Come and help an upcoming eco-community in the beautiful Saarland, Germany

Germany

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31
Last activity
05/07/2021
Nº of Facebook friends
607
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80.0 %
Average reply time:
within 4 days
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Availability

2021

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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What's this?

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Description
!!! Please note: If you want to come from April - September: we can only host official interns!!!

We're 3 guys who moved from Amsterdam to Germany to completely renovate and improve the Girtenmühle, a 50.000m2 domain with a Camping, Hotel and Bistro.

In the past years, we cleared and cleaned almost everything and transformed the grounds into a lovely campsite, now running almost at full power!

During the summer / campseason, work will be divided between daily tasks and working on the campsite, We have a lot of side projects and new places to discover. We hope to trigger something inside each volunteer, a project they can pick up and finish for themselves, leaving a permanent imprint on this project.

Off season ( mid sept - april) we focus only on building, expanding and chilling. Work days are harder (more physical) but we have NO guests except friends (so we have the castle to ourselves).

But... we need people...

We're hoping to find motivated, happy, curious, proactive and hardworking people. People who understand what needs to be done for this project to succeed.

You'll sleep in a nice and sometimes private Hotel room with bathroom (toilet + shower) , and you'll eat with us daily (also on your free days). We cook vegetarian dishes normally, but on Wednesday we have a Schwencker (Saarlandish BBQ) with Wildfleisch ( Deer and Boar from the forest behind us). You will get 2 days off every week, so you can enjoy the nature, lake or nearby villages.

We will take very good of you, to help motivate you in taking care of this little paradise.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
This place is quite special.. not only for us, or for the people around here, but also for visitors. We've had many friends and family over who were stunned by the beauty and peace of this domain. The quietness relaxes the mind, and being able to focus solely on making things happen here helps concentrate creativity and mindfulness. This is not only a bistro, or a campsite.. we came here out of ideology, out of a need to change the world around us..

Besides the interpersonal exchange (sharing our thoughts, vision and ideas) you can immerse yourself in the spirit of Saarland.. a small piece of Germany where everybody knows eachother, treats eachother like neighbours.. We're surrounded by almost infinite forests, with a lot of hiking routes. Trier is closeby, as are many other Roman remnants..
Help
There are many things to do here; from household chores to helping us realise our projects. We want to build a terrace garden, a veggie garden and a permaculture area.. Also, we can always use extra help with gardening.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Accommodation
Hotelroom (private) with bathroom.
What else ...
There are many hours of hiking paths here, beautiful nature other interesting things in our neighbourhood:
- Saarschleife
- Wolfpark
- Lake
- Trier (Oldest city in Germany)
- Beautiful villages
- Dinosaurpark
- Hiking
- Biking
- Geocaching
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
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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Feedback left by and about host (31)

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

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(4.8)

Communication:
(5.0)

02/05/2021

Left by Workawayer (Iryna) for host

Wow, my first Workaway experience has exceeded any possible expectations. From the very first minute of my arrival, being picked up by Gidi and welcomed in the most sincere and warm way, I felt home, from then on merging into all areas of life at Girtenmuehle more and more with every day. I couldn’t help but to stay for 6 weeks!
Every single… read more

(Excellent )

06/03/2021

Left by Workawayer (Nina) for host

I stayed for 2 weeks during off-season at the Girtenmühle and time just flew by. The guys are fantastic hosts, very chill and generous. I'm grateful that I was able to get a glimpse at this wonderful and inspiring project and learn that with a right mindset and fun everything can be possible :)
Work was easy and diverse. I spent my free time… read more

(Excellent )

25/02/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Leo)

We had a great time with Leo, very friendly, inspiring and interesting person!
His massages are the best! Leo would be an very very good addition to the team, he is a hard worker :).

Hope to see him soon again for a great time!!

(Excellent )

14/02/2021

Left by Workawayer (Leo) for host

One of the best experiences of my life!!! I had the most gloriously fantastic time working at the beautiful Girtenmühle last October. Gidi was brilliant, picking me up at Mettlach Train Station, driving me to Girtenmühle, introducing me to everybody and giving me a fabulous grand tour of the place with all the rooms and telling me their plans and… read more dreams. The sunflower bookcase in the reception area is gorgeous. What a fantastic idea. Very inventive and creative. It was all extremely impressive and I instantly felt at home. This was my first ever Work Away Experience, and everybody there made me feel wonderfully welcome and relaxed. The hills and the farmland around the campsite are stunning (much more beautiful than the hills of Whaley Bridge, back in England); I took quite a few long walks around the hills and fields, when it was sunny and thoroughly enjoyed exploring new ground. I had never been to Saarland before. There's also a pretty little cat in the house too, who I enjoyed seeing. Very adorable!
I arrived on a Friday evening, so the next two days were the weekend. This allowed me to explore the area and chat and get to know everybody. Everyone was thoroughly lovely, warm, kind, helpful and interesting to talk to. I loved learning about other people's cultures too. We also all had a fabulous party for Ryan's birthday and danced, sang and celebrated, which was amazing. We also played some fantastic games, which I really enjoyed.
The work was fun and rewarding. I was gently eased into it on the first day (Monday), trimming plants and removing canes around the entrance area. One afternoon, Vincent and I also prepared a meal for everybody, with potatoes, sprouts, rosemary, thyme, goat's cheese, walnuts and another cheese melted onto it. It went down very well with the gang. Leah and I also rode around on a trailer, going around the campsite, helping Vincent clear a scrap area with heavy metal and concrete pavement slabs, putting it all into a skip. Another day, we had wheelbarrows, and were moving hefty slabs of pavement to throw into another skip. It was great work for my muscles and a nice workout. I also went up ladders and removed some lights from the tall trees for Vincent, who taught me how to use an electric screwdriver. Another day, Chloe, Leah and I were collecting large wood, logs, heavy branches etc, to build three bonfires. On the final day, Chloe and I cleaned and washed Gidi's car both inside and out, which was therapeutic and lots of fun.

I had a fabulous bedroom in the big house with an ensuite, with everything I needed. The kitchen is amazing, packed with everything and anything you could need to eat or drink. Fabulous. There's also a very nice white Massage Bed/Table at the campsite which was absolutely perfect: I am a fully qualified Massage and Spa Therapist, which allowed me to perform Aromatherapy and Swedish Massage treatments for everyone who wanted one at the campsite. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed their Massage Treatments, and it was perfect practice for me. This was also the first opportunity that I’d had, to perform Massage Treatments outside of the UK. Loved it!
Thank you so much to Gidi and his lovely mum and dad and also Vincent and all the other thoroughly lovely guys and girls that I met, worked and stayed with. You are wonderful humans and I wish you lots of luck. I had the most fantastic time and really hope and wish that I can volunteer for you again in the not so distant future. Stay safe, happy and healthy and see you soon! :)

(Excellent )

08/04/2020

Left by Workawayer (Eider & Eneko) for host

Eneko and I spent two months in Girtenmuhle in November and December, when the campsite is closed, and we had a lot of fun. Vincent, Domi, Gidi and Jovana are really cool people, as well as all the other volunteers we met while we were there.
We stayed in one of the bedrooms in the house, which was big and had our own bathroom. The house is very… read more

(Excellent )

08/03/2020

Left by Workawayer (Tatjana) for host

It was more like spending time with dear family and having a great time! Everybody are so nice and polite.
Thank you, you beautiful people, for taking care of me and for this lovely experience!
Love you, hug you, kiss you all!

(Excellent )

16/09/2019

Left by Workawayer (Lauriane) for host

Since the second I arrived at Girtenmühle I felt surrounded by friends. I spent 3 weeks in this amazing place and left it with thousands of good memories.

The tasks are various, and the planning is very well organised! Honestly, I never really felt I had to work, it was just completely normal to help the people who were hosting me. I really… read more

(Excellent )

02/09/2019

Left by Workawayer (eloisa) for host

This was my first experience as workawayer and and stayed longer than planned! Since the moment I arrived it felt like home, fiends and good vibes. Spending some weeks here is highly recomended to anyone, the project Domi, Gidi and Vince have here is amazing and the energy of all the people comming and leaving really gets your heart into it. I… read more

(Excellent )

19/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Nicholas) for host

After spending a month at Girtenmühle I can see why everyone raves about this place. From the first night to the last it was a great experience. The team of Dom, Gidi, and Vincent who run the place are really great at making you feel welcome and wanted as a member of their ever changing team of volunteers, family, and friends. Being enclosed by… read more

(Excellent )

13/08/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Lorenzo )

This man radiates peace and calm, takes on any responsibility with great care . In the weeks here, he became a steady part of the team, we knew we wouldn't have to worry in any way.

Good luck on your next experiences, do come back though!

(Excellent )

12/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Lorenzo ) for host

I spent almost a month at this project, for what was my seventh consecutive experience as a Workaway volunteer. The place is surrounded by nature. Domi, Gidi and Vin have clear ideas, good communication and good connection with the volunteers.
Great accommodation, excellent food and good times with lots of relatives, friends in transit and… read more

(Excellent )

07/08/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Jack)

Having a Scot around is never a bad idea. Jack really became part of the team, took on his own responsibilitie, enlightening our daily jobs and finishing some side projects.

He showed much understanding and motivation and helped us think about some aspects in a different way. Outside work-hours, his sometimes odd but always interesting questions… read more

(Excellent )

04/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Jack) for host

I stayed at Landgut Girtenmuhle for a month as my fourth Workaway and it was a fantastic experience. The profile is accurate and the stay exceeded my expectations. Dom, Vincent and Gidi are excellent hosts. Friendly, generous and helpful. It was great to experience a new, young project built on passion and optimism. The work is well-organised,… read more

(Excellent )

09/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Andy & Carolina)

Having this couple over was a pleasure! they surprised us with their cooking, and really helped us out with our biggest projects. Despite the language-barrier, they fitted nicely in the group. Thanks for everything!

(Excellent )

08/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Andy & Carolina) for host

Many thanks to Gidi, Dominique, Vincent, and everybody who made our workaway here an unforgettable experience. We helped out in the kitchen as well as plastering the outside walls of the building, learning a lot along the way. The location is beautiful and magical. Our hosts were incredble. They are working to live sustainably and have made a… read more

(Excellent )

02/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Sherif) for host

Feelings and experiences can not be described by Some Words in a Review ... but i have to try :) ... i would say that those guys are Friendly beyond imagination , very amusing , very funny and respectful .... if you choose to go there i am sure you will never regret it .
Every one is a different character in a nice way you will enjoy the company… read more

(Excellent )

30/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Sherif)

Having Sherif over was a very mental experience, he knows how to talk /speak to your mind. As a help, he worked without complaint and fit in nicely with our group. He invited a friend over, which made the Egyptian experience even better! It was very nice to see that to stayed longer than planned, He and Ahmed are definitely forever welcome!

(Excellent )

06/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Marcel & Annelotte) for host

We had a wonderful workaway stop here. The tasks, cleaning and take care of the herbs were a lot of fun. We got breakfast, Lunch and dinner and we enjoyed spending the time with our hosts and the other workawayers. We had a perfect time there and we hope to see these guys again. Go on! You are doing a very good job!

(Excellent )

30/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Marcel & Annelotte)

It was such a nice experience hosting these two (and the dog ofcourse). Being very independent and motivated, they helped with tasks without needing any/much guidance. We wish them all the best on their travels and hope they will come by once more!

(Excellent )

03/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Markus) for host

I can only agree with the posters above. The one week I could stay was an excellent experience which i can only recommend to any Workawayer. The people there are super friendly and pour their heart and their soul to realize their project which really deserves any help it can get. I felt welcome right from the start and they made sure i was taken… read more

(Excellent )

30/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Markus)

As our first German workawayer, Markus set the tone and level of expectation for the next! Eager to work, no complaints about hard work and very social. He interacted with our friends and dove into our ideology with much interest. A shame he only stayed for a week... come back soon!

(Excellent )

01/10/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (James)

Why can't we give more than 5 stars??

this man... he set the highest bar possible for every other workawayer. We now rate everyone according to the amount of Jamesness.. If you need to get things done, let him have a go at it!

(Excellent )

27/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (James) for host

wowowowowwowowowowwwww I can't even express in words my gratitude for these amazing people. I arrived with my "nose in the butter" (or something like that) at the amazing festival "LosLosLosheim" which is held at the campsite. Honestly felt like I died and woke up in heaven. after the festival the "normal" life on the campsite is really chilled… read more

(Excellent )

01/10/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Ashley)

Having handsome Ash over was more than delightful. The British flair and humour he brought, combined with the motivation to be of use was welcome addition to our team. Independent, hardworking, nothing but praise for this man.

(Excellent )

29/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Ashley) for host

It was different from what I initially expected but I had an awesome time there! The four boys, Gidi, Vincent, Jurrit and Domique were all fantastic hosts, very friendly and welcoming, When you arrive you feel very quickly as if you amongst friends. The food here was fantastic, really high quality food and delicious! And the once a week BBQ was… read more

(Excellent )

30/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Camille)

First french vibes in our community, a real good experience! Her quiches are super, her cookies even better. strong, independent girl who knows how to get things done. She promised to come back and bring friends, please do!

(Excellent )

30/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Daniele)

Echt? You'd better be practising! Daniele came here, totally unaware of what to expect. He left much later than expected, as a psytrance lover and almost fluently Dutch-speaking stallion. His cooking skills are recommendable and his humour and stories fit nicely with our group.

(Excellent )

11/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Daniele) for host

Amazing!! I can't explain only with words what this place left me. These men really know how to have a full and happy life and now they are an example and an inspiration for me. In this magical place, you can find everyday people full of energy and great smiles, with the desire to improve the world. I'm really happy to have helped these men in… read more

(Excellent )

09/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Ximena) for host

To be with the family is an experience that I deeply enjoyed, since the beginning of my arrival I felt surrounded by friends. Here is the place where you can learn about so many cultures (especially Netherlands culture) and find persons from all over the world. This was my first workawaying experience and I feel grateful with the universe and with… read more

(Excellent )

06/10/2017

Left by Workawayer (Nic & John) for host

We stayed for a week and a half helping to prepare for LosLosLosheim festival - helping with staging, tents, lighting, signwriting and even building a windmill! We then worked on the bars during the festival which was really great fun.

The 4 guys from Amsterdam (and Wim) were welcoming, friendly, easy going, enthusiastic, a tiny bit crazy and… read more

(Excellent )

02/10/2017

Left by Workawayer (Margo) for host

My experience in girtenmühle was great! We organised a fun little festival when i was there. All chill and interesting new people tot meet. Jurrit, Do, Vincent and Gidi were awesome hosts. Super friendly and enthousiastic. The food was also jummie. Saarland really is a beautiful region to go for a long walk. Thank you guys for the experience, you… read more

(Excellent )

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