In partnership with

This Workcamp is a cooperation between IBG, the Nature Park Oberer Bayerischer Wald, and Nature Park Bayerischer Wald.

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Description of the Work

You immerse yourself in Bavarian mountain culture and support the maintenance of the historic Schachten — forest pastures, used for keeping cattle in the mountains. The Bavarian Forestry and the National Park have an annual tradition around this duty and make it a communal event. Essential work tasks include removing shrubs, thinning out old wood, and installing protection measurements for endangered species to keep the area’s biodiversity. The mountain pastures here have an important meaning for animal and plant life. Birds like the capercaillie and flowers like the brown gentian depend on the savannah-like landscapes and the structurally rich forests. Also wood ants settle in bright and sunny spots which in turn are an extremely important food source for the capercaillie chicks.

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Accommodation & Food

Accommodation Type
You stay in the forestry cabin "Waldhütte Schareben", a rustic wooden mountain cabin nestled in a clearing in the Bavarian Forest opposite to a gastronomic hikers cabin offering food and drinks from Tuesday to Sunday.
The cabin has a cellar for storing goods and a wood shack. On the first floor is a small kitchen with a wood burning oven and a lounge. On the second floor you’ll find 8 bunk beds separated in 3 rooms, extra cots, and a bathroom with shower and toilet. The hikers cabin across the street offers additional toilets as well as an outdoors toilet hut.

The entire group does grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning together. Food will be bought with the camp budget. To minimize our carbon footprint on the planet, we encourage volunteers to reduce meat and try more environmentally friendly meals.

Specifics
In the middle of the forest
Van available for mobility
Electricity
No wifi but mobile network
Warm water
Restaurant across the street
Kneipp pool

You absolutely need to bring a WARM sleeping bag and a WARM and WATERPROOF jacket!

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Location & Leisure

The Arber region centers around the Großer Arber, the 1,456-meter "King of the Bavarian Forest". Located along the German-Czech border, this protected natural area features glacial lakes, dense forests, hiking trails, and a major ski resort, making it a prime year-round destination for outdoor recreation.

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Requirements

Bring sturdy shoes and comfy work clothes.

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Appointment

Meeting point is bus station “Drachselsried" (D-94256).
Please inform your camp leader about your arrival time so they can pick you up!

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Host Organization