The anniversary program showcases agriculture, inclusion, education and culture
Organic farming, nature conservation, inclusion, education, and culture: The Oberfeld Estate in Darmstadt celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026.What began in the early 2000s through civic engagement has developed into a special place where around 100 people now live and work. From August 28 to September 25, an extensive anniversary program invites visitors to explore the various aspects of the estate.
The history of the estate, however, stretches back much further. The Oberfeld area is one of the last remaining agriculturally used areas within Darmstadt, and the estate itself dates back to a former grand ducal farmstead. When the historic ensemble was threatened in the early 2000s, citizens campaigned for its preservation.
This commitment led to the creation of the Hofgut Oberfeld Foundation. Together with various partners, the site has been gradually developed over the past two decades.
Agriculture and social engagement
“The estate uniquely combines organic farming with social issues,” says Gabriele Beckers, Chairwoman of the Board of the Hofgut Oberfeld Foundation, describing the special nature of the project. Biodiversity, lived inclusion, education, culture and citizen participation are intertwined here.
The estate is simultaneously an agricultural production site, a living space, and a public meeting place. The complex includes an organic farm with animal husbandry and arable farming, a farm shop and café, as well as an on-site cheese dairy and bakery.
In addition, there are housing and employment opportunities for people with support needs and a comprehensive extracurricular educational program focusing on organic farming and food production.
Culture has also become part of Oberfeld. Open-air concerts take place in the summer, and film events deal with topics such as ecology and nature conservation.
Many Darmstadt residents also use the estate quite naturally as a place for excursions and meetings – for shopping, for a coffee, for playing, walking or to spend time on the farm and the Oberfeld.
A project to participate in
A special feature of the estate is the involvement of local residents. They can grow their own vegetables in seasonal gardens. Volunteers tend to orchards or help in the apple juice press, for example. Participation in agroforestry projects is also possible.
Those wishing to become more involved can also become shareholders in Hofgut Oberfeld Landwirtschaft AG. This community-owned company manages agriculture, production, and direct marketing.
“This place is never truly finished,” Beckers explains, describing a core principle of the estate. Each generation has the opportunity to further develop the site and contribute its own ideas.
One of the major tasks for the future is the renovation and redesign of the old cowshed. Sponsors, supporters, and people who can develop ideas for the future use of the historic building are being sought.
The anniversary offers insights behind the scenes
The anniversary program, running from August 28th to September 25th , will showcase the diverse activities that have taken place at the Hofgut Oberfeld estate . The Hofgut Oberfeld Foundation, Hofgut Oberfeld Landwirtschaft AG, the Domäne Oberfeld initiative, the Lernort Bauernhof (Learning Farm), the Heydenmühle mill, and the Nieder-Ramstädter Diakonie Foundation are jointly organizing the events.
The festivities kick off on Friday, August 28th, with a two-day open house. Haus Lebensweg will open its doors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering insights into the social therapy program at the farm. Guided tours will be offered at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. In addition, there will be a social café with residents and staff, as well as activities from the Heydenmühle workshops. The Haus Lebensweg band will perform at 3:30 p.m.
Also from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the workshop of the Nieder-Ramstadt Diakonie will be presenting itself. In addition to guided tours, there will be information about the work, a creative activity and a raffle.
New inclusive garden center opens to visitors
Visitors can also get a glimpse into the new inclusive ornamental plant nursery behind the stables. There, people with support needs have found new employment opportunities. Plant sales directly at the nursery are scheduled to begin in the autumn.
A potted plant bingo game will take place there on Thursday, August 27th, starting at 6 p.m. Guided tours of the nursery will be offered on Friday, August 28th, at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m., and on Saturday, August 29th, at 10:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m., and 1:15 p.m. Also on Saturday, the "Together for More Tour 2026" will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as a fundraising cycling event.
Also on Saturday, from 5 pm to 9 pm, there will be an evening baking day at the clay oven at the "Learning Farm" site. Visitors can bring their own dough and bake it in the heated clay oven.
A week of hands-on farming
From August 31st to September 4th, the "Learning on the Farm" offers an open program for children and adults. Each day from 3 pm to 6 pm, a different topic will be the focus.
On Monday, August 31, the focus will be on grain and its processing under the motto "From Grain to Bread." Tuesday will be "From Cow to Cheese and Butter," Wednesday "From Chicken to Egg," and Thursday "From Sheep to Wool." The event concludes on Friday, September 4, with apple juice pressing.
That same evening, the Oberfeld Film Club invites everyone to a free film night in the yurt from 7 pm to 10 pm. The learning center team will be preparing popcorn over a campfire.
Photo competition showcases personal perspectives
The anniversary celebrations also included an inclusive photo competition. Personal perspectives on Hofgut and Oberfeld were sought in the categories "My Oberfeld", "The Professional View" and "The Original View".
Twelve selected works will be presented in an exhibition. The opening will take place on Friday, September 18th, at 5 pm in the Anger square.
From poultry to agroforestry
To conclude the anniversary month, the focus will once again be on organic farming. From September 22nd to 25th, the agricultural team will offer insights into different areas of the farm each day from 5:30 pm to 7 pm.
On Tuesday, the focus will be on poultry, on Wednesday on grain and bread, on Thursday on fruit and agroforestry, and on Friday on cows and cheese. The program will explain the connections between various topics, from mother-calf rearing and the soil microbiome to climate protection through the planting of trees on arable land. A small tasting is also included. Participation is free, but registration is required at hofladen@landwirtschaft-oberfeld.de .
On the same four evenings, the agricultural team invites you to an anniversary brunch at the farm café at 7 pm . They will serve their own produce and wine, while also looking back on two decades of Hofgut Oberfeld. The cost is €20 per person; registration is required.
20 years of Hofgut Oberfeld – an overview of the dates
August 27: Potted plant bingo at the inclusive garden center;
August 28: Open house at Haus Lebensweg and Werkhaus, guided tours of the garden center;
August 29: Guided tours of the garden center, charity bike ride, and evening baking day
; August 31 to September 4: Open programs at the farm learning center;
September 4: Film night in the yurt
September 18: Opening of the photo competition exhibition;
September 22 to 25: Insights into agriculture and anniversary snacks
The Oberfeld estate is located at Erbacher Straße 125 in Darmstadt. Further information about the estate and the anniversary program can be found on the Oberfeld Estate Foundation website.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM)
Featured image: Aerial photograph: Simone Schroeder
