Eco-Art Tourism European guidebook for social-aware exacting tourists by Szymon Surmacz

Eco-Art Tourism European

guidebook

for social-aware

exacting tourists

Discover cultural and

touristic diversity of V4 Region and Ukraine

travel Experience Not Buy

work meet people

co-operate

co-create

Welcome

to the intriguing ARTisTic

ALTerculture of the Visegrad Group Countries and Ukraine!

What comes to mind when you think about travelling to one of the Visegrad countries or Ukraine? Book a hotel in Prague, buy a cruise on Lake Balaton, catch last minute deals with Krakow hostels or get tempted by all-inclusive offers on the Black Sea… All the prospects could be attractive – and maybe they would give the most beautiful time of your life… BUT… there are other places – not necessarily listed in mainstream guides, sometimes even invisible on maps. If you let yourself go, they may turn out to be life’s real adventures! With ultra-friendly atmosphere, artistic spirit and nature-centred, down-to-earth approach they are a must-see for any alternative traveller. So… why not take a bath in a tub of clay and deal with cheeky goats on a self-sustainable farm? Or maybe – discover Far Eastern cultures in the heart of Europe while helping to create possibly the largest Psytrance festival in this part of the world? In this seemingly small guide you will find opportunities to discover yourself and your new passion – maybe even your new life path! HOW THIS GUIDEBOOK WORKS: We handed over to you this special Guide to Visegrad Group Countries and Ukraine. We focused on places chosen by the participants of the project: 2nd Visegrad Eco Youth Meeting: Eco-Art Tourism – Step Ahead. Coordinated by Foundation for the Support of Alternative and Ecological Cultures based in Stacja Wolimierz, Poland. Project was organized in cooperation with organisations from Visegrad Countries and Ukraine. The Guide contains of 15 alternative destinations: 3 places of each V4 Country and Ukraine. Every place was described in original perspective due to the fact that the guidebook is an effect of collective work of the participants of the youth exchange of young travellers, who met in Poland for the one month cultural-ecological project. BELOW THE DESCRIPTION YOU WILL FIND ALSO: • the distance to Visegrad capital cities or bigger cities near the place. • Contact information • Some hints about volunteering at the place SEE YOU AT CULTURAL CROSSROADS OF VISEGRAD GROUP COUNTRIES AND UKRAINE!

Autonomní Sociální

Centrum Klinika

CONTACT klinika@451.cz ADDRESS

Klinika is an autonomous community center located in the Žižkov

Jeseniova 60, Prague

neighborhood of Prague. In the winter of 2014, members of the collective announced their intentions to squat the abandoned medical clinic that is now Autonomní Sociální Centrum Klinika. Members of the community live and work here, devoting their energy to provide services to the surrounding area. Regular events and workshops include: multiple language classes, weekly vegetarian meals, a free store full of useful clothing, a garden, a day care center, a cafe, a concert hall, and art gallery. All services are offered on a donation basis, so people who aren’t able to pay can still benefit from the space. Klinika offers a guest room for travelers to stay for up to a week. They are welcoming towards people with skills who would like to contribute to their collective vision. The people who make up the collective are quiet and calm, keeping to their own projects frequently, but also friendly and helpful and knowledgeable about history, philosophy, carpentry, food preparation, and a host of other things. I hope you will make a visit to have some čaj in the kavarna if you make your way to Prague! 4

195 km to Budapest) 335 km to Wroclaw

145 km to Prague)

152 km to Wroclaw

Žijící skanzen

Žijící skanzen is an amazing open-air museum right at the polish-czech border at serene Jindrichovice village. Surrounded by forested Izerskie Mountains, it is a great place to relax, connect with wild local nature and… connect withbyour inner self in an ecolife way. You may discover here amazing environment, tucked inside the Czech forest, where you’ll take a have a break from the strict society rules. Ecobuilding construction with a natural lake, farming and permaculture garden. It‘s a good option If you want to have a rest and enjoy nature in a respectful way sharing the experience with open and friendly people.

CONTACT +420 605 345 467 ADDRESS 463 66 Jindřichovice 12

Zaježova

CONTACT ozzajezova@zajezka.sk hanna@zajezka.sk ADDRESS Zaježová Zajezova is a widely spread village located in Pliesovce in the

962 63 Pliešovce

county of Zvolen. The community of Zajezka creates projects with enthusiasm and the desire to live freely with a deep connection with nature. Some of their initiatives and activities include strawbale building, a non-formal forest kindergarten, a primary school, a food bank cooperative, dunkel therapy retreats and nature reserves protected by the municipality. The community has chosen the way of an alternative lifestyle over meaningless consumerism. They are inspired by the modest and self-sufficient life of their ancestors and also by modern trends like permaculture, natural building and the eco-village movement. The initiative Socrates Institute – despite being open mainly for Slovakian students – can be inspirational when looking to find such projects in your own country or other places. The aim of the institute is to create conditions for the development of young people who are not afraid to work on themselves, be responsible for their decisions and follow their visions. If your travel is limited by time, during the summer you can drop by for a festival on the Sekier Meadows – interesting for any open-minded human being in love with nature, art and music. 6

GPS: 48°27’31.2”N 19°13’14.5”E 225 km to Bratislava 145 km to Budapest

Drienok

CONTACT https://www.facebook.com /projekt.zivot/ ADDRESS

This magical gathering takes place over four summer days in

Mošovce, Slovakia

the shadow of the northern Slovakian mountains near the Great Fatra National Park. Drienok Festival, the largest cultural-natural event in this area, takes place in the village of Mošovce near Turčianske Teplice. Each year it is organized by a large private gathering of friends and sympathizers of Project Life. Drienok Festival! This festival is a lovely place for families with children. This large gathering will suprise you with a huge quantity of hand-made local products, (very!) delicious homemade products, naturally constructed objects, and much more… The program includes abundance of creative workshops – each focusing on one element (in Slovakian prvky: voda, vzduch, zem, oheň). Hear your inner voice, find the element that suits you best

230 km to Bratislava 225 km to Budapest

and stay open to loads of inspiration in art, crafts, music… even to learn the Esperanto language! The Drienok contribution for four days is 20 € (or 10 € per day), children under 15 and retired over 65 have free admission. Camping in the area: 4 € person / night including water, sewage and community fee. 7

Ekocentrum

pod lipkou

CONTACT ekocentrum.bylinka @gmail.com +421 908 405 703 ADDRESS:

When traveling through southern Slovakia it is

Hrušov 435

good to leave main road sometimes. If you risk

991 42 Hrušov

some off-road travel you will find yourself in Ekocentrum Bylinka pod Lipkou – a place created by the organisation OZ Campanula in the small village of Hrušov. If you are looking for know-how on environmental education, you are in right place! You can experience here a wide range of training courses and seminars under the guidance of experienced lecturers from Slovakia and abroad. Expect themes such as traditional techniques (Tradičné ľudové remeslá), materials, tools, plus… lectures about ancient crafts, permaculture, natural building, stories about nature…so let’s meet there and learn to compost! Their website is still in under construction, but on Facebook they quite often post and update information i.e. about courses. As our volunteer says: “there is a great work dynamic and really cool people. There is a space for your own invention and ideas!” 8

200 km to Bratislava 120 km to Budapest

O.Z.O.R.A. Festival

Ozora Festival is an unforgettable collective expe-

have to get in touch several months in advance in order

rience full of musical vibes and magical celebration.

to make sure you’ll get a place stay. It’s worth making

Each year this event grows as an alternative social ne-

the effort – in just over a week you will experience an

twork phenomena. Today this event of aesthetic ge-

awe-inspiring plethora of human activity.

nius looks to be the most beautiful psytrance festival in Central Europe.

Your experience of the festival and the stories you take home will be heavily dependent on where you choose

Regardless your art or expertise, you’ll find a place for

the camp. We make no suggestions but whether you

it at OZORA Festival. There are many projects focused

choose to be closer to dancefloor of the food stalls will

on music/visual/performative arts, nbut also – on gar-

shape your party. Travelling low-budget in this case mi-

dening, eco-building and animal care. However, you’ll

ght make volunteering the best option.

GPS: 46°46’12″N 18°26’12″E 140 km to Budapest

245 km to Bratislava

CONTACT info@ozorafestival.eu ADDRESS Dádpuszta, Hungary

230 km to Budapest)

350 km to Bratislava)

Gyürüfü Eco Village

From the very first moment of your stay in Gyürüfü Eco Village (Global Ecovillage Network member) you get the impression of being closer to reaching your inner harmony. You are surrounded by organically shaped streets, natural building materials, smell of the earth, birds and worms… It is just a beautiful sight to behold. Everywhere you would find yourself, people are doing something; creative, or domestic, adventurous or… simply not doing anything at all… It is not very surprising fact, when you discover that the place where it is happening differs from any ordinary settlement. Here, in the area situated in the southern hills of Zselic, a hillside range in Hungary, the word “waste” does not exist. The ecological, biological and chemical knowledge is applied in every aspect to better support the local environment. Creators of this place were attracted by the need to take responsibility for the nature and need to live in calmness without the noise of the big world.

CONTACT István Fridrich Head of the Municipal

They are open for the guests and volunteers, but there are some basic rules to

Government: 73-554410

follow if you would like to visit them (i.e leave your car in the parking zone and

+36 206655950

come to the village on foot or don’t go to private areas if you are not invited).

freddy@gyurufu.hu ADDRESS

Community members work and live their everyday lives – so they are not always

Helesfa-Gyurufu Pf.3

able to welcome unexpected guests. They show the village to groups – if you wo-

Gyurufu, H-7683

uld like to join, call beforehand. If you arrive alone they recommend you walk on the Saint László path – a path in the forest with stations where you can read about local flora and fauna (free to visit). 10

Hunza

Ecolodge

Love and passion for the whole of creation are an infinite source of inspiration for the founders of this ecotouristic nook. Situated in southern Hungary, where the goods from the Earth are uniquely various, this beautiful farm is open for volunteers and people with fervour which can be shared with hosts and other guests. After casting your eyes over the place you can be certain that they follow through on their philosophy: “Create a truly unique experience close to nature with all modern comfort”. Hunza Ecolodge is located bit off-road from the main tourist routes. It may seem that it would be difficult to find

CONTACT

a lot of experiences in the peacefull countryside. Nothing

Tel: +36 30 308 8968

could be more wrong! Near Hunza you will find many pla-

info@hunza-ecolodge.com

ces of particular character: a cultural-historical centre,

ADDRESS

a really cool city called Pécs (around 30 km away), Tur-

7394 Bodolyabér

kish, early Christian German, Austrian and Balkan cultural

Kossuth Street 3

influence visible to the smart observer, some small regio-

Baranya

nal festivals, many vineyards and natural paths with specific flora and fauna. Let’s meet around this colourful table in the company of

195 km to Budapest

200 km to Bratislava

a delicious bottle of vine! 11

Khata

Maysternya CONTACT: +380 96 554 8936 khatamaysternya@gmail.com ADDRESS: It is not so easy to reach this place. Also it is impossible to

Babyn, Ivano-Frankivs’ka

arrive here by comfortable car, so you need to trek. Luckily,

Oblast (province)

not too hard. After more than half an hour of walking with heavy bag through trails and paths of surrounding Hutsulshchyna National Park you see a small house in the mountains. Breathe in. Breathe out. Things are pretty great here. Here is a great view, here are amazing smiling people and here is well-ogranized location. And we are HERE… in Khata Maysternya. Khata Maysternya was created by volunteers only several years ago.Very quickly old house in mountains was transformed into thriving eco-art space. Here you will find everything you need for work: summer space for workshops outside (and also winter one inside!), projector and screen, audiosystem, wi-fi and also 5 rooms where 30 people can stay. Khata Maysternya takes good care of your senses: grass and mountains smell here in unusual way and tasty figs are like fresh milk in the morning. We tell ‘ya – in this place even faint whisper of trees inspires you to change the world. Let’s change it together! 12

593 km to Kiev 235 km to Lviv

Vedalife 541 km to Lviv

CONTACT

603 km to Lublin

+380 95 403 4311 vedalifemedia@gmail.com ADDRESS: Trukhanivska Street, 5 Truhanov Island, Kiev

The underground of Kyiv in the beginning of the Au-

ensure something for body (think of ‘sweet mountain’,

gust is dark and sad. I eagerly waited for my stop and

made of hundreds kilograms of halava -sweet Indian

kept yoga mat in hands. Today I had to cross the Dni-

fruit meal) and soul (think of mind-opening lectures of

pro walking across the bridge with view on the Kyiv’s

world-known spiritual teachers).

churches and parks and then additionally walk 20 minutes through dense forest. Suddenly there is a laugh

The festival Vedalife in Kyiv is bright and joyful. Bur re-

and rhythms of drums heard from far away and I feel

member, you cannot bring alcohol/drugs here. I eager-

sweet smell of sandal. The Vedalife festival is near.

ly wait for the next one and keep yoga mat in hands. Hhmm, happiness.

Vedalife is the biggest yoga and Veda culture festival in Ukraine. It is created by volunteers -which is why the feast is free to enter! Well, ok, – you should pay only for the sitting place in the tent, but the price is really symbolic. Are you the volunteering type? Great! It is actually possible to become a volunteer of the festival and see the process of action creation! The program of the festival is saturated. It includes yoga, Ayurveda massage, consultation of astrologist, music, carnival, flash mobs, Indian Leela game and art, mehndi tatoo and also kids-dedicated area. The event is full of colors, so don’t you dare to forget white T-shirt for colourful Holi procession. The festival prides itself to 13

Obyrok

CONTACT

Art Village

+380 67 230 6207 leonid.kanter@gmail.com ADDRESS Chernihivs’ka oblast,

If you are sitting in a noisy city with a piece of tasteless bread and

Ukraine,16514

think that it isn’t you place, come to art-village Obyrok. The history of deserted village started from the decision of one family to change their apartment in big city into cozy house near the nature. They found a peaceful, but neglected place and created their ‘land of dreams’, where people live surrounded by nature and art. Today Obyrok consists of 33 brightly painted authentic Ukrainian houses which were reconstructed by volunteers. It is not a desolated place anymore, but an area for artistic and recreational activities, schools, retreat, exhibitions, camps and meetings. Special place of the village is natural cinema – small area where it is possible to watch movies while lying or sitting on hay. Obyrok promotes healthy lifestyle. Guests are requested to adhere to the principle of „Don’t leave a trace” and not destroy nature. In the village you can take park in inspiring festivals: film festival, ‘Mother Africa’ festival, festivals of writers and painters and delicious Bread festival. Obyrok Art Village welcomes guests and volunteers from all over the world. They can stay in a small hostel located in wooden, 100-years old house. 14

233 km to Kiev

774 km to Lviv

CONTACT Via form on website ADDRESS Fundacja Cohabitat ul.Strzemińskiego 11/91

Cohabitat

93-218 Łódź

Have you ever dreamed about building your own bike,

During the summer of 2017 they started the Settle-

garden or even a house with open-source technology?

ment of Creators (Osada Twórców) project in a small

It IS possible, just keep reading! We present Cohabitat,

village called Marcinów near the city of Lodz. There

a powerful, inspiring non-governmental organisation

are plans for next edition. Stay tuned!

in the middle of Poland (also the geographical centre of Europe). Cohabitat inspires fans and followers who strive to live in accordance with nature and yourself by promoting and teaching eco-building techniques. As they state: „Cohabitat is a nationwide community of people, organizations and institutions that take responsibility for the space they live in.” Its members work to accelerate the development and of alternative building solutions that both improve the quality of people’s lives and contribute to the natural ecosystems.

135 km to Warsaw

300 km to Ostrava)

But Cohabitat’s activities are not just about building with straw, composting toilets or clay homes. Cohabitat is primarily a meeting. “People can be useful for the Planet Earth!” – we heard from Paweł Sroczynski, the founder of Cohabitat. “This organisation and project helped me to understand what it means exactly to change our attitude into more an eco-friendly lifestyle…” 15

Temple of

Sound

Temple of Sound is a space of high vibrations at eve-

Around the temple you’ll experience Nature at every

ry level. It is a place which offers a unique experience

step – going to nearby Lake Wdzydze for swimming

of transformation through music, sound, energy and

and exercise is one of our favourite morning routines.

dance. In the temple all food is cooked with love and

In this place most of all you have contact with nature.

respect for Mother Earth – so you can be assured that

The Temple of Sound is a healing place where conver-

not only your spirit, but also body will grow healthy.

sation means enjoying souls and silence.

370 km to Warsaw 85 km to Gdansk

CONTACT kontakt@swiatyniadzwieku.pl Huzy +48 503899194 Joana +48 609798069 16

ADDRESS Borsk, municipality of Karsin, Pomeranian

130 from Prague,

140 from Wroclaw, 300 from Berlin

Wolimierz station

CONTACT + 48 531 757 267 ADDRESS

In 1991 a group of young puppet actors came to the village Wolimierz

ul. Dworcowa 73

and started to live in destroyed, but beautiful village at the foot of the

59-814 Pobiedna

Izery Mountains. Young activists started Foundation and thanks to hard work, soon the ruined premises of the former train station turned into alternative ecology & arts center – Station Wolimierz. Abandoned rooms are turned into theater hall with a stage, gallery for exhibitions, café, guest rooms with facilities, space for art and music workshops; around the station: biodynamic garden, camp field and open places for creation and imagination…. Railway platform in front of the Station turned into open stage… and of course there are forests, meadows and mountains With the help of hundreds of friends and volunteers from all over the world, Station became a truly unique place in Poland. The fact that it is an authentic railway station explains its magical atmosphere. Everyone can come to the Station and get involved in its everyday life. To plan and create space, cook, organize events and share living space together Station exists on voluntary basis and intercultural environmental exchange… Here you can experience integration between local community and great artists, farmers and youth, volunteers from all over the world, circus performers, actors, musicians, travelers, good people… Like a magnet The Station attracts all those who dream of a better and more beautiful world without strict narrow-minded limits and rules.

Wolimierz

jezioro złotnickie

Leśna

zamek Czocha stankowice ...

the Unusual county

The subtle charm of Lesna county attracts fans of wild nature and intriguing culture. Green forests reflect in clear waters of Lesnianskie and Złotnickie Lakes, while Czocha Castle pinnacles emerge from dense pines, intiting you to the world of secrets. In small Wolimierz – one of Lower Silesia’s prettiest villages – awaits you magical world of art, music and dance… Do you need any more reasons to visit unusual Lesna county?

Niezwykła

Gmina Leśna Urok i subtelny czar gminy Leśna przyciągają miłośników bliskości z nieoswojoną naturą i intrygującą kulturą. Zielone lasy odbijają się w wodach Jeziora Złotnickiego i Leśniańskiego, a wyłaniające się z gęstwiny świerków sylwetki wież Zamku Czocha zapraszają do świata tajemnic. W niewielkim Wolimierzu – jednej z najpiękniejszych wsi Dolnego Śląska - tuż za rogiem czeka zaczarowany świat sztuki, muzyki i tańca... Czy trzeba więcej powodów, by odwiedzić niezwykłą Leśną? 18

Wolimierz

Festival

Wanna learn how to brew the best masala chai? How to perfect your yoga asanas? Or maybe how to teach your newborn child how to cherish sounds of music? Since almost 30 years Wolimierz — time-wrapped village in Izery Mountains allows you to do this… and so, so much more! Wolimierz Festival gathers every year thousands of eco-minded, art-oriented and freedom—seeking people from all over the world. They come with last days of July to Wolimierz Station — a 19th century train station turned into bohemian center of arts, where they feed imagination with colors, sounds and scents. You’re also welcome to stay here and discover phantasmagoria world of music, theater, dance and simple art of living. Sounds curious? Well, it IS! The Wolimierz Festival gathers the good energy from all-year lasting activities — which you are welcome to join during different volunteering programmes. It lasts 3 days and gives you plenty of opportunities to eat like crazy delicious vegan (but not only!) food, jump with the crowds during punk/ folk/ dub concerts and enter the world of puppet theater. If you feel like joining the colorful crowd and enjoy the flow of positive energy, do not miss the last weekend of July in Wolimierz Station! 19

Festiwal

w Wolimierzu

Jak zgotować sobie najlepszą herbatkę masala chai? Jak udoskonalić giętkość asan – pozycji jogi? Jak rozkochać noworodka w dźwiękach muzyki? Tego wszystkiego (i wiele, wiele więcej) dowiecie się, odwiedzając Wolimierz – wioskę w Górach Izerskich, która od prawie 30 lat wygląda, jakby zatrzymała się w innej, baśniowo - psychodelicznej czasoprzestrzeni. Coroczny festiwal gromadzi w tu tysiące ludzi z całego świata, którym bliska jest natura, ekologia, sztuka i wolność. Większość z nich przyjeżdża pod koniec lipca na Stację Wolimierz – XIX-wieczną stację kolejową, która przemieniła się w centrum sztuki pełne kolorów i dźwięków. Warto tu zostać, by zanurzyć się w fantasmagorie świata teatru lalek, całonocnych tańców i jednocześnie... prostego, wiejskiego życia. Brzmi intrygująco? No jasne! Festiwal w Wolimierzu kumuluje dobrą energię, gromadzoną w trakcie całorocznych programów i wydarzeń (czuj się zaproszony, by dołączyć do nich jako wolontariusz!). Zabawa trwa trzy dni, podczas których każdy może najeść się do syta wegańskim (ale nie tylko) jedzonkiem, wyskakać się do utraty tchu przy koncertach punkowych/folkowych/dubowych i poznać świat magicznego teatru lalek. Jeżeli kusi cię, by dołączyć do kolorowego tłumu i poczuć flow pozytywnej energii, nie przegap ostatnich dni lipca i Festiwalu w Wolimierzu! 20

CONTACT + 48 531 757 267 ADDRESS ul. Dworcowa 73 59-814 Pobiedna

Wolimierz the art of Relaxation

â&#x20AC;&#x17E;Relaxingâ&#x20AC;? can mean so many things nowadays. A simple word for one person means lazy layovers and sweet-doing-nothing. However, for others, preoccupied with office work and urban hectic life, it becomes something entirely different. If you want to have a proper rest from stress, simple, lazy holiday is not enough. One needs to make the best of those few days in order to efficiently escape everyday routine and engage both mind and soul with something new and unexpected. Our guests say that Wolimierz village perfected difficult art of relaxing. We do our best to save from oblivion and havoc the most humane things. The proximity of nature, work of our hands, creativity of village dwellers and serene countryside complement one another. Together they create unique mix, suitable for anyone in search of relaxation, inspiration and hidden talents development.

CONTACT + 48 502 554 352

Wolimierz

stowarzyszenie@wolimierz.org ADDRESS Wolimierz 59-814 Pobiedna

sztuka wypoczynku Wypoczynek w dzisiejszych czasach ma różnorodne zna-

Goście przyjeżdżający do naszej wsi, mówią, że w Wo-

czenie. Słowo, które jednym kojarzy się z biernym leże-

limierzu się to doskonale udaje. Staramy się tu ocalić

niem i „nicnierobieniem”, dla spędzających całe dnie w biu-

od zapomnienia i zniszczenia to, co najbardziej ludzkie.

rze i miejskim hałasie nabiera zupełnie innego znaczenia.

Bliskość natury, praca rąk, kreatywność mieszkańców

Chcąc odpocząć od stresu nie wystarczy dziś „wyjechać

i sielski krajobraz uzupełniają się nawzajem, tworząc

na urlop”. Trzeba umieć wykorzystać te kilka dni, w taki

unikalną mieszankę dla wszystkich, którzy szukają nie

sposób, by skutecznie oderwać się od codziennej ruty-

tylko relaksu, ale też inspiracji, rozwijania swoich twór-

ny, zająć ciało i głowę czymś nowym i niespodziewanym.

czych sił i odkrywania talentów.

Atelier

Wolimierz Atelier will shock you and change your idea of punk living. This vast concert and performance space is located in grafitti-covered concrete bunker only 100 metres from Wolimierz Station. Suprisingly, this harsh-looking, punk-inspired venue was created in 80% from… eco-friendly, utilized and recycled materials. Eco-Punk – ain’t it amazing?!? In Atelier you’ll meet loud, raw punk/techno/dub local musicians, rebelious DJs&sounsystems and… sparkling metal-art in making – all enveloped in intiguingly psychodelic dark industrial atmosphere. The place is run by two professional party animals: Konstancja and Frank. You’ll learn a lot from them: Konstancja runs inspiring textile workshops in her own studio, while Frank is a welding&metal-art badass artist .This improbable couple adds a healthy dose of craziness to every evening spent here, so make sure you check what they are up to!

CONTACT + 48 503 922 391 ADDRESS ul. Dworcowa 75 59-814 Pobiedna

Atelier Wolimierz szokuje i zmienia sposób patrzenia na luzacko-punkowski żywot wiejskiego artysty. To zaskakująco przestronne miejsce znajduje się w betonowym bunkrze, którego ściany krzyczą wszystkimi kolorami grafitti – zaledwie 100 metrów od tchnącej spokojem Stacji Wolimierz. Zaskakująco, to surowo wyglądające miejsce zostało stworzone w 80% z ekologicznych, recyklingowanych materiałów. Eko-Punk?!? Brzmi świetnie! W Atelier spotykają się na żywca głośni, nieokrzesani muzycy spod lokalnej bandery punk/ techno/dub, zbuntowani DJ-e i ich soundsystemy oraz trzaskająca zimnymi iskrami sztuka spawania i metal-artu. Wszystko – spowite gęstą, intrygująco psychodeliczno-industrialną atmosferą. Atelier Wolimierz prowadzą wspólnie Konstancja i Frank – dwa imprezowe zwierzaki, od których można się nauczyć niejednego! Konstancja z chęcią wprowadzi was w tajniki tkanin we własnym studio, podczas gdy Frank da wam (dosłownie) popalić podczas warsztatów spawalniczych/ art-metalowych. Właściciele Atelier Wolimierz dodają szczypty zdrowego szaleństwa do każdej spędzonej tu chwili – pamiętajcie więc, by sprawdzić, co słychać w ich eko-punkowym świecie! 25

Czocha Castle & the lake

Ghosts of nasty Nazis, secrets of soviet spies and enigmas of WW2 Enigma… they all await you in spooky Czocha Castle! This 13th century fortress, emerging from the shores of extremely photogenic Leśniańskie Lake is a must-see during and Lower Silesia trip. Its vast, cold chambers are unfortunately quite empty today, but still — their thick stone walls leave a place for imagination. During guided sightseeing you’ll discover narrow corridors, hidden exits and treacherous bed-traps — enough of places to feed your imagination with scarrry stories. But Czocha Castle is more than just Lower Silesia’s iconic medieval landmark. It is a monument that starred in at least 5 movies, hosted at least one polish president and about 300 adepts of magical arts. Don’t believe in the last one? Check the Quantorum — Witchcraft School website to join possibly the best RPG (role-playing game) in Poland! After wandering the Czocha chambers you’ll need to warm up a bit. To do this go down towards sandy shores of Leśniańskie Lake. Warm water, nice sand and lush forests all around make a good spot for Sunday relax. Bring your photo camera — views from here are stunning. To make best of it, head to the huge dam, that rises 35 metres above water level. Still hungry for inspiration? Drive to nearby Stankowice village, a place to find out what’s new in eco-building! Centre for sustainable building practices DOBRY DOM, run by locally known Moritz, is a space filled with workshops and ideas. You’ll learn here how to build with clay, mud and hay and learn the basics of eco-building. 26

CONTACT + 48 75 721 15 53 ADDRESS Sucha 59-820 Leśna

Zamek Czocha i Jezioro

Leśniańskie Duchy nieznośnych nazistów, sekrety sowieckich

i... dołączcie do najlepszej sesji terenowej RPG

szpiegów i enigmy maszyny szyfrującej Enigma z cza-

(role-playing games) w Polsce!

sów II Wojny Światowej… właśnie one czekają na nas w przerażającym Zamku Czocha! Ta XIII-wieczna

Po zwiedzaniu sal i komnat Czochy czas na od-

forteca, wynurzająca się ponad brzegi fotogenicz-

poczynek i ogrzanie się w ciepłym słońcu. W tym

nego Jeziora Leśniańskiego to punkt obowiązkowy

celu warto zejść na plażę nad Jeziorem Leśniań-

wyprawy po Dolnym Śląsku. Jej przestronne, zimne

skim. Czysta woda, miękki piasek i gęstwina le-

komnaty są niestety pustawe, ale grube, kamienne

śna z każdej strony sprawiają, ze miejsce ideal-

mury pozostawiają sporo miejsca dla wyobraźni. Pod-

nie nadaje się na niedzielny relaksik. Nie zapo-

czas zwiedzania zamku w towarzystwie przewodnika

mnijcie zabrać aparatu – okolice jeziora i zamku

odkryjemy wąskie korytarze, ukryte przejścia i pod-

są niebywale fotogeniczne! Aby wykorzystać ich

stępne łóżka - pułapki – ciekawostki, które nakar-

potencjał w pełni, udajcie się w kierunku potęż-

mią wyobraźnię wystarczającą ilością krwi i mordu...

nej, 35-metrowej tamy, która wznosi się nad ciche wody jeziora.

Jednak Zamek Czocha to nie tylko ikona średniowiecznego Dolnego Śląska, ale i uznana...gwiaz-

Nadal zadni przygód i inspiracji? Zajrzyjcie do pobli-

da (również) filmowa! Forteca występowała w co

skich Stankowic, gdzie dowiecie się sporo o ekolo-

najmniej pięciu filmach fabularnych (w ilu się po-

gicznym budownictwie. Centrum DOBRY DOM to

jawiała? Kto to zliczy..!), gościła co najmniej jed-

miejsce, gdzie ‘dobre praktyki budowlane i domy

nego Prezydenta RP i była domem około 300

wznoszone z gliny i słomy to chleb powszedni i spo-

adeptów sztuk magicznych. Jeżeli nie wierzycie

sób na życie. Zawiadujący warsztatami i eko-budo-

w to ostatnie, koniecznie odwiedźcie stronę in-

wami Moritz napełni Wasza głowę pomysłami na

ternetowa Quantorum – Szkoły Czarodziejstwa

nowy, lepszy DOM. 27

PL This guidebook was created by participants of international youth exchange. The project entitled “Eco-Art Tourism – Step Ahead. 2nd Visegrad Eco Youth Meeting” was co-funded by International Visegrad Fund and Leśna Commune in Poland. Crazy diversity of more than 30 young leaders, youth workers, volunteers, artists, filmmakers, handcrafts fans, jugglers, poets... met for a month long adventure in july 2017. Project took place at alternative art centre Stacja Wolimierz in Poland, and it gave participants space and tools to discover and share each other’s cultures (especially the Visegrad Countries and Ukraine cultures), gain useful, practical skills in entrepreneurship, arts, organizing large scale events, eco and art tourism, creative writing, graphic designing, marketing strategies...and as a result of it all to become researchers, co-authors and co-designers of this publication. Congratulations guys! The Visegrad Youth Meeting was organized by Foundation for the Support of Alternative and Ecological Cultures in cooperation with Kooperáció Egyesület (Hungary), Občanské sdružení Lunaria (Czech Republic), Youth for Equality (Slovakia), Academy of Ukrainian Youth (Ukraine) and NPO Resource Information Centre “Stellar Wind” (Ukraine).

For more information about the project please contact us: stepaheadvisegrad@gmail.com If you are interested in volunteering with us at Stacja Wolimierz, please contact us via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StacjaWolimierz/ or e-mail: jemiollka@o2.pl PUBLISHER Foundation for the Support of Alternative and Ecological Cultures (Poland) Stacja Wolimierz, ul. Dworcowa 73, 59-814 Pobiedna + 48 531 757 267 www.stacja.wolimierz.info.pl Coordination: Wiktoria Wiktorczyk, Jolanta Goździk, Aleksandra Jaszczyk Design/DTP: Szymon Surmacz Editors: Participants of project “Eco-Art Tourism – Step Ahead. 2nd Visegrad Eco Youth Meeting”. Editor-in-chief: Antonina Małowiecka “Eco-Art Tourism – Step Ahead. 2nd Visegrad Eco Youth Meeting” is co-financed by International Visegrad Fund Wydawnictwo dofinansowane ze środków finansowych Gminy Leśna