.

Together, we’ll craft two beautiful gongs (30 cm and 60 cm) under the expert guidance of Hans-Jürgen Hagel from the Gongzentrum Eichenwurzel, one of Germany’s most skilled boutique Gong Makers. This will be the first time this workshop is offered with English translation, making it a truly special experience.

Alongside the Gong making, you’ll explore the stunning river and wine region where Ute grew up — a place rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Think castles, vineyards, and charming villages — and we’ll personally show you some of our favourite local spots along the way.

This retreat is an invitation to:

  • Create something meaningful with your own hands

  • Discover the art and resonance of the Gong

  • Enjoy time to rest, connect, and explore

  • Immerse yourself in the beauty of German culture and landscape
     

It’s a rare opportunity to slow down, learn something new, and bring home not only two handcrafted Gongs — but also wonderful memories of shared experiences, laughter, and discovery.

 

Overview

Date: 15th  - 25th of July 2026 (1o nights)

 

Retreat Highlights:

Create Your Own Gongs: Make your own 30 cm and 60 cm gongs with Jürgen from Gongzentrum Eichenwurzel – first time ever in English! (all materials included)

Cultural Discovery: Explore the beautiful river and wine region where Ute grew up – castles, vineyards, and charming villages.

Visit the Peter Hess® Institut: 2 nights at the Seminar House Landsteiner Mühle near Frankfurt

Wellness & Relaxation: 8 nights at 4.5* Seehotel Niedernberg in a single room with breakfast, 2 group dinners, full use of the spa and private lakeside club.

Shared Adventures: 3 days exploring local highlights and enjoying authentic German cuisine.

 

What's included?

  • 2 nights’ accommodation at the Peter Hess® Seminar House Landsteiner Mühle closer to Frankfurt, including full board 
     

  • 8 nights’ accommodation at the 4.5 * Seehotel Niedernberg in a single room with daily breakfast and 2 dinners with access to the hotel’s exclusive spa, wellness area, and private lakeside swimming club.
     

  • 3-day Gong Making Workshop with Jürgen from Eichenwurzel, including all materials for your 30 cm and 60 cm gongs
     

  • All transport between scheduled locations and group activities
     

  • Guided sightseeing tours through the scenic river and wine region 
     

  • Free time to relax, explore, and enjoy local culture and cuisine

Accommodation & Cooperation Partners:​

Seehotel Niedernberg

https://www.seehotel-niedernberg.de/en/

Peter Hess Seminar House - Landsteiner Mühle

https://peter-hess-muehle.de/

Gongzentrum Eichenwurzel

https://www.eichenwurzel.de/

Other expenses to budget: 

Return Flight to Frankfurt or Hamburg from the country of your origin 

Spending money

Investment

All inclusive Retreat Price

only $7799 incl GST

Early Bird $7599 offer ends 31st of March 26

If you book both Germany Retreats together:

Special Price $14999 for 23 nights 

Payment Plans available. Please reach out!

​​

Booking, Payment & Cancellation Policy To secure your place on the retreat, please read the following carefully: Booking & Payment Terms Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of AUD $1,000 is required at the time of booking. Full Payment: The remaining balance must be paid in full two months before the retreat start date. Payment Methods: Payments can be made via bank transfer or credit card. Detailed instructions will be provided upon registration. Confirmation: Your booking is confirmed once your deposit is received and you receive a confirmation email. We recommend booking early, as places are limited and secured on a first-come, first-served basis. Cancellation Policy We understand that sometimes unexpected events happen. We strongly recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment (e.g., Fast Cover or similar), but it is your responsibility to make these arrangements. If you need to cancel: Cancellations made more than 2 months prior to the retreat start date will forfeit the AUD $1,000 deposit only. Cancellations made between 2 months and 1 month prior will incur a 80% cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 1 month of the retreat start date, or in case of non-arrival, will incur a 100% cancellation fee. If the retreat must be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances or an insufficient number of participants, all payments will be fully refunded.

FAQs:
 

What should I bring to the retreat? Pack mainly summer clothes, but keep in mind that evenings in Germany can sometimes be cooler, so it’s best to have a mix of layers. Comfortable walking shoes are great for our excursion tours. For the Gong-making workshop, bring clothes that you feel comfortable working in. Everything else you might need is readily available in Germany, and I’m happy to assist if you need anything. The local currency is EURO.

Are there any health or physical requirements? You should be in generally good health. The Gong-making workshop will be physically engaging and challenging, but you’ll go at your own pace, and Jürgen will always be there to guide and support you. Most other activities, including our excursions, are gentle and suitable for everyone. There are no required vaccinations to travel to Germany.

What about getting there and logistics? The retreat includes all travel while we are together, so you can relax and enjoy the experience. You will need to make your way to Frankfurt Airport, which is the best arrival point. I can arrange to pick you up and drop you off at the airport, so we’ll coordinate details closer to the retreat. If you’d like to explore on your own during your free days, the area is easily accessible by public transport, buses, or taxis.

Do I need any previous sound experience? No previous sound experience is needed. This retreat is open to anyone interested in exploring the world of the Gong and even building your own. It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover, create, and enjoy the process—whether it’s your first time or you’ve dabbled in sound before.

Photo credit Landsteiner Mühle
Photocredit Landsteiner Mühle, Nicole and Matthias Herkert
Photocredit Seehotel Niedernberg
Local cakes
Pretzel Power
Local architecture
Miltenberg
Castle Mespelbrunn - photo credit Tripadvisor
Jürgen at work
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