Participant Info Pack 2026

We are thrilled that you have chosen to be part of the European Ecovillage Gathering 2026 and can’t wait to welcome you onsite to co-create an inspiring, connecting, nourishing and empowering event together!

To make your experience as smooth as possible, we have gathered all the essential info you need in this guide. 

Please take the time to read it carefully – it likely answers most of your questions!

More information can be found:

On our FAQ page
In our Gathering Telegram group
By contacting us by email at gathering@gen-europe.org 

Key Dates and Times: 

Arrival: Monday, July 13, 2026 between 14:00 – 20:00

Opening Ceremony: 13 July 2026, 20:00

Departure: Saturday, 18 July 2026, before 13:00


Please note: Early check in won’t be possible – Make your travel plans accordingly!

Programme

You can access the programme in 3 ways:

Site Map

You can access the map in 2 ways:

🗺️ How do I arrive...

Arrive at the main check-in location: Bahnhofstraße 3, 92539 Schönsee, Germany

Coordinates: 49°30’34.4″N 12°32’13.4″E

You will be directed to the correct parking location from there.

Please note: the road between Schwand and Schönsee will be blocked; if you come from the north do not drive via Mosbach; it is safe to drive via Eslarn.  If you come from the south drive via Gaisthal or Weiding

Ride‑shares are available via the Gathering Telegram rideshares channel

Final destination: Aschabrücke, Schönsee → 800 m from Nature Community (12 min walk) / 300 m from main check-in point

Closest train station: Nabburg banhof (bf) → Plan your trip with Deutsche Bahn

Bus connections from Nabburg to Schönsee: 

    • Regional buses – no prior booking needed, goes from Nabburg bf to Aschabrücke Schönsee.
    • BAXI on-demand bus – must be booked by phone in advance (+49 9431 802 8005), goes from Nabburg bf all the way to Nature Community.

FOR ARRIVAL DAY (WEEK DAY)

  • 13:09 – Bus 6273

  • 13:20 – Bus 6273

  • 14:35 – BAXI 8403 – Call +49 9431 802 8005 before 13:00, limited capacity

  • 15:25 – Bus 6273

  • 17:15 – Bus 6273

  • 18:35 – BAXI 8403 – Call +49 9431 802 8005 before 17:00, limited capacity

FOR DEPARTURE DAY (SATURDAY)

  • 7:11 – Bus 6273

  • 8:32 – Bus 6273 – Call +49 800 606 5600 on Friday before 17:00

  • 8:50 – BAXI 8403 – Call +49 9431 802 8005 on Friday before 18:30, limited capacity

  • 9:50 – BAXI 8403 – Call +49 9431 802 8005 before 08:00, limited capacity

  • 13:50 – BAXI 8403 – Call +49 9431 802 8005 before 12:00, limited capacity

  • Available if public transport is not possible.
  • Request at least one week in advance: shuttle@nature-community.de.
  • Pay driver directly (individual service)
  • 8 seats

Prices per ride per person by location: 

  • Pick-up from Oberviechtach Waidhaus:
    • 1 guest = 20€
    • 2 guests = 12€
    • 3 guests = 9€
    • 4 guests = 7€
  • Pick-up from Nabburg:
    • 1 guest = 35€
    • 2 guests = 20€
    • 3 guests = 15€
    • 4 guests = 12€
  • Pick-up from Weiden Schwandorf:
    • 1 guest = 45€
    • 2 guests = 25€
    • 3 guests = 20€
    • 4 guests = 15€

📋What should I pack?

✔ A sauna towel (to sit on)
✔ A blanket to sit on (on the grass)
✔ Water bottle (no glass!)
✔ Plate, cup, cutlery
✔ Biodegradable toiletries
✔ Swimsuit 
✔ Comfy clothes + yoga mat
✔ Possibly warm clothes, rain jacket, waterproof shoes – check weather forecast

✔ Earplugs & sleeping mask
✔ Medications
✔ Condoms
✔ Notebook & pen
✔ Headlamp/flashlight
✔ Power bank
✔ Cash in € for the bar, cafe, market place and coins for the coffee machine (50c, 1€, 2€)

✔ Tent
✔ Sleeping bag
✔ Sleeping mat
✔ Towel

✔ Towel
✔ Wheels blocker as the parking at Nature Community is sloped

✔ Duvet or sleeping bag : only a covered mattress is provided
✔ Pillow
✔ Towel 

✔ Bed linen (mattress cover, duvet cover, pillow case) – Mattress, pillow & duvet are provided
✔ Towel

No extra items necessary.

All linen is provided 🙂 

🕑 What times are meals served?

Meal times:

  • Breakfast: 8:00-9:00
  • Lunch: 13:00-14:00
  • Dinner: 18:30-19:30

🥗 What kind of food will be served?

  • All food served is vegan! 
  • Gluten-free options available (clearly labeled).
  • We cannot cater to specific diets/allergies—please plan accordingly.
  • Only vegan food is allowed in community & shared spaces (non vegan food is allowed in your own room/tent/van/car)

💶 What can I buy on-site and how can I pay?

  • Coffee machine: coffee. Cash in coins only (€).
  • Bar: selling light alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Cash only (€)
  • Market Area: selling ethical handmade products (e.g.clothes, jewelry, soaps, etc.) and produce (e.g. honey, herbal teas, etc.) from ecovillages and ecoprojects as well as from the region. Each seller will decide on their payment method.
  • GEN Europe Merch: Bring your own shirt for linocut printing, or buy tote bags and stickers on-site! Only cards accepted!

🚑 What are the health and safety services on-site?

Your wellbeing matters! 

  • If you get sick with a contagious virus, we kindly ask you to cancel your participation, out of care for fellow participants. 
  • Wash your hands, cover your mouth when coughing, and respect hygiene best practices.
  • If you have life-threatening allergies or conditions, bring your own medication (this applies to medication for mental health too).

Support Teams Available Onsite:

  • Medical Support Team
  • Emotional Support Team
  • Safety Team

We will explain how to contact them at the opening ceremony. 

🛝 What activities are there for kids and teens?

Parallel to the main programme,  in the mornings + self‑organised afternoons.

In the dedicated kids’ and teens’ spaces (find on the map onsite)

Eva: eva.goldfarb@ecovillage.org +49 157 32472798
Elisa-Maria: elisabeth.maria@strukt-ur-weise.at +43 6803017513
Alex: axmaximova@gmail.com
Members of the Kids & Family team will wear badges.

  • You are responsible for your children at all times. 
  • Please ensure that your children wear a nametag or wristband with their name, parents’ phone number, and mother tongue. 
  • Days are still long in Germany in July, so please prepare for bedtimes as needed.

ℹ️ What are the guidelines I need to know?

✨Here are the participant aspirations and collective boundaries✨

We ask all participants to read this carefully and reflect upon it before arrival!

🙅‍♀️ Is there a nudity policy?

Full nudity is allowed only in the wellness (sauna) area, but you’re also welcome to wear a swimsuit

Toplessness is allowed everywhere – except in workshop spaces & food serving areas – regardless of your gender

♿️ Is the Gathering accessible?

  • Most areas and workshop spaces are wheelchair accessible.
  • Terrain: sand, earth, grass, slightly hilly—support person recommended.
  • No adapted toilet or shower available, unfortunately. 

Specific accessibility enquiries: info@nature-community.de  

🐶 Can I bring my pet?

  • No pets allowed.
  • Exception: registered service or emotional support dogs (must be on a leash at all times, not allowed in workshop spaces)

🍺 Will there be alcohol and drugs?

  • Illegal (in Germany) drugs strictly prohibited—offenders will be asked to leave.
  • No BYO alcohol allowed. Moderate alcohol consumption only at the bar.  
  • Smoking allowed only in designated area—bring a pocket ashtray. 

📸 What is the photo and video policy?

  • Always ask for consent before photographing or filming people.
  • No photos or videos allowed in workshop spaces or sharing groups.
  • Official media team records content for GEN Europe communications (website, social media, newsletter).
  • To opt out, inform the media team—they will exclude you from published materials.

📱 Where can I get updates or see content?

  • Follow @ecovillagegathering on Instagram for Gathering updates.
  • Follow @gen_europe on Instagram for general ecovillage content.
  • Additional sources:
  • Don’t forget to tag @ecovillagegathering and @gen_europe in your posts!

📩 How can I get in contact?

 
 

 

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