When SHOULD WE ARRIVE?
Breathe takes place Thursday, September 21 – Friday, September 29, 2023. The conference kicks off with dinner Thursday, September 21 at 6 pm followed by our first gathering (it will be short – we know you're tired!) The last night of the program is Thursday, September 28 at 9 p.m.; everyone departs by 10 am Friday, September 29 to make travel connections (breakfast is available that morning).
WHAT ABOUT COVID?
With the shifts in life and ministry brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, we know that Breathe is needed now more than ever. In the case that we must cancel due to heightened restrictions, we will notify participants as soon as possible, and registrants will receive a full refund. Please check your country of origin as restrictions continue to change. Switzerland's Travelcheck lets you know under what conditions you can enter Switzerland. If you test positive for Covid at Breathe, a 5-day quarantine will be implemented for you in order to protect the group at large. We will stream our program to you, and you will be able to zoom with your counselor as well as move around outside separate from the group.
LOCATION
Breathe is held at a Christian retreat center in Wilderswil, Switzerland called Credo. Credo looks out at the majestic glacier of the Jungfrau on one side and the Lake of Brienz on the other side. The city of Interlaken is 5 minutes away by car or a 20-minute walk. Situated in the heart of one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking regions, there are opportunities for hiking, cycling, rock climbing, swimming and other outdoor activities. Credo has 135 beds; rooms have showers and/or toilets en-suite or toilets and showers down the hall. Rooms are varied i.e. doubles, triples, quads, up to rooms for families of 8. There are several meeting rooms, sitting areas, a playground, soccer/football and volleyball fields as well as terraces with panoramic views. The Credo staff manages the housekeeping; meals are prepared by their excellent Swiss chef.
Transportation
Both Geneva and Zurich airports are directly connected to Swiss public transport. Hourly trains run from Zurich to Interlaken West Train Station (2h30 travel time) and from Geneva Airport (3hr travel time). If booking a train from Zurich visit Swiss Railway. If traveling before or after Breathe, check out the Swiss Travel Pass. A Swiss Super Saver ticket is available to purchase 3-4 days in advance, but it must be used only for a specified train. If flight is delayed, the ticket is no longer valid. Super Saver tickets are best for return trips to airport. Download the SBB CH App to book.
Trains to Interlaken West leave regularly from Zurich Flughaven Airport. Purchase a ticket to Interlaken West (not Ost/East) station. Trains typically go thru Bern. The end of the line is Interlaken Ost (which will be displayed on the platform signage). When coming from Zurich, Interlaken West is the 2nd stop from Interlaken Ost, which is the end of the line.
When you arrive at Interlaken West station, go directly inside the station; look for one of our staff holding a Breathe sign. Our team will drive you to Credo (about ten minutes).
If you choose to rent a car, there are a number of good options including EuropeCar, Avis, Sixt and Budget. Here's a helpful link to Swiss road rules. A few highlights: On motorways, passing on the right is not allowed. Respect speed limits. There are many fixed and mobile radar installations in Switzerland. Exceeding speed limits can incur hefty fines which are sent in the mail sometimes months after the fact.
Schedule
Our desire is for guests to have space to rest, rejuvenate and be encouraged. For these reasons, we do not over program Breathe with lots of meetings and workshops.
Breakfast happens around 8 am. We gather as a group for worship at 9:30 am. Adults participate in devotional teaching and interactive discussions. During the afternoons, we've set aside one hour each day for you (or you and your spouse) to meet personally with a counselor. In addition, you'll have an opportunity to meet with a doctor and to receive a massage from one of our massage therapists. There is time for hiking and other recreation as well as fun activities during evenings for you to get to know others or spend time alone.
What to bring?
Temperatures vary in the Alps (check out current weather in Wilderswil here). The vibe is casual and comfy; dress in layers. Bring a rain jacket, hat, umbrella, walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellant, journal and Bible. Most of these items are also available at the local Migros. Bedding, towels and soap are provided. A Swiss adaptor is helpful (Credo also has some to borrow). There is a sauna on site if you'd like to bring a swimsuit (5 CHF per use). There is a coffee/snack bar on site.
COUNSELING
Our team of member care counselors have volunteered their time to serve at Breathe. Guests have an opportunity to meet for one hour each afternoon with a counselor. We consider this an integral part of what happens at Breathe.
Other Questions
There is free wifi access throughout the Credo facility. But, tell your co-workers you're on holiday! There are two washing machines and three dryers available for 5 CHF per load of wash. There's also a laundromat in nearby Wilderswil or Interlaken. ATMs are at the airport or in Wilderswil to exchange money or withdraw Swiss Francs. Please let us know if you have any food allergies.
IN THE AREA
Breathe is in the Berner Oberland Region which includes Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Gimmelwald, Mürren, and Wengen. Some of the sights near Interlaken include
- Ballenberg Open–Air Folk Museum
- Boat trips between the lakes of Thun and Brienz
- Jungfraujoch train ride/cable car to the “top of Europe” (this is pricey and depends on a clear day)
- Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfalls
- Trummelbach Falls
- Harder-Klum Observation Deck
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There is spectacular hiking throughout the region. We suggest Rick Steves’ excellent guidebook on Switzerland, consulting TripAdvisor, or downloading Berner Overland Travel Guide to your smartphone.
Cost
Because our conference serves global workers, Credo has reduced their fees to a bare minimum. Catalyst Intl also underwrites a portion of the conference in order to keep the cost as low as possible. Fees include all meals as well as use of the entire facility. When you registered, your deposit was paid to Catalyst Intl.
Rooms are configured for 2-7 persons. Due to limited single rooms available, there is an additional charge of 200 CHF for a private room for an individual. Payment to Credo is due upon arrival at the conference. Payments can be made in Swiss Francs or by debit or credit card. Credo has graciously waived credit card fees.
Fees Payable to Credo Conference Center
Adult — CHF 800 per individual, CHF 1600 per couple
Individual Private Room — CHF 1000
CONTACT
If you would like to have packages shipped to Credo, please send them c/o Breathe: Recipient's Name.