11 - 13 September 2026 Brandenburg
A Natural Dye & Textile Retreat
A 3-day guided, artist-led textile and natural dye experience exploring colour as material and process.
Dive into the fascinating world of natural colours!
From 11–13 September, we gather in the wild surroundings of the Bauernschloss to experiment with foraged plants - creating vibrant natural dyes and exploring different ways of applying them. We'll explore mordanting methods for plant and animal fibres, experiment with iron and vinegar modifications, and enjoy more playful techniques such as wax resist and bundle dyeing. After this retreat, you'll be able to independently incorporate natural dyeing into your daily life.
The retreat offers plenty of time to relax, swim, use the sauna, practise yoga in the beautiful tea house, and take walks in nature.
At a glance:
Date: Fri, Sept. 11 – Sun, Sept. 13, 2026 (3 days, 2 nights)
Location: Bauernschloss e.V., Kagel, Grünheide
Group size: max. 10
Focus: Natural dye plants and their properties
Includes:
2 nights' accommodation
6 vegetarian meals
3 workshops (all materials included)
morning yoga & access to lake, sauna and forest
Language: German and English
Hosts: Dörte Bundt (Artist) and Irene Biallowons (Founder of Bauernschloss e.V. and Yoga teacher)
Program
Friday, 11. September
Arrival & Getting to know each other
From 4pm: Arrival at Bauernschloss.
Check-in to the bungalows, free time by the lake, in the sauna or in the woods
5.30pm: Aperitif & getting to know each other
7pm: Vegetarian, wholesome 2-course dinner including wine by the lake
Saturday, 12. September
Mordanting · Dyeing · Batik
8am: Optional Yoga session in the tea house
9am: A shared healthy breakfast together
10am–12:30pm: Material research, dye plants & medicinal properties, preparing your first dye baths
12:30pm: Light lunch
2:30–5:30pm: Colour samples, modifications & batik wax-resist technique
7pm: A vegetarian, wholesome two-course dinner including wine by the lake
Sunday, 13 September
Ecoprint & Departure
8am: Optional yoga session in the tea house
9am: A shared healthy breakfast together
10am–noon: Bundle dyeing – create your own silk scarf with flowers and leaves incl. foraging walk through the forest
noon: Light lunch to round off the day, free time
3pm: Departure
You will take home a booklet with colour samples and notes + cotton cloths with individual ecoprint and batik pattern
**All workshops and meals take place outdoors by the lake. In case of bad weather, they are held in the spacious tea house overlooking the Bauernsee.
Time to Unwind
Between creative sessions, the surroundings invite you to slow down: a refreshing swim in the lake, relaxing hours in the garden sauna, yoga in the teahouse, or quiet walks through the early autumn forest.
You’ll also be treated to freshly prepared vegetarian meals – seasonal, mindful, and made with love.
Location + Arrival
Located approximately 50min from Berlin-Mitte, Bauernschloss e.V. is a passion project by a group of nature enthusiasts who are revitalizing a historic site at Lake Bauernsee in Grünheide, Brandenburg.
Since 2020, members of the association, along with friends and neighbors, have been collaboratively restoring historic buildings, caring for natural spaces, and creating an open place for culture, learning, and connection.
Getting there: By car, there is ample parking available on the grounds. By train, travel to Fangschleuse station, from where a pick-up by car can be arranged. (You can indicate your preference in the registration form.)
Map:
Accommodation
You will stay in one of the charming historic bungalows spread across the spacious grounds. All lakeside bungalows are simply furnished and offer the same standard of amenities. Both double-bed and twin-bed bungalows are available. Please choose your room preferences in the application form below.
In addition to the bedroom, each bungalow features a relaxation room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a private terrace overlooking the garden.
PRICE
Fr, 11. September - Sunday, 13. September 2026
Date
3 days, 2 nights
Duration
595 EUR incl. 19% VAT (295€ for the course plus 300€ for room and board)
Price:
Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive a confirmation email including an invoice. Payment plans are available through Klarna and Paypal.
We look forward to welcoming you at Bauernschloss!
Do you have any questions? Get in touch via hello@dortebundt.com
Your hosts
Dörte
Dörte is a Berlin-based textile artist working at the intersection of craft and contemporary practice. With over a decade of international experience, her work spans exhibitions, residencies, and educational formats across Europe and beyond. Her teaching combines technical knowledge with an intuitive, process-oriented approach to material and making.
Irene
Yoga teacher and co-founder of Bauernschloss e.V., Irene has spent years shaping this unique place as a space for community, culture, and restoration. She guides the daily yoga sessions, creating a calm and supportive framework for the retreat.
For further questions please write me an email: hello@dortebundt.com