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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
24 Apr 2025
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Description
Do you love nature and being outdoors? Do you adore animals, especially dogs, cats, and horses? And are you interested in experiencing family life on a small farm? - Then come stay with us! :)
We would love to get to know you and your culture and to show you the beauty of our lovely countryside here in Germany. We are a small, family-owned farm striving to live more sustainably and are vegetarian.
Hello, I'm Wenke, and I'm looking for someone like you! My youngest daughter and I live on a small farm near the Elbe River in a little town called Derben. The idea to become a Workaway host came from my eldest daughter, who had work-and-travel experiences in Canada.
We have a few pets as members of our "paw family," including two dogs, two cats, some chickens, and a few horses to take care of. Because I work 5-6 days a week, our animals and my 16-year-old daughter would enjoy having some people around. Your tasks would vary according to your skills, but mainly involve helping to clean the horses' paddocks and stable, doing painting jobs, gardening, cooking, and general house maintenance. If you have other skills, let us know—there are plenty of ideas to improve the house, garden, and yard. My oldest daughter (23) is currently studying and visits also from time to time.
The aim is to have a valuable exchange, meet new characters and receive support while enjoying time together – with you as part of our family.
Your workday includes 4-5 hours a day, with two days off each week. Just so you know, your daily activities might be a bit smelly or dusty at times, but you’ll get happy animals in return!
If you decide to come to Derben, you’ll get to know other people on the farm who love the horses as much as we do. We don’t have horses for absolute beginners to ride, but they’re wonderful for cuddling or slow walks. And if you have an apple, they’ll love you no matter what. ;)
Derben is also a great area for hiking and cycling (although it's quite flat, so no mountains). We have bicycles available for you to borrow during your free time. In the summer, you can enjoy spending time by the water, which we have plenty of in the area. In winter, you can go on walks around the countryside. We occasionally get a bit of snow in December—though no promises on that. ;)
Right now, we're still have availabilities for the period of:
● 02.05-02.06
● July: 1 person (female*, since it's a shared room), preferably for 4 weeks
● from August 21st
Feel free to reach out!
If you enjoy pure nature and a quiet place to recharge, then you’ll be happy here with us.
We look forward to your message!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House sitting
Interests
Outdoor activities
Languages
Cooking & food
Gardening
Drawing & painting
Carpentry
Pets
Self development
Events & social
LGBTQ
Politics / Social justice
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are a loving family who would love to share our way of life with you and learn about yours as well. You'll be surrounded by animals and can fully enjoy the idyllic countryside.
The city of Berlin is also easy to reach by train or bus in about 90 minutes, as is Magdeburg, which has an old cathedral and other sights. There is public transport available during school hours in our small town, and you’re always welcome to join us whenever we go to the city.
We have a train station about 15 minutes away by car or bus. For your arrival, we can either pick you up from the station, depending on our schedule, or you can take a bus connection directly to Derben.
There is the beautiful landscape near the river Elbe, as well as some big cities like Berlin or Magdeburg an hour away and we are happy to show you around. If we have time, we can take you on little trips and activities with the bike or car. We enjoy card games and games in general. You are also always welcome to join our daily walks with the dogs.
We are advocates for social/political justice and LQBTQIA+ 🙃
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Your workday can start at a time you choose, as you are free to decide when you’d like to work your 4-5 hours each day. For each week you work, you’ll have two days off, and you can decide when to take them. In general, we require self-directed and independent work skills, meaning you’re able to complete tasks on your own. We will, of course, explain and go over specific tasks beforehand and are always available if you have questions.
The main tasks involve caring for the horses, which includes cleaning the paddocks (in both winter and summer) and maintaining the stables in winter. We also appreciate help with general house maintenance, like keeping the shared living areas clean. In summer, there is often gardening work to be done and occasionally some painting help in the stables and around the property. Just so you know, some of your activities may get a bit smelly or dusty, but the animals will thank you and reward you with cuddles!
We can provide work clothes, such as shirts, pullovers, and trousers. Another skill we truly appreciate is cooking. If you enjoy sharing recipes or experimenting with vegetarian cooking, preparing meals could be part of your work time. In general, we try to come together at least once a day for a shared meal.
If you’re handy with tools and materials like wood, we’d have some additional tasks that would suit those skills as well. We love to see what personal skills and interests you bring, and we’re always open to getting creative!
The main idea is to come together in this project, to share new ideas, and to meet people with different skills and goals. We love to learn from you and to exchange ideas along the way.
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
We are interested in any language, you would like to share ☺️ Lea also speaks un poco Spanish ☀️
Accommodation
We will provide a room with a wardrobe, desk, bed, and TV, which can comfortably accommodate two people in separate beds (you and possibly another Workawayer 😊).
We are a vegetarian household and love trying new ideas in the kitchen, so if you’re open to exploring this way of eating, we’d be happy to share it with you. We will provide basic food supplies, and you’ll have the chance to let us know your preferences or join us for grocery shopping. Supermarkets are just a few minutes away in Parey or Genthin if there’s anything additional you might need. If you prefer to eat meat, we kindly ask that you purchase it on your own.
We have a strong Wi-Fi connection, and you’re welcome to use our washing machine as well.
There’s plenty of space in our garden to accommodate a caravan or camper if that’s your way of traveling. In the summertime, it could also be lovely to set up a tent in the garden.
What else ...
Smoking is only allowed outside, we prefer non-smokers.
Please don't forget a valid health insurance to travel safely!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
Just let us know and we can talk about how to make it happen.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Feedback (13)
The tasks were enjoyable… read more
Originally, I planned to stay for a month, but due to visa issues, I had to shorten my stay to about ten days. Despite this sudden change, Wenke was incredibly flexible and welcomed me warmly.
The tasks were always clear, and together with another Workawayer, Vittoria, I helped take care… read more
Although her stay was… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.9)
The tasks were enjoyable… read more
Originally, I planned to stay for a month, but due to visa issues, I had to shorten my stay to about ten days. Despite this sudden change, Wenke was incredibly flexible and welcomed me warmly.
The tasks were always clear, and together with another Workawayer, Vittoria, I helped take care… read more
Although her stay was… read more
Beyond work, we enjoyed spending time together, cooking and eating as a… read more
Staying with this host family was my first on my volunteer journey. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with a warm welcome that instantly made me feel at home. Their kindness and hospitality went above and beyond, making my stay truly special. The house itself was not only comfortable… read more
She was willing to take on responsibility and showed determination in completing the… read more
I learnt so much about gardening, looking after chickens, vegetarian/vegan cooking and baking (which I enjoyed more than I thought I would!), and it was lovely to be around all the animals. Wenke and her family are so kind,… read more
In the house there is a blackboard that establishes the routine tasks, and this helps a lot to orient yourself among the thousand stimuli of this beautiful farm.
I had the opportunity to meet some very sweet… read more
They are so pure and gentle. They give you the liberty as you were at home. I was very comfy with them and the animal. I've learned a lot of new things about horses and gardening.
At the end of the working day we spent beautiful time at the river and the lake with the dogs.
They are… read more
