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Our 2026 Event Calendar
Marvel. Learn. Get involved.
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Dear friends, we’ve been working on it for quite a while – and now our 2026 event program is finally online! Once again, it’s full of diverse themes around people and nature: festivals for the whole family, inspiring seminars, insights into community life, and plenty of hands-on experiences. Take a look and have a browse!
You’ll find many of our popular hands-on seminars, such as Cheese Making with Lea, Bread Baking with Jakob, Fermentation with Jerónimo & Christian, or our Cooking Classes with Lea.
And speaking of food: we’re launching a new café format! On the last Friday of every month, from 7:00 to 9:30 pm, we invite you to a themed café evening, each time featuring menus inspired by a different region. Look forward to authentic and delicious dishes from France, Italy, Bavaria, Algeria, Brazil, Spain, and more.
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If you’re coming to the Michaelshof with questions, our discussion circles and the one-day seminar Getting to Know the Michaelshof Community are just the right place for you.
Looking for garden inspiration for 2026? Then our weekly garden tours (every Saturday from March to October), gardening and vegetable seminars, our new gardeners’ meet-ups, or special Tulip, Rose, and Perennial Weeks might be just what you’re looking for.
Our festivals are back this year as well: the farm festivals for all animal lovers, the family festival full of play and fun, the Festival of Cultures in August with country presentations, international food and music, the Apple & Autumn Market in October, and the cozy Sammatz Christmas Market in December.
You’ll find all this – and a bit more – on our website and in our event flyer. Book your next event visit to the Michaelshof now! And don’t forget: our lovingly furnished guest rooms rooms are available if you’d like to stay a little longer and enjoy a proper break at the Michaelshof.
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A Festive Season in Winter
Brigid’s Day
Outside, it’s cold and frosty. The earth is adorned with thousands of snow and ice crystals. We are right in the heart of winter – February 1st, Brigid’s Day.
Brigid is both goddess and saint. She lived in Ireland and is closely connected with fertility and becoming – with everything that comes into being. She carries within her the creative forces of life. She is also known as the Mary of the Gaels. With her blue cloak, she envelops and protects the earth.
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To this day, the Celts and their descendants honor Brigid – said to be the creator of the green island of Ireland – and celebrate a spring festival in her name.
At this time of year, the elemental beings, especially the earth spirits, are also said to celebrate a festival: the Earth Gnomes’ Festival. For them, festivals are highlights of their work. They act like seeds from which something new can grow, reaching far into the future.
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Even if there is still little sign of spring above ground, those who listen closely can sense that something is already stirring beneath the surface.
Here in the gardens at Michaelshof, thousands of tulip bulbs and other early bloomers are resting in the soil – holding the joy of the coming spring within them. This immense display of color is still hidden. And yet, right now, there is the greatest concentration of activity underground. Things are quietly at work, preparing for spring. The anticipation is growing: for the bright white of the fruit trees, the fresh green of the birches, and the vibrant colors of the early bloomers.
Above ground, we still feel winter – these days it shows itself with crisp, icy cold. The crystalline quality that surrounds us at this time of year is closely connected to clarity of thought. This clarity helps us focus. Unlike summer, when our thoughts can easily drift into dreaminess due to the many sensory impressions, winter often makes it easier to think consciously and clearly.
Brigid’s Day can be an invitation to look more deeply into things and explore them with care – ideally together with friends, as insights often arise more quickly through conversation than on our own.
In this way, Brigid’s Day is a festival that calls upon both the becoming of nature and the thinking activity of human beings – forces that, at their best, come together in a fruitful way.
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Why We Love Living in Our Community
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In our last newsletter, we looked at the rules and shared agreements a larger group of people needs in order to live together in a fruitful way. This time, we’d like to focus on the advantages that such a way of life brings.
First of all, there is a simple and important fact: people who choose to join a community are those who enjoy being in meaningful connection with others, who take pleasure in shaping projects together with close friends or new companions. This means that at the Michaelshof, people come together who carry openness toward others as a basic human need. That certainly makes working together easier.
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Especially today, we often experience the small (or extended) family as something like a fortress – a place where one can more or less let go (sometimes not at all), where people know each other well, where one feels safe. In a community, this kind of closed-off structure doesn’t exist in the same way. I can talk to different people whenever I need to – when I have a problem, when I feel like it, or when the work calls for it. Work and private life blend into each other to some degree. Instead of having only a small family circle, I am surrounded by a wide range of people with whom I can move things forward together.
At the same time, a community like ours should not only be open within its own boundaries, but also toward the wider world. Otherwise, similar challenges would arise as in more traditional family structures. That’s why we in Sammatz are deeply convinced that a community needs this openness to the world.
For us, this includes children and young people who find a temporary home at Peronnik, volunteers from all over the world who enrich daily life through their diversity, students and interns, and – in a different way – the many day visitors who come to explore our gardens, our café, and our project.
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Of course, this does not mean that everyone has to be open to others at all times. Every person needs spaces to retreat, and also the sensitivity of others to notice when it’s not the right moment to engage. That’s why we all have our own spaces: our rooms, our apartments – often shared with others in different forms of shared living.
Whether single or in a partnership, whether someone prefers more solitude or lots of interaction: everything is possible here, and flexible. No one has to cling rigidly to shared living during a relationship crisis (though that can sometimes also be meaningful). Instead, it’s possible to take a break and stay with friends for a while. A mother who feels overwhelmed can step back for a moment – without letting that overwhelm spill over onto her child through constant irritation – and do something different. The children here are all friends with one another and often even cheer when they get to stay somewhere else for a little while.
Our young friends from all over the world are the only ones who live and sleep in larger shared spaces. They often enjoy this experience for the few weeks they are here – and for many, it becomes a memorable and exciting part of their stay.
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Beyond that, community life offers many practical advantages: car sharing (saves countless car registrations), shared lunches (save time for many individual cooks), shopping locally or together at the next supermarket (efficient, time-saving, cost-effective – and fun).
Work, too, becomes far more flexible. In gardening and agriculture, for example, many additional hands can be mobilized during peak times like harvest season. Or in the café on Mother’s Day, when there can never be enough hands to meet all the wishes. And if someone feels exhausted or frustrated by their job after a few years, we look together for alternatives on site. Thanks to the diversity of work opportunities here, there is almost always something new to discover. And if not, working in the surrounding area can also be a good option – sometimes exactly what’s needed to then enjoy community life all the more, in its diversity, liveliness, and depth of conversation.
To be continued…We’re already looking forward to sharing more community insights in the next newsletter!
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Snowfall at Michaelshof…
…real winter!
Isn’t winter romantic? Just like this January, this is exactly how you imagine winter in northern Germany: snow as far as the eye can see! Big, white flakes gently settling over the landscape, covering branches, stones and bushes, houses and vehicles – turning everything into a bright, glowing white.
Once it started, the snow didn’t stop falling anytime soon. Where bicycles usually zip back and forth between our community houses at Flachsenberg and the village center, we now see people moving slowly, wrapped up in coats and scarves, carefully trying to reach their destination.
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The best part for the youngest members of our community: no school because of snow-covered roads! In no time at all, a big group of village kids – including the Peronnik children – gathered on the hill leading down into the valley. Sledding all day long, interrupted only by lunch and dinner. And of course, the traditional igloo on top of the snowy hill was a must.
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Our volunteers were especially delighted by the snow, as for many of them it was the very first time experiencing snow in real life. Watching their joy of the first snowball fight, the first snow angel, and the first sled ride is simply wonderful!
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You, too, are warmly invited to stop by for a slow stroll through our snow-covered gardens.
The café is currently on winter break, but at the farm shop by the Arche Farm you can warm up with a hot bowl of goulash soup or enjoy coffee and cake. See you soon!
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A lot has happened here at the Michaelshof over the past 40 years! Looking through old photos really makes you realize just how much.
There was building, planting, and sometimes a fair bit of improvising 🙂 Gardens, buildings, and work areas took shape – and the people grew along with them. With ups and downs and everything in between. Let’s see what’s next!
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Winter Work – Outside & Inside
Since the end of December, the last tulip bulbs have been planted, around 350 container plants that decorated our gardens in summer – laurel trees & friends – have been brought inside, and the final vegetables have been harvested. So where does our garden and vegetable team go once the seasonal outdoor work is done?
The first, simple and traditional answer: after Daniel, Gabi and their helpers spent almost a year growing vegetables, it’s now Christian’s turn. Together with his preserving team, he takes care of turning beetroot, cabbage & co. into long-lasting delights. That means: everyone into the kitchen – chopping, pounding, and filling vegetables into jars non-stop.
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Our Mexican outdoor enthusiast Roberto is still braving the cold with a small garden team, taking care of various jobs such as clearing paths of snow and dirt, raking, or cutting back fallen perennials, while Anton focuses on pruning the trees.
Meanwhile, Gabi and some of her friends have started a renovation team that moves through the community armed with brushes and paint buckets, repairing, painting, and varnishing wherever needed. A true blessing for many houses – a fresh coat of paint really does bring fresh energy with it.
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Another winter project that comes up every year: caring for our beautiful wooden figures. This includes cleaning, sanding and oiling them, repairing their bases, and bringing these wooden artworks back outside so they can welcome you again in the gardens come spring.
And finally, some of us now have time for projects that were left unfinished during the busy summer months: planning for the year ahead, inventories, research questions, tidying up, organizing – and much more.
Our motto: there’s always something to do! And the first snowdrops are already telling us about spring and the lively season ahead.
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Have You Ever Heard of Banratz?
Since 2020, we have been running a second farm on the other side of the Elbe, near Amt Neuhaus. Hof Banratz is an idyllic place with several stables, a large storage hall, a residential building, and directly adjoining arable and pasture land. It’s a great addition: while the right bank of the Elbe lacks the rolling hills of Sammatz, it makes up for it with extremely fertile soils and the unique natural atmosphere of the Elbe floodplains.
After focusing mainly on arable farming in Banratz for several years, life has returned there just three weeks ago – on two legs and four. Marc, our construction manager and farmer at heart, moved in together with his partner Isabella, along with 18 cattle and a few chickens. With them, the farm finally regains its soul – that special element that only animals and farmers can bring. It’s a real boost for our agriculture, and we’re especially happy about that!
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Green Week 2026 in Berlin
In January, we attended Green Week in Berlin for the second time – one of the world’s most important trade fairs for food, horticulture, and agriculture. Representing the Michaelshof were Malte B., Lilianne, Anna, and Felix.
Their shared conclusion at the end: “It was quite exhausting, our voices are a bit hoarse and our bodies a little tired – but it was definitely worth it!” The fair was once again very well attended, and we had the chance to talk with a wonderfully diverse audience about the Michaelshof and its many facets. Visitors ranged from private individuals and group travelers to professionals and political representatives.
During the first part of the fair, we presented ourselves at the joint stand of the Elbe-Wendland region; in the second part, we were located directly opposite at the stand for organic farming in Lower Saxony.
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Highlights included the unanimous enthusiasm for our ‹Bergkäse› and those moments when people truly understood what the Michaelshof stands for: a vibrant working and living community, a modern village impulse.
Bright eyes, many conversations, and firm promises to come visit us soon made these days especially memorable.
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News to Take Home – Einblicke!
Have you already read our new magazine? Under the title “Einblicke” (Insights), we’ve just distributed the first issue of what will become a regular Michaelshof publication throughout the Elbtalaue region. Oh yes!!!
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In this A4 magazine, we share news from Michaelshof, give insights into different work areas and community life, and keep you up to date on café opening times and upcoming family events.
Don’t live in the region but would still like to read it? Just send us your address – we’ll be happy to mail you a copy!
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Michaelshof Updates – All Opening Hours at a Glance!
Arche-Hof:
Mon-Sun 09.00 – 19.00
The café is on winter break until March 14, 2026.
Shop:
Weekdays, Sunday & holidays
daily. 10.00 – 19.00
Der WAGEN in Lüneburg:
Wed & Sat 07.00 – 13.00
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Upcoming Events at Michaelshof
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Bread Baking Workshop with Jakob
Saturday, February 14 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pulling a freshly baked, fragrant loaf of bread from the oven is a special moment! Jakob opens the doors of his bakery, explains everything about sourdough, wood-fired ovens & more, and shares practical tips for baking at home.
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- Step-by-step baking of sourdough bread and rolls
- Tasting of all Michaelshof breads
- To take home: one homemade loaf of bread
Participation: 60€, Lunch: 10€. Registration required!
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Fermentation Workshop with Jerónimo & Christian
Sunday, February 22 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Bring a little summer into winter! Our Colombian fermentation expert Jerónimo shows you how to preserve vegetables for months – full of flavor and vitality.
Please note: this workshop will be held in English.
- Learn fermentation basics & prepare your own ferments
- Tasting of different fermented foods
- To take home: one jar of fermented vegetables & recipes
Participation: 60€, Lunch: 10€, Registration required!
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Bavarian Evening at the Michaelshof Café
Friday, February 27 | 7:00–9:30 pm
Servus! February might not be Oktoberfest, but our Bavarian Evening will still be wonderfully traditional and cozy. Look forward to good food and a great atmosphere – secure your spot now!
• Starter: Bavarian snack board with Sammatz cheese, sausage & Obatzda
• Main: Roast pork (vegetarian: creamy mushroom dish) with spaetzle, red cabbage & glazed carrots
• Dessert: Fluffy yeast dumplings with vanilla sauce & poppy seeds
Adults: 40€ / Vegetarian: 35€ / Children up to 12 years: 20€
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International Women’s Day
Sunday, March 8 | 7:00 pm
Ladies, let’s talk! We invite you to an open and personal conversation evening for International Women’s Day. No taboos – just space for honest exchange. Possible topics include:
- Gender equality, the gap between ideals and reality
- Trusting yourself and your abilities
- Role models and stereotypes – past and present Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks included.
Participation 8€.Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks included. Registration required!
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Nadja came to Sammatz more than 30 years ago – to a village where, at the time, not very much was happening. It wasn’t an international community that brought her here, but her curiosity about anthroposophy, which she first encountered during a pedagogical internship. Raised without religious beliefs, the woman in her mid-twenties explored various places in search of deeper understanding until she eventually came across the Jeanne d’Arc Seminar in Sammatz.
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Inspired by both the content and the way people lived together, she decided to stay and become part of the project.
Since then, Nadja has worked in many different areas: starting out in the photo lab, at lectures, and in childcare, but also baking, milking and making cheese, working in the garden and in the greenhouse, in the shop, the kitchen, and in accounting.
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When asked what she appreciates most about the Michaelshof, Nadja answers: “On the one hand, the human and personal side. On the other, the fact that the most diverse people can find their place and their task here.”
Asked about her strengths, she laughs: “A detective’s instinct, associative thinking, and a good nose.” Exactly what’s needed when she and our second Nadja (Henke) dive into the large archives, work with the scanner, or take on new tasks. Nadja doesn’t give up easily – and the relief is great when the most sensible solution, or even the very last missing issue, is finally found. With the same precision, she also takes care of shipping things around the site – everyone calls Nadja when postal advice or a bit of encouragement is needed.
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Nadja is also closely connected to the Michaelshof café. Since it opened in 2016, she has worked there flexibly, depending on the season.
She loves being in contact with visitors and moves from table to table as a service staff member, appreciated for her warm and attentive presence – even in the busiest moments.
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A distinctive personality with many interests, grounded and focused on what truly matters, looks at you through Nadja’s clear blue eyes. This fits perfectly with her love of the stars, which she is happy to share with you in her in the star seminar on December 5th.
“What remains,” she says confidently when asked about her inner goals, “is to increasingly unite my love of the stars with my ‘inner volcanic soul’ at my center.” We’re with you, Nadja – and we’re glad you’re here!
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We’re looking for committed and motivated people who enjoy taking responsibility and are drawn to life in the countryside. Is meaningful work more important to you than a classic “9 to 5” job? Then you might be just right for us!
We’re looking for skilled professionals as well as talented people in the following areas:
Hands-On:
- Educator for our children & youth support facility Peronnik
- Teacher for our Selma Lagerlöf School in Wietzetze
- Garden Team Leader
- Landscape Gardener
- Ornamental Plant Gardener
- Gardener for Trees, Shrubs & Lawn Care
- Construction Worker
- Pharmacist
- Printer & Laminator
Your qualification isn’t listed, but you’re still interested?
Just give it a try!
Please send your application including a photo to claudia.brady@sammatz.de – we’ll get back to you!
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Are You In?
Garden Team Leader Wanted!
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You love nature just as much as people, have a good sense of (self-)humor, stamina, and you’re looking for meaningful work starting March/April this year? How about the coolest job in the world: Garden Team Leader at Michaelshof!
What does that mean in practice? You’ll be working with a changing, international team of young people aged 15 to 30, moving through our gardens together – weeding, planting, and caring for them with full energy. Depending on the season, your team will be a colorful mix of volunteers, individual interns, and school classes doing agricultural internships, staying at the Michaelshof for anywhere between two weeks and three months.
A walk in the park? Not quite. This role calls for pedagogical skills, English language ability, plant knowledge, and a good dose of spontaneity – every single day.
What we promise you in return: Hard work that truly pays off. Your workplace isn’t just beautiful gardens – it’s above all about encounters. You’ll witness young people connecting with nature, taking responsibility, and growing beyond themselves. You work outdoors, between garden beds and wheelbarrows, with soil between your fingers, and find yourself in conversations with inspiring people from all over the world.
A job that challenges you, connects people – and is genuinely fun. Gardening, international style. Sounds not only doable, but exciting? Then apply now at claudia.brady@sammatz.de – we’re looking forward to hearing from you!
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+++ NEWSTICKER +++
Snapshots from everyday community life…
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…this time featuring fascinating excavator action and greetings from Kowa and Theo…
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…our adorably sweet new arrivals: the impressive new horse Graphit and the first lamb of the year…
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…the campus garden duck pond at sunset…
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…our Food Village helpers Igor and Kupawa in the community kitchen, and Sabri in logistics with tiny jars of strawberry jam…
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…international New Year’s Eve impressions…
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…and a little bit of chaos: he was like “there,” then “wait a second,” then “huh?” — and suddenly: “yo, that’s it.” Followed by: “interesting!”
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So, we hope we didn’t bore you too much and wish you all the best for February!
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Warm greetings and see you next time – Anna ❤️
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