Sieben Linden

Key facts

• Country: Germany
• Region: Saxony-Anhalt
• Founded: 1997
• Members: 150
• Governance model: Consensus-based with council and working groups
• Economy model: Mixed income with community businesses and external employment
• Ownership model: Cooperative land ownership
• Status: active
• Website: https://siebenlinden.org/en/

About

Ecological village with straw bale buildings, permaculture, and consensus-based governance

Full description

Sieben Linden Ecovillage, established in 1997, is one of Germany's largest and most successful ecovillages, demonstrating sustainable living in a rural setting. Located in the Altmark region of Saxony-Anhalt, the community has grown to over 150 residents living on 200 acres of land. Sieben Linden is renowned for its natural building techniques, particularly extensive use of straw bale construction, as well as its comprehensive approach to ecological living including organic agriculture, renewable energy, and low-impact transportation. The community operates as a cooperative, makes decisions by consensus, and maintains a robust educational program hosting thousands of visitors annually through workshops, seminars, and volunteer programs. Sieben Linden serves as a major reference point for the European ecovillage movement.