참가신청 방법 안내
Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Michels Kleinsthof is working towards the utopia of a sustainable, resilient, and grandchild-friendly agriculture becoming reality. More than 50 different crops are grown on one hectare using the “Market Gardening” principle. We are part of the movement “Community based agriculture” (in Germany, this is called “Solidarity Farming — Solidarische Landwirtschaft”). This means members are involved in the work on a weekly basis in order to bring sustainable food production to the people. School classes are allowed to experience agriculture firsthand and enjoy looking after chicken, sheep and bees.
There is a great variety of tasks in our diverse garden! Diversity makes us independent of the agricultural industries. It also benefits our fellow creatures of all kinds.
We deliver a large portion of our products to our 90 Solidarity Farming members, while another part is sold at the market in the picturesque nearby town of Staufen.
However, Michel's micro-farm sees itself not only as a food producer, but also as a place of learning and a nature conservation project! Agriculture is the number one cause of species extinction worldwide and is responsible for 25% of climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions. On one of the most fertile soils in Germany, nestled in a beautiful spot between the Vosges and the Black Forest, the micro-farm sets a counterexample to the monocultures of the rest of the Rhine Valley.
Description of work:
You help is needed to continue building up the farm, including construction/ renovating of a tiny house for multifunctional using, made from clay. wood, etc... Previous workcamps in 2023 and 2024 contributed to this project, and now you will have the chance to help complete it. Another manual labour will be renovating other farm facilities. Also, the farm needs a small roundabout that is stable to drive on during wet times.
In August, every garden is in the fullness of its harvest season! Tomatoes sweetened by the sun, courgettes and cucumbers growing at a fast speed and need hard-working hands and hungry mouths. But the weeds don't stop growing either. That's why there will be the opportunity to help in the daily business of Market gardening, such as harvesting, weeding, planting seeds and caring for small plants in the nursery! In other words, there will not only be the opportunity to experience multifaceted gardening firsthand, but also to master manual and physical work in a team. So, if you have extra energy, you are more than welcome!
In our work, we follow the principle of “Market Garden”: Here is what it looks like: on the smallest possible area, as many crops as possible are cultivated without the use of groundwater-damaging fertiliser, only with the help of compost. The most important idea here is recycling, in order to work with as little labour, pesticides and land as possible. Learning gardening skills, the cycle concept and environmental aspects in agriculture are therefore important learning elements during the work camp. Permaculture and biodynamic principles can be experienced here. The care and feeding of chickens and sheep can also be learned in practice. Another important part is building with natural materials. We plan to implement old craft techniques that were used to build houses and infrastructure without modern technology yet were very energy efficient.
Description of location and leisure:
Michels Kleinsthof is located between the Black Forest and the Vosges in the border triangle in one of the most beautiful regions of Germany. A nearby quarry pond can be easily reached after work with bicycles provided by the farm and the young, alternative and beautiful student city of Freiburg is also less than 10 minutes away by train. The farm itself is located in a small village called Tunsel, but the entire region is bursting with nature and cultural tourism opportunities. If you are travelling by plane, we would very much appreciate it if you could extend your stay in Central Europe even further, so as not to use climate-damaging mobility just for our project.
The nearest airport: BSL in Basel,Switzerland
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Bad Krozingen, near Freiburg
Meeting Point and Time: Nearest airports: Basel, Stuttgart Note: If you arrive at Basel airport, check whether it is free to travel through Switzerland, as you may need an additional visa there (for non-EU countries). If not, choose an airport in Germany.
Description of accommodation and food:
Most of the organic seasonal food comes directly from the field to your plate. Everything else that is needed will be purchased. The diet will be predominantly vegetarian. Cooking will take place together in the outdoor kitchen and there will also be the possibility to cook a "classic" dish from your country of origin. Next to the kitchen, there is also a fireplace for sitting together in the evening, so your musical instruments are most welcome! We will also use the clay oven for pizza at least once.
As far as sleeping is concerned, we will either set up a communal tent directly on the field or provide some beds in construction trailers. A small hutch will serve as our shower, a composting toilet is already part of the sanitary facilities in the field.
Please be ready to live in very basic conditions; you will live outdoors most of the time and close to nature. The work can be physically demanding.
English
[수영 가능자 안내]
본 워크캠프 참가를 위해서는 수영을 할 줄 아셔야 합니다. 신청서 작성 시, 수영 가능 여부에 대해 적어주시기 바랍니다.
[침낭 구비 안내]
개인 위생을 위해 개인용 침낭을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.
Age : 19-26
Short remarks for the project:
Please bring a sleeping bag, swimwear and preferably sturdy shoes for working in the garden. Please note that you will get dirty in the garden, so clothes that can get dirty and are old are recommended. Remember that the sunshine could be strong, and you should bring suitable headgear and sufficient sun protection. Long-sleeved, thin clothing will also work for this. The living conditions will be very simple, so please be prepared. The work can be physically demanding. Note that it is not recommended to attend if you are allergic to weed.
Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Open Houses. is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and revitalisation of historic buildings through volunteer-driven initiatives. It emerged from grassroots efforts to restore abandoned heritage sites in East Germany and has since expanded into a European network fostering heritage conservation, cultural exchange, and community engagement.
The organisation believes that heritage should be actively lived, not just preserved as static monuments. By creating open spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can collaborate, Open Houses promotes a participatory approach to heritage conservation. Through international workcamps, training courses, and long-term volunteer programmes, participants engage in hands-on restoration, sustainable site management, and skill-building activities.
Volunteering is at the heart of Open Houses fostering a spirit of collective effort, learning, and cultural exchange. The organisation provides opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to contribute to meaningful projects, offering hands-on experiences that promote teamwork, self-reliance, and cross-cultural understanding. Through workcamps, mid-term volunteering, and leadership programmes, participants develop practical skills, engage with local communities, and take an active role in maintaining shared spaces. By creating non-commercial, inclusive environments, Open Houses. encourages personal growth, social responsibility, and the strengthening of international networks based on collaboration and mutual respect.
As the parent organisation of European Heritage Volunteers, Offene Häuser e.V. also plays a key role in coordinating conservation projects across Europe, supporting grassroots initiatives, and advocating for heritage as a shared cultural responsibility beyond national borders.
Description of work:
Project description
Lohra Castle, with its centuries-old architecture and vast natural surroundings, is not only a site of historical significance but also a living, functioning place that requires continuous care and attention. This workcamp offers volunteers the opportunity to actively contribute to the sustainable management of the castle, ensuring that its grounds remain accessible, welcoming, and well preserved. While this workcamp does not involve hands-on heritage conservation interventions, it plays an equally essential role in the long-term care of the site, allowing future visitors and guests to experience and appreciate Lohra Castle as a harmoniously maintained historic and natural space.
The volunteers will engage in seasonal maintenance tasks, including mowing and collecting overgrown grass, clearing organic material from public areas, and ensuring that the castle’s open spaces remain well-kept. These tasks are crucial for the aesthetic and functional upkeep of the historic ensemble, preserving the visual integrity of the castle and its surroundings. The work also extends to the general maintenance of communal spaces and halls, contributing to the overall experience of visitors who use the castle for cultural events, educational programmes, and retreats. The income generated from these activities is directly reinvested into the castle’s conservation and educational projects, meaning that the work of volunteers directly supports heritage preservation efforts, even if not through conservation itself.
Beyond the practical tasks, the workcamp offers a unique and immersive experience. When the castle closes its doors to the public in the evenings, it becomes the volunteers' home, a place where they can experience the privilege of inhabiting a medieval site. In this way, they take on the role of stewards, caring for the space as if it were their own. The experience encourages a sense of responsibility, ownership, and connection to heritage, reinforcing the idea that heritage sites thrive not only through large-scale restoration projects but also
Description of location and leisure:
Lohra Castle
Lohra Castle, located in northern Thuringia, Germany, stands as one of the region’s most representative medieval fortifications located in the vicinity of important trade routes that connected the medieval world of central Europe. Though its present form is modest, the castle continues to command a striking position within the hilly landscape near a natural reserve. With a history spanning over a thousand years, the site reflects multiple layers of architectural evolution, shaped by shifting political, economic, and social contexts over the centuries.
The architectural ensemble of Lohra Castle presents a rich assortment of historical styles, with elements dating back to the 11th century. Among its most remarkable features is a Romanesque double-floored chapel from the 12th century, an exceptional structure that highlights early medieval religious architecture. Traces of medieval fortifications and towers, as well as a Renaissance-era manor house, further illustrate the site’s transformation from a medieval defensive stronghold into a more residential and agricultural complex.
Despite its historical significance, Lohra Castle was abandoned for several decades, leading to neglect and structural deterioration. In the 1990s, the site was rediscovered and revitalised through the efforts of Open Houses, which has since used the castle as a base for heritage conservation, cultural initiatives, and international collaboration. Today, it serves as a centre for hands-on restoration projects organised by Open Houses´ daughter organisation European Heritage Volunteers, as well as training courses organised by partner educational institutions, and volunteer-driven maintenance efforts such as this workcamp, welcoming participants from across the world to engage with its unique built heritage.
[Travel Information]
The nearest airport: BER in Berlin,Germany
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Next towns: Bleicherode (6 km), Nordhausen (20 km), Erfurt (75 km) Region: Thuringia Next bus station: Großlohra, Friedrichslohra/Wartehalle Next railway stations: Gebra/Hainleite (5 km), Wolkramshausen (12 km). Next airports: Leipzig/Halle (LEJ, 155 km), Frankfurt/Main (FRA, 280 km), Berlin (BER, 300 km)
Meeting Point and Time: Will be informed in the Infosheet
Description of accommodation and food:
Accommodation at Open Houses projects reflects the organisation’s ethos of simplicity, shared responsibility, and community spirit. Volunteers stay in rustic but fair conditions, often within the historic sites they are helping to maintain. While the facilities are basic, they provide all essential necessities, including shared rooms, communal kitchens, and sanitary facilities. A key aspect of the experience is the collective preparation of meals—participants take turns cooking, introducing dishes from their home countries, and fostering a spirit of camaraderie through shared meals. This collaborative approach strengthens bonds among volunteers, making the experience as much about cultural exchange as it is about practical work. Food is fully provided as part of the programme, ensuring that volunteers do not face additional costs. Importantly, Open Houses does not use the fees participants pay to finance the projects; these funds remain with their sending organisations, reinforcing the programme’s non-commercial and volunteer-driven nature.
English
* 현장납부비용 : 0
First Language: English
Available vegetarian food: Yes
Documents the applicants have to provide:
[침낭 구비 안내]
개인 위생을 위해 개인용 침낭을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.
-
Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Open Houses. is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and revitalisation of historic buildings through volunteer-driven initiatives. It emerged from grassroots efforts to restore abandoned heritage sites in East Germany and has since expanded into a European network fostering heritage conservation, cultural exchange, and community engagement.
The organisation believes that heritage should be actively lived, not just preserved as static monuments. By creating open spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can collaborate, Open Houses promotes a participatory approach to heritage conservation. Through international workcamps, training courses, and long-term volunteer programmes, participants engage in hands-on restoration, sustainable site management, and skill-building activities.
Volunteering is at the heart of Open Houses fostering a spirit of collective effort, learning, and cultural exchange. The organisation provides opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to contribute to meaningful projects, offering hands-on experiences that promote teamwork, self-reliance, and cross-cultural understanding. Through workcamps, mid-term volunteering, and leadership programmes, participants develop practical skills, engage with local communities, and take an active role in maintaining shared spaces. By creating non-commercial, inclusive environments, Open Houses. encourages personal growth, social responsibility, and the strengthening of international networks based on collaboration and mutual respect.
As the parent organisation of European Heritage Volunteers, Open Houses also plays a key role in coordinating conservation projects across Europe, supporting grassroots initiatives, and advocating for heritage as a shared cultural responsibility beyond national borders.
Description of work:
The camp leader acts as a bridge between the volunteers, the organization, and the technical leaders overseeing the practical work. Their primary role is to support the group from a social and intercultural perspective. This is a great opportunity to develop leadership, organizational, and intercultural skills while making a meaningful impact. Camp leaders must work independently while collaborating with co-leaders and technical staff. The role demands effort, empathy, and teamwork but also offers a fulfilling and fun experience. Open Houses encourages creativity and provides guidance and training. Before leading a camp, leaders will participate as regular volunteers to familiarise themselves with the role.
Responsibilities include social and organizational leadership (welcoming volunteers, introducing them to the camp, and organizing daily schedules, including work, meals, and breaks), group coordination (such as managing rotating cooking and cleaning teams, purchasing food, and overseeing meal preparation), organizing leisure activities (planning evening events like campfires, barbecues, and games, as well as weekend trips to nearby towns), providing team support (staying in close contact with technical leaders, assisting in work tasks when needed, and helping coordinate working groups) and general camp management tasks including handling finances, documenting activities through notes and photos, and leading evaluations.
Description of location and leisure:
Lohra Castle, located in northern Thuringia, Germany, stands as one of the region’s most representative medieval fortifications located in the vicinity of important trade routes that connected the medieval world of central Europe. Though its present form is modest, the castle continues to command a striking position within the hilly landscape near a natural reserve. With a history spanning over a thousand years, the site reflects multiple layers of architectural evolution, shaped by shifting political, economic, and social contexts over the centuries.
The architectural ensemble of Lohra Castle presents a rich assortment of historical styles, with elements dating back to the 11th century. Among its most remarkable features is a Romanesque double-floored chapel from the 12th century, an exceptional structure that highlights early medieval religious architecture. Traces of medieval fortifications and towers, as well as a Renaissance-era manor house, further illustrate the site’s transformation from a medieval defensive stronghold into a more residential and agricultural complex.
Despite its historical significance, Lohra Castle was abandoned for several decades, leading to neglect and structural deterioration. In the 1990s, the site was rediscovered and revitalised through the efforts of Open Houses, which has since used the castle as a base for heritage conservation, cultural initiatives, and international collaboration. Today, it serves as a centre for hands-on restoration projects organised by Open Houses´ daughter organisation European Heritage Volunteers, as well as training courses organised by partner educational institutions, and volunteer-driven maintenance efforts such as this workcamp, welcoming participants from across the world to engage with its unique built heritage.
[Travel Information]
The nearest airport: BER in Berlin,Germany
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Next towns: Bleicherode (6 km), Nordhausen (20 km), Erfurt (75 km) Region: Thuringia Next bus station: Großlohra, Friedrichslohra/Wartehalle Next railway stations: Gebra/Hainleite (5 km), Wolkramshausen (12 km). Next airports: Leipzig/Halle (LEJ, 155 km), Frankfurt/Main (FRA, 280 km), Berlin (BER, 300 km)
Meeting Point and Time: Information about the meeting point will be provided in the infosheet
Description of accommodation and food:
Accommodation at Open Houses projects reflects the organisation’s ethos of simplicity, shared responsibility, and community spirit. Volunteers stay in rustic but fair conditions, often within the historic sites they are helping to maintain. While the facilities are basic, they provide all essential necessities, including shared rooms, communal kitchens, and sanitary facilities. A key aspect of the experience is the collective preparation of meals—participants take turns cooking, introducing dishes from their home countries, and fostering a spirit of camaraderie through shared meals. This collaborative approach strengthens bonds among volunteers, making the experience as much about cultural exchange as it is about practical work. Food is fully provided as part of the programme, ensuring that volunteers do not face additional costs. Importantly, Open Houses does not use the fees participants pay to finance the projects; these funds remain with their sending organisations, reinforcing the programme’s non-commercial and volunteer-driven nature.
English
* 현장납부비용 : 0
[영문지원동기서 첨부 안내]
본 워크캠프 신청을 위해서는 영문지원동기서를 별도로 제출하셔야 합니다. 신청서의 Motivation과 별도로 해당 워크캠프 활동 내용을 바탕으로 구체적인 참가동기, 관련 경험 등을 영문으로 작성한 지원동기서(Motivation Letter)를 신청서 작성 시 첨부해주시기 바랍니다.
▶파일형식: Microsoft Word
▶파일이름: 워크캠프 코드-영문이름(ML)
(ex. EST08-Gildong_HONG(ML).docx)
▶분량: 1장(자유양식)
▶첨부방법: 신청서 상의 ATTACHING FILE에 첨부
First Language: English
Available vegetarian food: Yes
Description of specific requirements: Good knowledge of English language is necessary. A valid drivers license is a plus but not a must. The selection is subject to a previous interview with our team to be carried out online.
Documents the applicants have to provide: Motivation letter,
[침낭 구비 안내]
개인 위생을 위해 개인용 침낭을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.
-
Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Since 1990, NiG has been bringing together socially engaged youth and dedicated volunteers to organize and run international work camps in Germany, as well as multilateral youth exchanges both at home and abroad. As part of a global network, we also connect young people with meaningful projects through our partner organizations worldwide.
Over the years, thousands of participants from 42 countries have collaborated on impactful initiatives. With more than 800 work camps completed, we continue to create opportunities for cultural exchange, learning, and social engagement.
In our multi-week camps, volunteers contribute to essential and much-needed projects in various fields, including:
> Environmental conservation and sustainability
> Working with children and youth
> Arts and culture
> Preservation of historical landmarks
Description of work:
During World War II, nine above-ground bunker facilities were built to temporarily store V2 rockets. Volunteers will help preserve the remaining bunker structures by cutting grass, clearing pathways, and making the remnants more visible to the community. These bunkers and their history give Peenemünde its unique character. By contributing to this project, volunteers help to preserve an important part of German history so that it is not forgotten.
The Historical-Technical Museum will provide tools, work gloves, and bicycles for commuting to the worksite.
Description of location and leisure:
Location:
The town of Peenemünde, with around 400 inhabitants and surrounded by untouched nature, has a rich and eventful history. It is located in the northern part of the island of Usedom and is best known for the first successful rocket launch into space. During the Nazi era, Peenemünde was home to Europe’s largest research center, where "secret weapons" such as the V2 rocket were developed.
Leisure:
Excursions are possible, such as visits to the beach right on site or in the nearby town of Karlshagen, as well as a short trip to Świnoujście in Poland. Bicycles are available.
[Travel Information]
The nearest airport: BER in Berlin,Germany
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Train station: Peenenünde.
Meeting Point and Time: Meeting Point will be at the train station Peenenünde.
Description of accommodation and food:
Volunteers will stay in cozy vintage trailers on the grounds of a youth hostel. Pillows, blankets, and mattresses will be provided. There will be freshly cooked meals, including vegetarian options for dinner and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.
English
* 현장납부비용 : EUR 0
[영문지원동기서 첨부 안내]
본 워크캠프 신청을 위해서는 영문지원동기서를 별도로 제출하셔야 합니다. 신청서의 Motivation과 별도로 해당 워크캠프 활동 내용을 바탕으로 구체적인 참가동기, 관련 경험 등을 영문으로 작성한 지원동기서(Motivation Letter)를 신청서 작성 시 첨부해주시기 바랍니다.
▶파일형식: Microsoft Word
▶파일이름: 워크캠프 코드-영문이름(ML)
(ex. EST08-Gildong_HONG(ML).docx)
▶분량: 1장(자유양식)
▶첨부방법: 신청서 상의 ATTACHING FILE에 첨부
First Language: English
Available vegetarian food: Yes
Documents the applicants have to provide: Motivation letter,
[침낭 구비 안내]
개인 위생을 위해 개인용 침낭을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.
-
Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Open Houses. is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and revitalisation of historic buildings through volunteer-driven initiatives. It emerged from grassroots efforts to restore abandoned heritage sites in East Germany and has since expanded into a European network fostering heritage conservation, cultural exchange, and community engagement.
The organisation believes that heritage should be actively lived, not just preserved as static monuments. By creating open spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can collaborate, Open Houses promotes a participatory approach to heritage conservation. Through international workcamps, training courses, and long-term volunteer programmes, participants engage in hands-on restoration, sustainable site management, and skill-building activities.
Volunteering is at the heart of Open Houses fostering a spirit of collective effort, learning, and cultural exchange. The organisation provides opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to contribute to meaningful projects, offering hands-on experiences that promote teamwork, self-reliance, and cross-cultural understanding. Through workcamps, mid-term volunteering, and leadership programmes, participants develop practical skills, engage with local communities, and take an active role in maintaining shared spaces. By creating non-commercial, inclusive environments, Open Houses. encourages personal growth, social responsibility, and the strengthening of international networks based on collaboration and mutual respect.
As the parent organisation of European Heritage Volunteers, Open Houses also plays a key role in coordinating conservation projects across Europe, supporting grassroots initiatives, and advocating for heritage as a shared cultural responsibility beyond national borders.
Description of work:
Lohra Castle, with its centuries-old architecture and vast natural surroundings, is not only a site of historical significance but also a living, functioning place that requires continuous care and attention. This workcamp offers volunteers the opportunity to actively contribute to the sustainable management of the castle, ensuring that its grounds remain accessible, welcoming, and well preserved. While this workcamp does not involve hands-on heritage conservation interventions, it plays an equally essential role in the long-term care of the site, allowing future visitors and guests to experience and appreciate Lohra Castle as a harmoniously maintained historic and natural space.
The volunteers will engage in seasonal maintenance tasks, including mowing and collecting overgrown grass, clearing organic material from public areas, and ensuring that the castle’s open spaces remain well-kept. These tasks are crucial for the aesthetic and functional upkeep of the historic ensemble, preserving the visual integrity of the castle and its surroundings. The work also extends to the general maintenance of communal spaces and halls, contributing to the overall experience of visitors who use the castle for cultural events, educational programmes, and retreats. The income generated from these activities is directly reinvested into the castle’s conservation and educational projects, meaning that the work of volunteers directly supports heritage preservation efforts, even if not through conservation itself.
Beyond the practical tasks, the workcamp offers a unique and immersive experience. When the castle closes its doors to the public in the evenings, it becomes the volunteers' home, a place where they can experience the privilege of inhabiting a medieval site. In this way, they take on the role of stewards, caring for the space as if it were their own. The experience encourages a sense of responsibility, ownership, and connection to heritage, reinforcing the idea that heritage sites thrive not only through large-scale restoration projects but also through the daily care and
Description of location and leisure:
Lohra Castle, located in northern Thuringia, Germany, stands as one of the region’s most representative medieval fortifications located in the vicinity of important trade routes that connected the medieval world of central Europe. Though its present form is modest, the castle continues to command a striking position within the hilly landscape near a natural reserve. With a history spanning over a thousand years, the site reflects multiple layers of architectural evolution, shaped by shifting political, economic, and social contexts over the centuries.
The architectural ensemble of Lohra Castle presents a rich assortment of historical styles, with elements dating back to the 11th century. Among its most remarkable features is a Romanesque double-floored chapel from the 12th century, an exceptional structure that highlights early medieval religious architecture. Traces of medieval fortifications and towers, as well as a Renaissance-era manor house, further illustrate the site’s transformation from a medieval defensive stronghold into a more residential and agricultural complex.
Despite its historical significance, Lohra Castle was abandoned for several decades, leading to neglect and structural deterioration. In the 1990s, the site was rediscovered and revitalised through the efforts of Open Houses, which has since used the castle as a base for heritage conservation, cultural initiatives, and international collaboration. Today, it serves as a centre for hands-on restoration projects organised by Open Houses´ daughter organisation European Heritage Volunteers, as well as training courses organised by partner educational institutions, and volunteer-driven maintenance efforts such as this workcamp, welcoming participants from across the world to engage with its unique built heritage.
[Travel Information]
The nearest airport: BER in Berlin,Germany
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Next towns: Bleicherode (6 km), Nordhausen (20 km), Erfurt (75 km) Region: Thuringia Next bus station: Großlohra, Friedrichslohra/Wartehalle Next railway stations: Gebra/Hainleite (5 km), Wolkramshausen (12 km). Next airports: Leipzig/Halle (LEJ, 155 km), Frankfurt/Main (FRA, 280 km), Berlin (BER, 300 km)
Meeting Point and Time: Information about the meeting point will be provided in the infosheet
Description of accommodation and food:
Accommodation at Open Houses projects reflects the organisation’s ethos of simplicity, shared responsibility, and community spirit. Volunteers stay in rustic but fair conditions, often within the historic sites they are helping to maintain. While the facilities are basic, they provide all essential necessities, including shared rooms, communal kitchens, and sanitary facilities. A key aspect of the experience is the collective preparation of meals—participants take turns cooking, introducing dishes from their home countries, and fostering a spirit of camaraderie through shared meals. This collaborative approach strengthens bonds among volunteers, making the experience as much about cultural exchange as it is about practical work. Food is fully provided as part of the programme, ensuring that volunteers do not face additional costs. Importantly, Open Houses does not use the fees participants pay to finance the projects; these funds remain with their sending organisations, reinforcing the programme’s non-commercial and volunteer-driven nature.
English
* 현장납부비용 : 0
First Language: English
Available vegetarian food: Yes
Documents the applicants have to provide:
[침낭 구비 안내]
개인 위생을 위해 개인용 침낭을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.
-
Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
This is the perfect project for people loving simple life and outdoor activities in the mountains. It is surrounded by beautiful nature with high moors, forests and mountain pastures. You will stay in a mountain hut and improve a hiking hut. The village attracts many tourists, hikers in summer and people doing Nordic skiing during winter. Parts of this fantastic landscape are a nature protected area. Therefore, it is very important to make it accessible to people but at the same time, it is important to make the paths attractive and guide visitors so that they don’t leave the established paths and damage the nature. Part of this experience at hiking there is being able to have spaces to rest. The Neumannshütte, that you will help renovate, is one of them. To make the experience more unique, the village has decided to build a panoramic swing to swing into the landscape and to be used on social media.
Description of work:
You will work on the "Hochtalsteig" (High Valley Trail), a 16km award-winning circular hiking trail through the heights of the Black Forest with beautiful views. There is the Neumannshütte, a hiking/shelter hut, situated at a wonderful vantage point above our valley and directly on the much-travelled ‘Hochtalsteig’ premium hiking trail. This hut needs to be renovated. On top of that, you will help to build the panoramic swing. Specific tasks include:
• Replacing the wood panelling: Remove old wood panelling, cut new wood to size and seal it with protective coating.
• Upgrading the barbecue area: Create new seating made of wood or natural stone.
• Building the panoramic swing: Prepare the site, manufacture, assemble and secure the wooden swing and create a visual design as an ‘insta-spot’ with panoramic orientation.
You will work under the professional guidance of staff from the municipal service department. But please be aware that autumn can be cold and windy in the mountains – so please be prepared for long outdoor activities.
Description of location and leisure:
Bernau is located in the highest part of the black forest. The accommodation is at an altitude of more than 1.000m. As many tourists visit the area in summer and winter, you can find many attractive places, sights and leisure time offers. But of course the nature is the highlight in itself. A perfect camp for nature lovers!
The nearest airport: ZRH in Zurich,Switzerland
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Next train stations: Seebrugg or Waldshut Next international bus stop: Freiburg
Meeting Point and Time: The place is quite isolated and approx. 3 km from the tiny village, but by chance there is a bus stop for hikers nearby called “Rotes Kreuz, Bernau im Schwarzwald”. Please check www.bahn.com for a connection from anywhere in Germany to this bus stop. There is a bus every two hours on Sunday afternoons. But the last bus of the day arrives already at 6pm. Please do your best to arrange your travel in a way that you can reach the campsite with public transport.
Description of accommodation and food:
This info will be updated soon!
English
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Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
This project is an incredible opportunity for the Horb Youth Department and IBG to collaborate for a third time! They are looking forward to working with you and improve the infrastructure of community nurseries and schools. Some spaces need a bit of attention and care, and with your help, they can be transformed into welcoming places where children and young people in the community can thrive. This year the main focus will be on building a recycling station in the kindergartens. The goal is to establish an effective recycling system but also to help raise awareness about the importance of recycling and spark the interest in children on engaging with environmental issues from an early age. You will collaborate alongside the municipality, youth welfare office and other helpers to make sustainable public spaces useful for new generations.
Description of work:
The community of Horb is counting on your help to build a Recycling Station for kids. In addition you will help to extend and improve other parts of the town’s public infrastructure. Your specific tasks will be:
- Construction of a recycling station in two municipal kindergartens
- Renovation of a tool shed (woodworking tasks)
- Renovation of the playground area in a kindergarten
- Renovation of the care centre building in a primary school
The work will be led by a professional instructor, so no previous experience is needed. You will work 30 hours per week, between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday with a lunchbreak. You will also be divided in smaller groups throughout the days to effectively complete the different tasks.
Description of location and leisure:
Horb am Neckar is a beautiful town of 25.300 inhabitants, located on the banks on the Neckar River and surrounded by green hills. Horb is about 900 years old! You will feel its long history when exploring the town center. With its church overlooking the town, charming half-timbered houses, old towers, gates and narrow alleys, Horb offers many picturesque sights. On weekends make sure you explore other areas of the region! There are nearby hiking opportunities in the Black Forest. You can also easily reach cities like Tübingen (30 min) or Stuttgart (50 min) or visit Lake Constance (2 to 2.5h) by regional train. The local community is willing to provide plenty of recommendations and spend time with the group on your free time to help you discover their beautiful region.
The nearest airport: STR in Stuttgart,Germany
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Horb
Meeting Point and Time: Please, you should try to arrive at Horb train station between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on the 28.06.25. You can check for connections from anywhere to Horb on www.bahn.com/en or https://www.thetrainline.com/
Description of accommodation and food:
You will be staying at Horb’s Culture Centre “Kloster” (Marktplatz 28, 72160 Horb) with camp beds provided for sleeping. Please make sure to bring a sleeping bag and a pillow if needed. A Kitchen is available at the Stone House (Hirschgasse 8, 72160 Horb), including a dining room. For shower facilities, you will need to walk approximately 4-5 minutes to the town’s indoor swimming pool.
The group of volunteers will be responsible for meal preparation, which includes grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning up afterward. Food will be purchased with the camp budget and tasks will be distributed during the first days to ensure everyone participates. Food will be purchased using the camp budget, and everyone will take turns cooking and cleaning. In order to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet, we encourage volunteers to reduce meat and explore other more sustainable dishes.
English
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개인 위생을 위해 개인용 침낭을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.
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Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
The ijgd has been organising volunteer service programmes since 1949. We are an independent, non-profit association for international youth work, a recognised independent youth welfare organisation, and one of the largest and oldest workcamp organisations in Germany. Each year, we assist around 5,000 young people into volunteer work in Germany and abroad. We give them the opportunity to be creative, act in solidarity, take responsibility for themselves, and discover their own true potential and strengths. Our principles: Ecological learning, voluntary contribution, self-organisation, social development, intercultural learning, gender equality, anti-racism/anti-discrimination and political education.
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Social Media Project Partner: https://www.utopiastadt.eu/
Description of work:
With an area of around 40,000 square metres, the Utopiastadt Campus offers space for all kinds of urban games. In addition to the big topic of bicycles (rental, repair, cargo bike and electric drive), this also includes our wonderful Café Hutmacher, a small coffee roastery, an open workshop for the neighbourhood, a small garden, lots of open space to create your own designs and even a real circus tent.
Just across the bike lane there is a living lab project for sustainable housing (https://livinglabnrw.uni-wuppertal.de/). In 2022 university teams from all over the world came to Wuppertal to plan, build and operate solar houses with a neutral or even positive energy balance for future-proof and sustainable building and living in the city. One of this houses is given to Utopiastadt. So the work is dismantle the barrier-free access and terrace of one of the houses (which unfortunately has to be scrapped) and rebuild it on another (which is to be put into operation under Utopiastadt)
Come along and build Utopiastadt with us
Description of location and leisure:
If you don't feel like hanging out in our beer garden, the sandy area, the barbecue garden or at our concerts, there's plenty of variety nearby. There is an outdoor pool within walking distance, which is also being renovated and renaturalised by local residents (https://freibad-mirke.de/).
Of course, you shouldn't miss the world-famous suspension railway in Wuppertal. (Life motto: Float through Wuppertal once in your life). And the Schwebodrom gives a great VR impression of the history of this unique means of transport (https://schwebodrom.com/de/). The Wuppertal Green Zoo is also always worth a visit, whatever your age.
We also lend out bicycles free of charge. As a group, you will also be provided with an electric cargo bike for shopping. The Nordbahntrasse runs right past our premises and is a straight cycle path without hills, on which no cars are allowed to drive. Ideal for learning to cycle.
It is also particularly worthwhile to simply take a stroll through the neighbourhood on foot, as most of the houses are still old buildings.
But be careful: Be prepared for the fact that every hill is followed by a new one.
You can also get to Cologne, Düsseldorf or Dortmund quickly by train for a day trip.
The nearest airport: NRW in Duesseldorf (Dusseldorf)/Koeln (Koln/Cologne)/Bonn,Germany
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Düsseldorf Airport. We would like to invite you to travel as environmentally friendly as possible. If you have the option to go by train, bus, or carshare that can be a great first step for you to become a climate steward.
Meeting Point and Time: From the main train station in Wuppertal it is about 20 minutes on foot or by bus line 620 directly to "Mirk" station. Meetiing point: At the accomodation at the latest at 18 h. More details follow
Description of accommodation and food:
You cook together. You will be provided with money for shopping. Vegetarian or vegan meals are possible. Please indicate any intolerances when registering.
Accommodation: you live in three of the living lab solar houses. With privat bathroom and a small kitchen each.
English
Description of specific requirements: This camp is open to people who enjoy working with their hands, who are interested in community and creative urban development, who want to help shape an urban quarter for the neighbourhood and who want to engage with social issues. Note: Involvement and contact with fellow Utopiacity participants and local volunteers is a central feature of this camp.
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개인 위생을 위해 개인용 침낭을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.
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Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Jugendhof Bessunger Forst e.V. is a non-profit children's and youth centre and one of the oldest self-managed establishments in Germany. Situated in the forest on the outskirts of the city of Darmstadt, we maintain the tradition of a place of learning and leisure close to nature and life with down-to-earth, resource-saving accommodation. For over forty years, groups of children, young people and adults, families, clubs and political initiatives have been coming together here and finding plenty of space to learn, run around, play, relax, meet, develop or simply be outdoors and be together. In spring and summer, we open the “ForstLove Café” on Sundays with a colourful musical programme. Day trippers, city travellers and fresh air fans can relax here in the green idyll of the large grounds. Our offer is aimed in particular at families and people on low incomes, as the appreciation of heterogeneity and diversity is very important to us. You can find Jugendhof here: https://jugendhof.org/
Description of work:
Together we would like to build new furniture for the rooms in our guest house for children and youth groups. We will be sawing, drilling, screwing and hammering with professional tools and machines under the expert guidance of a carpenter. During your stay, there will also be other groups at the youth centre with whom you can sit around the campfire in the evening and chat.
We are delighted that a group of young people from the region with different disabilities and abilities will be part of the project. Together with the international volunteers, we are forming small teams that can support each other, learn from each other and grow together in the tasks. These mentorships enable an inclusive exchange in which everyone can contribute their individual str engths. Our aim is to create an open and respectful atmosphere in which all participants can actively take part in the work camp and gain new experiences.
Description of location and leisure:
Jugendhof Bessunger Forst e.V. is located on the edge of the forest between the city of Darmstadt and the village of Roßdorf. The suburban area marks the transition from the Rhine-Main region to the Odenwald low mountain range and is located 30 kilometres south of Frankfurt am Main and 50 kilometres north of the picturesque city of Heidelberg.
The Jugendhof is located on the edge of the Bessunger Forest, which is easy to explore from here. On hot summer days, the shady forest offers a good opportunity to cool off and the wide-open meadows invite you to enjoy a relaxing picnic. You can enjoy meetings in a wooden yurt, which was built from an international workcamp as well. An hour's walk through the woods and meadows takes you to a beautiful bathing lake with a small sandy beach. Darmstadt is also very interesting culturally, as it was one of the centres of European Art Nouveau at the beginning of the 20th century. The “Mathildenhöhe Artists Colony” in Darmstadt has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. We highly recommend a visit to the impressive and unique site, including the museum and the Orthodox chapel. Fancy more action? Then visit the climbing park high up in the trees with its very different levels of difficulty.
The nearest airport: FRA in Frankfurt,Germany
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Bessunger Forst/Jugendhof
Meeting Point and Time: Bus station Bessunger Forst/Jugendhof reachable with bus from Darmstadt Main Station or Darmstadt Ostbahnhof.
Description of accommodation and food:
The volunteers live in our centrally located self-catering house ‘Sharewood Lodge’. In addition to a spacious kitchen and two bathrooms, there are three bedrooms in the house, each with five beds. In general, the buildings on the extensive grounds allow for all-day outdoor living.
English
Short remarks for the project:
After registration, we require a self-declaration in terms of legal protection for children and vulnerable persons. You will need working clothes, rainwear and, if necessary, swimming gear as well as sturdy closed shoes. Since it can get very cold in the forest at night, even in summer, please bring warm clothes and don't forget your sunscreen. Bed linen will be provided by the house. Please bring your own towels.
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개인 위생을 위해 개인용 침낭을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.
Age : 19-26
Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Open Houses. is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and revitalisation of historic buildings through volunteer-driven initiatives. It emerged from grassroots efforts to restore abandoned heritage sites in East Germany and has since expanded into a European network fostering heritage conservation, cultural exchange, and community engagement.
The organisation believes that heritage should be actively lived, not just preserved as static monuments. By creating open spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can collaborate, Open Houses promotes a participatory approach to heritage conservation. Through international workcamps, training courses, and long-term volunteer programmes, participants engage in hands-on restoration, sustainable site management, and skill-building activities.
Volunteering is at the heart of Open Houses fostering a spirit of collective effort, learning, and cultural exchange. The organisation provides opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to contribute to meaningful projects, offering hands-on experiences that promote teamwork, self-reliance, and cross-cultural understanding. Through workcamps, mid-term volunteering, and leadership programmes, participants develop practical skills, engage with local communities, and take an active role in maintaining shared spaces. By creating non-commercial, inclusive environments, Open Houses. encourages personal growth, social responsibility, and the strengthening of international networks based on collaboration and mutual respect.
As the parent organisation of European Heritage Volunteers, Open Houses also plays a key role in coordinating conservation projects across Europe, supporting grassroots initiatives, and advocating for heritage as a shared cultural responsibility beyond national borders.
Description of work:
Lohra Castle, with its centuries-old architecture and vast natural surroundings, is not only a site of historical significance but also a living, functioning place that requires continuous care and attention. This workcamp offers volunteers the opportunity to actively contribute to the sustainable management of the castle, ensuring that its grounds remain accessible, welcoming, and well preserved. While this workcamp does not involve hands-on heritage conservation interventions, it plays an equally essential role in the long-term care of the site, allowing future visitors and guests to experience and appreciate Lohra Castle as a harmoniously maintained historic and natural space.
The volunteers will engage in seasonal maintenance tasks, including mowing and collecting overgrown grass, clearing organic material from public areas, and ensuring that the castle’s open spaces remain well-kept. These tasks are crucial for the aesthetic and functional upkeep of the historic ensemble, preserving the visual integrity of the castle and its surroundings. The work also extends to the general maintenance of communal spaces and halls, contributing to the overall experience of visitors who use the castle for cultural events, educational programmes, and retreats. The income generated from these activities is directly reinvested into the castle’s conservation and educational projects, meaning that the work of volunteers directly supports heritage preservation efforts, even if not through conservation itself.
Beyond the practical tasks, the workcamp offers a unique and immersive experience. When the castle closes its doors to the public in the evenings, it becomes the volunteers' home, a place where they can experience the privilege of inhabiting a medieval site. In this way, they take on the role of stewards, caring for the space as if it were their own. The experience encourages a sense of responsibility, ownership, and connection to heritage, reinforcing the idea that heritage sites thrive not only through large-scale restoration projects but also through the daily care and
Description of location and leisure:
Lohra Castle, located in northern Thuringia, Germany, stands as one of the region’s most representative medieval fortifications located in the vicinity of important trade routes that connected the medieval world of central Europe. Though its present form is modest, the castle continues to command a striking position within the hilly landscape near a natural reserve. With a history spanning over a thousand years, the site reflects multiple layers of architectural evolution, shaped by shifting political, economic, and social contexts over the centuries.
The architectural ensemble of Lohra Castle presents a rich assortment of historical styles, with elements dating back to the 11th century. Among its most remarkable features is a Romanesque double-floored chapel from the 12th century, an exceptional structure that highlights early medieval religious architecture. Traces of medieval fortifications and towers, as well as a Renaissance-era manor house, further illustrate the site’s transformation from a medieval defensive stronghold into a more residential and agricultural complex.
Despite its historical significance, Lohra Castle was abandoned for several decades, leading to neglect and structural deterioration. In the 1990s, the site was rediscovered and revitalised through the efforts of Open Houses, which has since used the castle as a base for heritage conservation, cultural initiatives, and international collaboration. Today, it serves as a centre for hands-on restoration projects organised by Open Houses´ daughter organisation European Heritage Volunteers, as well as training courses organised by partner educational institutions, and volunteer-driven maintenance efforts such as this workcamp, welcoming participants from across the world to engage with its unique built heritage.
[Travel Information]
The nearest airport: BER in Berlin,Germany
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Next towns: Bleicherode (6 km), Nordhausen (20 km), Erfurt (75 km) Region: Thuringia Next bus station: Großlohra, Friedrichslohra/Wartehalle Next railway stations: Gebra/Hainleite (5 km), Wolkramshausen (12 km). Next airports: Leipzig/Halle (LEJ, 155 km), Frankfurt/Main (FRA, 280 km), Berlin (BER, 300 km)
Meeting Point and Time: Information about the meeting point will be provided in the infosheet
Description of accommodation and food:
Accommodation at Open Houses projects reflects the organisation’s ethos of simplicity, shared responsibility, and community spirit. Volunteers stay in rustic but fair conditions, often within the historic sites they are helping to maintain. While the facilities are basic, they provide all essential necessities, including shared rooms, communal kitchens, and sanitary facilities. A key aspect of the experience is the collective preparation of meals—participants take turns cooking, introducing dishes from their home countries, and fostering a spirit of camaraderie through shared meals. This collaborative approach strengthens bonds among volunteers, making the experience as much about cultural exchange as it is about practical work. Food is fully provided as part of the programme, ensuring that volunteers do not face additional costs. Importantly, Open Houses does not use the fees participants pay to finance the projects; these funds remain with their sending organisations, reinforcing the programme’s non-commercial and volunteer-driven nature.
English
* 현장납부비용 : 0
First Language: English
Available vegetarian food: Yes
Documents the applicants have to provide:
[침낭 구비 안내]
개인 위생을 위해 개인용 침낭을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.
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