Open Houses is a non-profit network that has organised international volunteer workcamps and building projects at historic sites in Germany since the mid-1980s. Its work is rooted in the idea of opening historic places as spaces for common responsibility, intercultural exchange, and non-commercial encounter.
The organisation supports the revitalisation and long-term care of historic buildings and cultural landscapes through volunteer engagement, focusing on everyday maintenance, small-scale renovation, and community-based use of heritage sites. Rather than acting as a sole operator, Open Houses works as an initiator and facilitator, cooperating with site owners, local actors, and partner organisations.
At Lohra Castle, Open Houses coordinates volunteer-based site care and ensures that the castle remains a living place for cultural activities, educational initiatives, and international exchange. The organisation provides overall project coordination, accommodation, work supervision, and group support throughout the workcamp.

Volunteers will take part in seasonal maintenance and site care activities that support the everyday functioning and long-term preservation of Lohra Castle and its surrounding grounds. The work focuses on keeping the historic ensemble and its open spaces accessible, safe, and well maintained.
Tasks include mowing and collecting overgrown grass, clearing organic material from paths and public areas, maintaining open spaces around the castle buildings, and assisting with the cleaning and upkeep of communal halls and shared facilities.
Although the project does not involve technical heritage conservation, the work plays an essential role in sustainable heritage management. Through their contribution, volunteers support the continued use of the castle for cultural, educational, and community activities, whose income is reinvested into conservation and restoration programmes.

Volunteers will be accommodated in small historic service buildings within the castle complex, in shared rooms with simple but adequate facilities. Rooms are arranged for 2–5 people. Showers and toilets are available, with limited hot water. The overall living conditions are basic, reflecting the historic character of the site.
A fully equipped communal kitchen is located in a separate historic building near the accommodation. Meals are prepared collectively as part of community life, and each participant will be involved in cooking during the stay. Volunteers are encouraged to bring recipes from their home countries to share food traditions with the group.
Accommodation and food during the project are provided by the hosting organisation. Any participation fees charged by sending organisations are not transferred to the host and remain with the sending organisation.

Lohra Castle is located in northern Thuringia, close to the Harz low mountain range, in a rural area characterised by forests, hills, and protected natural landscapes. The castle has medieval origins dating back to the 11th century and developed over several centuries from a fortified complex into a mixed residential and agricultural ensemble. Notable features include a Romanesque double-floored chapel from the 12th century, traces of medieval fortifications and towers, a Renaissance-era manor house, and later farm buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. After decades of abandonment, the site has been gradually revitalised since the 1990s and today functions as a place for cultural activities, education, and volunteer-based site care.
The next small towns are Bleicherode (approx. 6 km) and Nordhausen (approx. 20 km). The castle stands slightly above the surrounding villages and is reached via a forest road and walking paths.
The workcamp takes place in a quiet, countryside setting. Volunteers should not expect urban leisure infrastructure, but rather a nature-oriented environment and simple village surroundings. In their free time, participants can go for walks or hikes in the protected natural area, relax at the castle, or organise informal group activities such as games, music evenings, campfires, or shared cooking.
Depending on the group’s interests, short excursions to nearby towns or cultural sites can be organised together during the stay.

The meeting point is the bus stop Großlohra – Friedrichslohra / Wartehalle.
If you arrive by train, travel to Gebra / Hainleite railway station. From the station, walk a few metres in the direction of the village to the nearby bus stop and take bus 29 in the direction of Nordhausen. Get off at Friedrichslohra / Wartehalle.
If you miss the bus, it is possible to walk from Gebra / Hainleite towards the castle area (approx. 1 hour). The route includes a steep uphill section, therefore light and easy-to-carry luggage is strongly recommended.
Detailed arrival information and exact arrival times will be sent to selected volunteers in advance.