Nestled in the Baden-Württemberg countryside in southern Germany, Schloss Tempelhof is one of the most advanced models of community living and sustainability in Europe.

Founded in 2010, this project is now home to around 150 people, including families, children, and the elderly, all united by the desire to create a new paradigm of coexistence based on solidarity, self-sufficiency, and social innovation.

The Story of Schloss Tempelhof

The ecovillage was born from the collective purchase of a historic estate, transformed into a place for experimenting with new ways of living, working, and relating.

The primary goal of the community is to create a sustainable lifestyle model, reducing dependence on external resources and promoting a balance between technology, agriculture, and human relationships.

Schloss Tempelhof has grown rapidly. Within a few years, the community developed educational structures, co-working spaces, permaculture projects, and a participatory governance system, becoming a point of reference for those dreaming of an alternative way of life.

Self-Sufficiency at Schloss Tempelhof

One of the most innovative aspects of Schloss Tempelhof is its commitment to food self-sufficiency. The community cultivates around 30 hectares of land using organic farming and regenerative agriculture techniques, producing vegetables, grains, and fruit for its own needs. Methods like synergistic farming and composting help preserve soil fertility and minimize waste.

From an energy perspective, Schloss Tempelhof relies on solar panels, biomass, and high-efficiency heating systems, reducing its environmental impact and ensuring energy autonomy for the community.

Alternative Education

Education plays a central role in the ecovillage. The community has established an alternative school, based on innovative educational methods that emphasize experiential learning, creativity, and collaboration.

Educational activities include hands-on learning in agriculture, crafts, and sustainable technologies, along with a strong focus on personal development and conflict resolution.

The school also fosters a deep connection with Nature, allowing students to explore and learn through direct interaction with their surroundings.

Participatory Governance

In terms of decision-making, Schloss Tempelhof adopts a sociocratic model, where decisions are made through consensus processes. This system ensures that every voice is valued and that collective choices reflect the needs of the entire community.

Shared Economy and Solidarity

At Schloss Tempelhof, the concept of a shared economy is a daily reality. Community members contribute resources, skills, and time, developing an internal economy based on cooperation, exchange, and mutual support.

Some residents work on agricultural projects, others focus on education, while others manage craft activities or engage in research for sustainable solutions.

A unique aspect is the solidarity fund, which provides support for members facing financial difficulties, ensuring that no one is left behind. This initiative highlights how the ecovillage is not just an ecological experiment but also a model of social justice and economic cooperation.

Projects at Schloss Tempelhof

Schloss Tempelhof is a dynamic hub in constant evolution, hosting innovative projects ranging from regenerative agriculture to education and sustainability research.

The community offers courses and workshops on permaculture, eco-building, renewable energy, and participatory governance. It also collaborates with universities and international organizations to develop new sustainable living practices.

How to Participate?

Volunteering programs allow those who want an immersive experience to contribute to agricultural, craft, and organizational activities.

Schloss Tempelhof also hosts cultural events and retreats focused on personal growth, meditation, and connecting with Nature.

Future Perspectives

Today, Schloss Tempelhof attracts visitors, researchers, and aspiring ecovillagers from around the world. Looking ahead, the project aims to expand, further enhance its self-sufficiency, and collaborate with other communities to spread knowledge and develop new sustainable living practices.

Conclusion

Schloss Tempelhof is a living laboratory, where people of all ages and backgrounds work together to build a fairer and more sustainable future. With its commitment to self-sufficiency, alternative education, and cooperation, this German ecovillage stands as a virtuous model for those seeking sustainable and innovative solutions.