Led by executive coach and leadership expert Michael Hoffman, this intimate retreat along Switzerland’s historic Via Jacobi offers a unique blend of life and business coaching woven into a soulful walking journey. Set against the serene backdrop of lakes, vineyards, and quiet villages, this experience is designed for a small group of purpose-driven leaders seeking clarity, connection, and renewed direction. With daily coaching sessions, Nordic walking, and meaningful solo reflection, you’ll uncover bold strategies for both life and work—step by step, mile by mile. Private coaching, guided walks, group rituals, and inspired moments of stillness come together in a retreat that’s as structured as it is freeing.
Coaching Package Options
PERSONAL 1:1 + GROUP COACHING
(5, 10, or 20 personal coaching sessions)
GROUP COACHING ONLY
+ Personal Coaching on Demand
Collaboration with Professional Coaches
For certified coaches who would like to participate.
CONTACT US TODAY
Now accepting aplications for July 5th – 11th, 2026. (Limited space)
I really enjoyed my El Camino experience. It was one of the highlights of my year, and the fond memories will last a long time.
I loved the scenery, the food, the drinks, and the accommodations—everything was excellent.
Michael’s coaching sessions brought valuable self-discovery and future planning. The organization always made sure we were in good hands. If you get the chance, go!
Designed for Growth
Each day offers opportunities to connect, reflect, and engage—both with the group and within yourself.
The Daily Experience
Morning and evening group coaching sessions are thoughtfully planned to create genuine connections, insight sharing, and lighthearted camaraderie. These moments are designed to build a sense of belonging among participants while also opening space for spontaneous, meaningful conversations.
Throughout the journey, you’ll encounter a few unexpected surprises, designed to deepen the experience, spark creativity, or simply delight you along the way.
And because true transformation happens in both stillness and movement, you’ll always have the freedom to choose: join in, contribute, or step back for personal time and solo exploration. This is your journey—shaped by you, supported by us.
Nights Along the Way
At the end of each day’s journey, you’ll rest in comfort.
Each participant will enjoy their own private room in carefully selected, high-quality hotels, considered the best in each location.
This is a luxury growth and development retreat, where staying in the best is part of feeling your best. Every detail is designed to support deep rest, clarity, and meaningful transformation.
Mind & Body Preparation
To help you get the most out of the experience, we’ll guide you in preparing physically for the journey, ensuring you feel confident and ready to walk 111 kilometers over the course of 7 days.
This stretch of the Swiss Camino winds through rolling hills, lakeside villages, and vineyard trails. The terrain is accessible and scenic, ideal for a journey that blends movement with mindfulness.
You can expect:
In the weeks leading up to the retreat, we’ll provide guidance on physical preparation, mindset, and gear—so you arrive grounded, prepared, and ready for what lies ahead.
Taste the Journey
Each evening, we’ll dine along the Via Jacobi at some of the finest regional restaurants, where Swiss Camino hospitality and local culinary traditions shine. These meals are more than nourishment, they’re a celebration of the journey, rooted in place, culture, and shared experience. Savor specialties like Papet Vaudois (leek and potato stew with sausage) near Lausanne, Bündner barley soup in alpine towns, or Fribourg fondue in the medieval heart of the city, all complemented by regional wines and fresh mountain air.
Lunches, as seen to the left, are equally rewarding. Whether it’s a rustic meal in the countryside near Wattenwil, a picnic of fresh bread, Gruyère cheese, and local fruit in the fields above Romont, or a lakeside bite in Spiez, these simple yet flavorful midday breaks offer nourishment and rest in scenic, soul-stirring settings along the trail.
Disconnect to Reconnect
Each morning begins with a shared breakfast and group coaching session, setting the tone for a purposeful day. As you walk, you’ll receive individual mentoring woven into conversations with Lead Coach Michael Hoffman and our experienced guides.
To support deeper presence and reflection, we encourage minimal use of the internet and smartphones during the day. If you’d like, you’re welcome to leave your phone with the guide or have it securely transferred to your next hotel. This is simply an invitation to give yourself more space, to engage fully with the path, the people, and your own unfolding process.
the coach
Michael Hoffman
International Executive And Life Coach, ScaleYOU
Michael Hoffman is a highly regarded international executive and life coach, mentor, and leadership expert. His coaching empowers corporate leaders and individuals to navigate personal and professional transformations with clarity and confidence.
With a background as a symphony orchestra conductor, Michael brings a nuanced understanding of collaboration, communication, and leadership—skills that translate seamlessly into the business and personal development arenas. His ability to synthesize strategy with emotional intelligence makes him a trusted advisor for executives, entrepreneurs, and individuals seeking greater fulfillment and success.
Michael has coached leaders across the globe, including Fortune 500 executives, entrepreneurs, and high-potential professionals, helping them achieve peak performance, enhance decision-making, and lead with impact.
Via Jacobi’s Route
Itinerary
Activities and sequence may adjust to optimize your journey.
Land at Zurich Airport and travel together to the picturesque lakeside town of Spiez. With its medieval castle, alpine views, and serene setting on Lake Thun, Spiez offers a perfect space to arrive, decompress, and connect with fellow travelers. We’ll gather for a relaxed welcome dinner and gentle orientation to set the tone for our journey ahead: physically, emotionally, and spiritually
Over five days, we walk from Spiez toward Lausanne along the historic Via Jacobi pilgrimage route. Each day includes 4–6 hours of Nordic walking, covering 15–20 km through pastoral landscapes, forest trails, and charming villages. The terrain is gently rolling, accessible yet invigorating, with options to shorten daily routes using Switzerland’s excellent public transport.
We’ll pass through inspiring places like Wattenwil, Schwarzenburg, Fribourg (with its medieval bridges and Gothic cathedral), Romont, and eventually Lausanne, perched above Lake Geneva with views to the French Alps.
Each step is more than physical, daily coaching circles, reflective prompts, and meaningful conversations are woven throughout the experience, inviting you to explore not just the land, but your inner landscape as well. You’ll walk supported, seen, and strengthened, body, mind, and spirit.
On our final day, we’ll travel from Lausanne to Geneva Airport. Whether you leave with new clarity, lifelong friendships, or simply a deep sense of rest, this week offers a reset you’ll carry forward long after the Camino ends.
