The history of Sieben Linden began in 1997 when a group of like-minded people, united by a desire to live in harmony with nature, started envisioning a new way of living based on strong ecological and social principles.

After years of research and planning, the community finally received permission to build an ecological village. This was no small feat, as it was rare in Germany to get approval for new settlements, and it’s still challenging today. This project became a true pioneer for change; thanks to the founders’ determination, it proved that a self-sufficient ecological village could indeed become a reality, despite all the bureaucratic hurdles, paving the way for many similar communities.

The Spaces of Sieben Linden

Sieben Linden found its home in the rural Altmark region in Saxony-Anhalt, northeastern Germany. Today, this project hosts over a hundred adults and around forty children and teenagers, who live in straw and clay houses and about forty trailers.

Spanning more than a hundred hectares, with 80 hectares of sustainably managed forest, Sieben Linden’s multi-purpose spaces reflect meticulous craftsmanship, each area telling its own story. At the heart of the village, an ecologically restored farmhouse hosts common areas and spaces for events and seminars, while the garden provides fresh fruit and vegetables, ensuring food self-sufficiency. Every aspect, from solar panels to wastewater treatment systems, is designed to close the loop of sustainability.

Permaculture in Action at Sieben Linden

Permaculture is an approach to spatial design inspired by nature, where everything functions in an integrated way, creating sustainable cycles and synergies between plants, animals, and people. At Sieben Linden, this approach is the beating heart of the community. Since its foundation, the ecovillage has embedded permaculture in every aspect of daily life, from planning spaces to managing resources and waste.

Every space is designed following permaculture principles, using local materials and multi-functional spaces. The community promotes energy efficiency and synergy across functions. For instance, homes are positioned to maximize sunlight, reducing the need for artificial heating. The pond serves as both a natural swimming pool and a firepit area. Residents even created a biotope, a safe haven for wildlife that they respect and protect every day.

Eco Homes and Innovation

Recently, the community received the go-ahead to build new homes to host up to three hundred people. Most of these homes are built almost entirely by hand with straw bales and raw clay, materials that absorb carbon dioxide and retain moisture—a perfect example of sustainable building. Sieben Linden has also introduced straw and clay igloos, a symbol of creativity where tradition and innovation blend to support a low-impact lifestyle.

Daily Life and Community Spirit

In this ecovillage in the Altmark region, every day is guided by the values of sustainability, solidarity, and harmony with nature. Here, you truly get a sense of what it means to be part of a community: depending on the day, you can cook in your own kitchen or choose to dine together in the communal kitchen, where passionate cooks create delicious meals for everyone. Building and maintaining ecological homes is also part of daily life here.

Furthermore, the ecovillage offers courses and workshops on permaculture, sharing knowledge and skills with visitors and new members. These educational programs aim to spread permaculture principles and inspire others to implement sustainable practices in their communities.

Simply put, life at Sieben Linden is a daily enrichment, filled with warmth and love for nature. For residents, living in an ecovillage goes beyond ecology; it is a political choice, a living testimony that it’s possible to stop fueling a consumer-driven, exploitative system and instead live freely, in harmony with the Earth and those around us.

Food and Self-Sufficiency

At Sieben Linden, diet is a pillar of sustainability. The community commits to consuming mainly vegan food, with some vegetarian options, to reduce their ecological footprint. No meat is prepared in the communal kitchen, though everyone is free to cook as they like in their private kitchens.

The goal is to produce as much organic, seasonal food as possible, covering about 70% of the community’s food needs. During the winter, rather than buying from other regions, they rely on their own stores and preserves made with garden produce, such as sauerkraut, pumpkins, beets, potatoes, onions, and carrots. Though growing their own food can be more expensive than buying it, the community garden is supported by a monthly fee from residents—a vital step towards food self-sufficiency.

A Self-Sustaining Economy

Sieben Linden’s economy is mixed, combining collective ownership with individual income opportunities. This means that all residents are free to generate private income through independent activities, like crafts and consulting, often supported by community spaces and resources.

At the same time, each resident contributes a fixed monthly fee of around 160 euros to cover shared costs like administration, wood, water, and electricity. Many also help cover these costs through community work, such as gathering wood, managing the garden, or helping with administration. Lastly, a common fund for essentials ensures fair prices and resource access for everyone. This system provides economic stability and individual freedom, fostering solidarity and sustainability within the ecovillage.

Decision-Making at Sieben Linden

At Sieben Linden, decisions are made through a participatory, consensus-based process. The community is divided into “circles” responsible for different areas, like managing the cooperative and welcoming new members, each with its own decision-making autonomy. Major issues for all circles are discussed at monthly general assemblies using a four-option system: Yes, Abstain, No, and Veto. A decision requires at least two-thirds “Yes” votes and no vetoes to pass. This model ensures everyone’s involvement, promoting respect, active listening, and community cohesion.

Welcoming Volunteers and New Members

Volunteering is a great entryway for anyone interested in experiencing Sieben Linden’s lifestyle firsthand, contributing to various activities like gardening, cooking, and maintaining shared spaces. It’s a valuable opportunity to live out the community’s values of solidarity and ecology, forming genuine connections, and discovering whether the community lifestyle is right for them.

Joining Sieben Linden as a resident is also a journey of mutual discovery. Prospective members participate in courses and spend time within the ecovillage, immersing themselves in its rhythm and forming real connections. After a trial period, the whole community decides together whether the energy is right to welcome a new member into Sieben Linden’s big family.

In a Nutshell

Founded in the ‘90s and located in the beautiful Altmark region of Saxony-Anhalt, the Sieben Linden ecovillage is living proof that, through a unique mix of collaboration, resilience, and creativity, it’s possible to turn a utopia into a vibrant, functional ecosystem. Sieben Linden is more than a village; it’s a model of sustainable community—a place where the vision of a greener, more caring world is felt in every action, every project, and every connection made.