Small, family farm help, live in nature in a typical old Swiss farmhouse in Emmental, Switzerland

Switzerland

updated Last minute

Favourited 1427 times

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Feedback
34
Last activity
04/07/2022
Nº of Facebook friends
266
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This listing is a Last minute host. They have let us know that they are looking for help immediately as well as at other times of the year.

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Availability

2022

Min stay requested: at least a week

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Description
Hi Guys :) a little UPDATE for MAI and SUMMER

ARTASSISTENT
We re looking for an art assistent from Mai on. Experience with tools is required. Work includes assitence in exhibitions, restauration of wood sculptures and organisation and implementation of Art events.
just text us for more information and to get a better picture.

CRAFTSMAN
We re also looking for an skilled and qualified craftsman who can help us with the renovation of the farm. Preferential with ariculturial background and interests. There is lots of different jobs to do. Work with wood, electrics and in sanitation.

Help in the Garden is always needed, too. Leo is looking forward to hear from you.

My Name is Werner, I`m 47 years old and I work as sculptor. I live on a small farm, in a typical old swiss farmhouse with my interns Lukas & Leo, our Iran friend Vahid (18) and at times with my daughter Jana (17).
This farmhouse is in the region Emmental.
It's a pretty quiet place, surrounded by nature and some other farmhouses. But its not far from a small town (Langnau) and only 40 km away from Berne. Which is reachable with public Transport.
On the farm we live with arround 50 sheeps, 5 chicken and 5 cats.
There is a small house garden, a greenhouse and a big garden which we cultivate with some other friends.
You would help on the farm, in the garden, with the renovation of the house and in artprojects.
4-5 hours a day, for accommodation and food.
There is also an atelier which you could use to be creative (painting, carving, sculpture).
It`s also interesting for a couple because we have a separate studio .
We are looking forward to get to know many interesting people.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Farmstay help
Help with Eco Projects
Help around the house
Animal Care
Art Projects
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
...
...
What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We offer good and healthy food.
Here you can discover the lifestyle on a farm.
Arts. There is an atelier which you could use to be creative (painting, carving, sculpture).
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We do look for flexible helpers who like helping anywhere.
There is always help in agriculture, in our gardens, in the renovation of our house, the household and in the woods.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation
We provide simple, clean and cosy rooms and free board.
What else ...
Be creative, go for a swim in the river Emme, take a hike in the small hills of Emmental and discover Switzerland.
Visit Langnau and Bern, get to know many interesting People.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week in exchance for room and board.

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Feedback left by and about host (34)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.3)

Cultural exchange:
(4.0)

Communication:
(3.3)

18/01/2022

Left by Workawayer (Cora) for host

One of the best workaways I've been to- definitely a cultural experience. What i gathered from the other workers is that the work varies depending on when you come. When lizzy and i were there we helped organize storage areas, move wood, pick sunflower seed potatoes, and fed the sheep. We were there around 6 days it seemed the general schedule was… read more

(Excellent )

08/08/2021

Left by Workawayer (Emile) for host

In a whole year of volunteering with Workaway on various farms and other places across Europe, this was one of my worst experiences. I arrived at Werner’s at the end of February 2020 and I ended up staying for two and a half months, a much longer period than expected due to the start of the coronavirus pandemic. I started off alongside 3 fellow… read more volunteers. That time was enjoyable, we would share tasks evenly while Werner used to go to the woods, where he works on his sculptures. After a few weeks, all volunteers had left following the beginning of the pandemic. I decided to stay longer, waiting for travel restrictions to clear up. During that time, the workload increased significantly. A typical day would start by taking the dog for a 40 min to 1-hour walk. I would then be assigned some types of activities. These Included working in the field, a lot of hand weeding, planting crops in the gardens, scooping piles of dirt and manure, using a strimmer to cut down tall grass around fences… I would usually carry out this work for 5 hours or more, mostly alone, and without any explicit break time (most workaways have scheduled breaks during work time, which was not the case here). In the afternoon, I was then constantly solicited to help with additional tasks such as watering the plants in the gardens, cleaning, and so on... I also had to gather the sheep back inside their paddock and feed them. As for the evening, I was often requested to cook diner. Additionally, Werner really put the stress on time and productivity: wanting the volunteers to work as fast and efficiently as possible. For instance, he would count 5 hours of work as only 3 hours if he estimated that I hadn’t worked quickly enough and that the work should have taken less time to complete. Similarly, walking the dog in the morning-as well as feeding the sheep, and other “side” activities- was not considered work and consequently not factored in as work hours. Now, I think everyone should expect some hard work when coming on a farm, however, this ended up feeling closer to a full-time job with 7-8 actual hours of work scattered across the whole day rather than an exchange. I came to feel like I was only there so that Werner could get as much work from me as possible, essentially being treated as cheap labor. I do not find this normal, especially when the host spends very little time with the volunteers -aside from giving instructions- and rarely even cooks for them, or with them despite sharing every meal. Indeed, Werner is often either away or very busy and is rather distant. In terms of organization, I suggest you ask a lot of questions before carrying out the assigned work as you may be left on your own for several hours without clear indications and may be asked to start over if the result is not satisfying.
Aside from that, the place itself is quite nice and peaceful, with beautiful surroundings. You might also get a chance to experience sculpting with clay, and taste some delicious food if some family members drop by. Overall, I would only recommend this host for a short period of 2-3 weeks at most. I think my situation was likely made worse as there were no other volunteers coming for several weeks in the context of the Covid lockdown. This resulted in me being given much more work than usual. In normal times, Werner generally has 3 to 4 volunteers around to run the place so the experience should be more enjoyable. All in all, I think Werner is in need of workers rather than people with whom to have an exchange, with a preference for people suited for farm work or/and with German proficiency skills. It would be wise to perhaps mention this in the description.

(Neutral )

13/07/2021

Left by Workawayer (Helen Priscilla & Merlin) for host

Wir hatten uns wohl einfach etwas anderes vorgestellt. Was wir auf Werners Hof erleben durften, hat nicht unseren Erwartungen entsprochen und so haben wir unseren Aufenthalt vorzeitig abgebrochen.
Bei einem nächsten Workaway-Aufenthalt werden wir uns besser informieren und klarer absprechen.

(Good )

24/09/2019

Left by Workawayer (Mauricio Miguel) for host

Werner farm is very beautiful, with lovely old buildings. The rooms were very cosy.
Here is normally share the time with other workaways, that is very nice.
Werner taught me about the kitchen garden, i did some works with his scultures, i make a staircase for his house and he was very grateful for my effort.
I recommend this host.

(Excellent )

23/09/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Mauricio Miguel)

Dear Maurizio, Thank you very much for your valuable work at our farm! Maurizio is a very reliable and above all accurate employee. He can work very well with wood and metal and controls many machines accordingly. He has a computer program with which he calculates objects. With this program and his technical ability, he has created a staircase.… read more

(Excellent )

23/09/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Dachelet & Audrey)

Dear Francoise, thank you very much for your valuable cooperation on the farm! Francoise is very talented in craftsmanship. He worked very independently and is a very open and humorous person. Nice you and your girlfriend were with us!

(Excellent )

25/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Dachelet & Audrey) for host

We spend very good times in this workaway! Warner is a great host and the place is nice.
If you go hiking, the suroundings are beautiful with amazings views on the Alps from the top of the hill. We really appreciated the food, healthy and coming directly from the garden!
Thank you very much :)

(Excellent )

23/09/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Dan Van)

Dear Dan, thank you very much for your valuable work! Dan is a very open person and works very reliable and independent. We really enjoyed the time with her. Dan is very versatile you can give her any tasks and she will do it quickly and accurately.

(Excellent )

20/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Dan Van) for host

For two weeks I enjoyed every single day at Werner’s place.
The surrounding is so beautiful and quiet, and my room was really comfortable.
Werner is an open-minded, trustful and energetic person who will take the time to explain the work so that you can be efficient and independant.
There is a wide variety of stuff to work on: From taking care of… read more

(Excellent )

23/09/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Markus)

Markus has settled in the yard very quickly. His computer skills were very valuable to me for the Meselaprojekt. In the garden he worked very reliably and independently. With his calm and sympathetic nature, he could easily fit into our team. Thank you Markus for being there!

(Excellent )

12/09/2019

Left by Workawayer (Christine) for host

The description indicates in a good way what this workaway is about. There is always something to do and there is enough space for different people to find its place and tasks. But if someone really once to add something to this place, than I think it is really helpful to know something about woodworking, gardening, carpenter work and/or cultural… read more

(Excellent )

15/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Rhonda & Ryan) for host

We are an American couple and veteran workawayers and wwoofers. The Emmental valley is legendary for good reason and this idyllic setting made a wonderful backdrop as we lent a hand to a variety of tasks on this small farm/artist paradise tucked high on a hill. As I set about harvesting the arm sized zucchini, weeding the herb spiral, hand… read more

(Excellent )

08/05/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Laetitia & Léo)

Letitia & Leo have been at our place for one month. We were really happy with them. They are really nice guys, did a great job and do have amazing baking skills.

We mainly write that feedback because we want to rectify a few of the points they mentioned in their feedback.

1. Leo is not a workawayer. He is an employee for the summer and is… read more

(Very good )

22/04/2019

Left by Workawayer (Laetitia & Léo) for host

We were "recruited" by Leo, another very nice workawayer who is currently responsible of the other volunteers. We really enjoyed working with him. He is an open and cheerful guy and it is very easy to feel comfortable with him. It is also possible to propose projects and carry them out freely (outside working time). During our stay, we arranged a… read more

(Neutral )

30/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Dominik) for host

Had a great and interesting time at Werner's in Emmental. Nice artwork, and make sure to visit one of Werner's exhibit.
Werner hope you had good trip, and you returned safely from Middle East art exchange project.

(Excellent )

28/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Philipp)

Philipp was very nice and helpful.He completed his tasks quickly and skillfully.
he is every time welcome again by us !

(Excellent )

05/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Philipp) for host

I spontaneously stayed with Werner for a week and thoroughly enjoyed myself. The area around the farm is incredibly beautiful and I enjoyed every moment of being outside all day. We worked very hard, but Werner was always checking if the work was alright. I just enjoyed myself so much I did more than necessary. I took care of the sheep and… read more

(Excellent )

13/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Inge) for host

It was great to stay at Werners place for ten days! Unfortunately he wasn't around, but lovely Ursi who is a friend of his gladly explained all the tasks and was wonderfully open for answering all my million questions about organic farming (as she is learning to be an organic farmer).
I got to feed the sheep and chickens in the mornings and… read more

(Excellent )

18/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Giovanni) for host

I stayed with Werner for just over a week, and I had a lovely time! He prepares good healthy food for lunch and dinner as well as providing breakfast. The work is varied and can be hard, but he is quite easy about what work you prefer to do. You work the mornings til lunchtime and then are free to do as you please. Its handy to have a look at the… read more

(Very good )

03/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Petr) for host

I stayed with Werner for two weeks. I enjoyed it. Werner is very kind host. The work was varied (garden, wood folding, repairing fences, shed cleaning, picking apples…). The food was tasty and healthy. Surrounding area is beautiful. I hope to go back sometimes to try make some sculpture. Werner was very encouraging about it. Thanks for everything.

(Excellent )

02/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Nicole & Lukas) for host

We stayed at Werners place for a week and it was a great experience. We lived in a separate building close to his house, which was very cute and comfortable. We worked on what was needed, as well as on what we wanted to. We both really enjoyed his quiet and peaceful place. We met other workawayers there as well... Jacob was one of them, and he did… read more

(Very good )

30/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (jacob) for host

I stayed with Werner for over two weeks, he was the most welcoming and kind host I have stayed with yet. The tasks were the usual farm chores from gardening to fence repair to building renovations. There was always lots of food and the surrounding area is so beautiful and green. Werner was very encouraging about us making art and learning about… read more

(Excellent )

03/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Silvia)

Silvia and her girlfriend was very attentiv and helpful .
It was very pleasent to work and live together .
It would be happy they accommodate again.

(Excellent )

01/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Silvia) for host

My stay at Werner's place was short but very nice. The accomodation is cozy and comfortable, the surroundings are beautiful - with some walking trails by the hills of Emmental - and the food is delicious (it all comes from the orchards).
Werner is a very kind man, always willing to provide whatever workayers need. He even showed us his working… read more

(Excellent )

30/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Antonio) for host

The experience I had at this farm was amazing. The time spent there was very nice and peaceful. There is hard work to be done but you are always well compensated (food and chocolate) :D. Even though there were a few misunderstandings (from my side because I didn’t ask clear about the tasks) everything was great. Werner is a very inspiring HARD… read more

(Excellent )

27/12/2017

Left by Workawayer (tamer) for host

I enjoyed my stay with Werner, the place is lovely and very inspiring.
Everything was excellent.

(Excellent )

09/10/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (tamer)

Tamer was a very helpful guest, a kind and very respectful person with technical skills.
He is always very welcome to our house

(Excellent )

22/12/2017

Left by Workawayer (Ana & Camilo) for host

Our time with Werner was fantastic, it was a great first workaway experience, he is a very flexible host, about the tasks that needed to be done and the timetable. The place is wonderful, his dog Zora is really nice and playful. There were other workawayers in the house they were very kind with us too. Werner's family was very warm, Jana and her… read more

(Excellent )

03/12/2017

Left by Workawayer (Vincent) for host

Thank you Werner for having me. It was very nice working with you and the team. I enjoyed the work schedule and it was nice that we are always working as a team. I also enjoyed the delicious meals that you provide. You are very generous and thank you for sharing those photos from the mountain. I hope to stay with you again next year! Best of luck… read more

(Excellent )

06/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Sweel) for host

It's was a good experience for my first workaway. The work is very varied, inside as outside and around the house, the nature is very wonderful ! The room is very confortable and the place with a good agency. Werner is a very fine sculptor artist and is cooks very well. He have a lot friends lovable and I met the very nice and sociable workawayers… read more

(Excellent )

06/11/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Sweel)

Sweel was very helpful . She cleaned the rooms very well .But she worked also great in the garden .
We wish Sweel the best on her travel !

(Excellent )

05/11/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa)

Lisa und ihre Freudinnen waren ein sehr angenehmer Besuch.Sie haben im Garten , beim Umbau und in der Küche mitangepackt.Es hat mich sehr gefreut mit ihmen zusammenzu arbeiten .

(Excellent )

02/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Leona) for host

Wir hatten eine sehr schöne, kurze Zeit auf Werners kleinem Hof. Er ist ein offener, unkomplizierter Mensch und wir konnten einiges lernen. Liebe Grüße auch an Philippe und Anna!

(Excellent )

09/10/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Loïc)

Loic was a very kind and helpful guest! We wish you all the best!

(Very good )

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