FAQs
Do you Sell 1 day, mid week, or local Tickets?
We do not. This is something we have tried in the past but have chosen against it for multiple reasons. The main reason we don’t is that besides the purpose of gathering around a shared love of craft, one of the leading purposes of Von Hand Festival is to connect to each other, ourselves and nature. We find it is most in service to our onsite community to have as few coming and going persons as we can. The continuity of people allows for deeper connections, and a clearer sense of safety for attendees to show up as themselves. Offering a weekend ticket has been compromise to accommodate those that cannot come for the whole event. I hope you understand and that you will consider joining for the whole festival.
Do I have to take Workshops?
No! We offer the workshops for those that want to learn something new or deepen their experience within a craft. The festival is about connecting to self, community, and our surroundings through craft. We encourage folks to bring projects they are working on. Hang out and craft! Attending workshops is like a bonus!
Can children attend?
We strive for Von Hand to be an intergenerational event and know that the current dates are difficult for children to join. (Von Hand 2024 is scheduled for July 29th-August 4th)
If you able to bring your family we would love to welcome children to the event. You can book child and youth tickets here.
Everyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Workshops for children & youth?
We will consider offering more youth classes over the week dependant on the need. Attendance of other workshops by youth will be up to the discretion of the instructor. You can check in every workshop what the age limit is. Any child under 14 will need their guardian in or at the class with them. If you have any questions please contact us - info@vonhandfestival.com.
What should I bring?
We have a full packing list here: PACKING LIST
In Case of Cancellation
In the case of a cancellation on your part we can refund the amount paid for tickets and workshops minus a 5% processing fee up to a maximum of 14 days before the festival starts.
Unfortunately, it is still associated with a certain risk to organize such a festival. We are confident that everything can take place as planned. However, we cannot exclude that we might have to cancel or postpone a workshop, or in the worst case scenario the festival, at short notice. Should this be the case, we will of course refund the amount for your already booked tickets and courses. However, we ask for your understanding that in this case we have to retain 5% processing fee in order to be able to reverse transactions.
We appreciate your cooperation.
What if I don’t speak the language?
Our instructors come from more than 6 countries this year so most will be teaching in English, and festival communications are in English.
We know it is intimidating if you don’t speak/understand much english or other language the instructor speaks, but we would like to take some of the fear out of you if you are concerned about not understanding them. Even with just a few words or no words at all, it quickly becomes clear what to do with manual work. So you will be able to communicate with your hands and feet perfectly. And so we come to a full circle to the name of our festival, “Von Hand”.
For help on the website we suggest downloading the Google Translate extension and you can translate every page right on our website.
Will there be tools & items for sale?
Tools
Most workshops provide all the tools and materials needed.
If you would like to purchase tools we are arranging a small tool shop to be available on site. Thus far we have a small batch of gouges & hook knives from Karlsson Tools, some turning hooks from Oliver Klotzek, and hopefully some axes by Julia Kalthoff (sold by Beth Moen).
Friday Evening we will have a tool and materials Flea Market. Everyone is welcome to bring old or unused tools or craft materials to barter, sell or trade.
Products for sale
During the week we may have a small market set up where instructors can offer their wares throughout the week.
On Sunday we will have a community market. Anyone is welcome to offer their items for trade or sale.
There may be some tools for sale at this time, but we cannot guarantee. Tools will mostly be included for all classes, though you are encouraged to bring your own if you have them.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes! We are happy that at our new site dogs are welcome. They must stay on leash. Please be aware there is one onsite dog (an other farm animals) that is cared for by the resident family
WIFI & Cell Service
The main building will have wifi available for those that need it.
Cell service is a little spotty on site but should work well at the parking site.
Will food be available?
Vegetarian meals, with vegan options, will be prepared and served by the staff at Burg Waldeck. You must pre-book your food ticket for the week, but if you are just attending the weekend you can pay per meal on site.
How do I get there?
The festival held at:
Arbeitsgemeinschaft Burg Waldeck e.V.
Burg Waldeck 1
56290 Dorweiler
Directions: https://www.burg-waldeck.de/tagungshaus/wegbeschreibung/
or Enter “Castle Waldeck 1, 56290 Dommershausen” in GPS.
What is the schedule?
7:30 Yoga with Daniel (depending on interest - time might change! or be in the evening)
8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast
9:00 Morning Circle for Announcements/Stretching/etc. (Please arrive on time! Bring what you need if you are taking a workshop in the morning!)
9:20 Workshops Start
13:00-14:00 Lunch Break
14:00 Workshops Start
17/18:00 Workshops End
17:30/18:00 Demo’s, Tool Flea Market, etc.
18:30/19:00 Dinner & Self Service Bar Open (sharp tools away!!!)
20:00 Talks, Presentations, Songs & Stories & Hanging around the fire.
22:00 Site quiet hour. Everyone is welcome to stay by the fire to talk, sing, share stories, but we ask for a reduced volume to respect those going to sleep - including the venue family hosts.
Outside of courses we will have time spent around the fire, games, demonstrations, and time to hang out and craft. You are not required to take any workshops or could take one during every slot!
Are there Showers?
Yes! Burg Waldeck offers the luxury of hot (or cold!) showers whenever you need them! Please bring our own soaps.