This unique opportunity allows travellers to become a Potato Hotel Volunteer in Germany at the country’s only Potato Hotel and restaurant in Wendland, in the eastern part of the Lüneburger Heide in Lower Saxony. The hotel is run by a friendly community of potato lovers who grow potato varieties from around the world, create delicious dishes and share their favourite recipes with guests.
It is an ideal setting for people who want to gain hospitality experience abroad while improving their German. The team welcomes friendly, open-minded and flexible people who enjoy meeting guests and working with an international community. Anyone helping in the restaurant should already have some basic knowledge of German.
Tasks & Roles
As a Potato Hotel Volunteer in Germany, there is a wide variety of work, depending on the needs of the hotel and the volunteer’s interests. Tasks can include helping prepare breakfast, assisting with restaurant service, housekeeping and general cleaning. Support is also needed in the garden and potato fields, where rare varieties are grown and cultivated.
The hotel is heated with wood, so volunteers may also help with chopping firewood and felling trees. Those with an interest in cooking are especially welcome, particularly if they have interesting potato recipes or enjoy trying new dishes in the kitchen.
The role is suited to people who are hardworking, reliable and willing to adapt to different tasks. It also provides useful practical experience for anyone interested in pursuing a career in hospitality.
Living & Getting There
Volunteers have a whole house dedicated to them and stay in hotel-style rooms with several beds. Food and drinks are provided at the restaurant, and vegetarian meals can also be accommodated. Once a week, a German teacher visits to provide language lessons, giving a Potato Hotel Volunteer in Germany another opportunity to develop their communication skills.
The hotel is around 4 km from the town of Lüchow, and bicycles are available for volunteers to explore the surrounding area. Car trips to Lüchow can often be arranged, with occasional journeys to Dannenberg, Hitzacker and Lüneburg, all of which have attractive historic town centres.
Wendland is well connected to several major German cities, with Berlin, Hamburg and Hannover all around two hours away. The nearby River Elbe is also worth exploring, particularly for those interested in Germany’s history and the former division between East and West Germany.
What else
Volunteers are encouraged to make the most of their free time and explore the local area. Previous helpers have created a book of ideas for activities, including cycling and walking routes, local attractions and bus trips. New volunteers are welcome to add their own suggestions and experiences.
The hotel attracts guests and potato enthusiasts from around the world, so a Potato Hotel Volunteer in Germany should be tolerant, sociable and comfortable in an international environment. The experience offers a chance to practise German, learn more about hospitality and enjoy life in a distinctive part of northern Germany.
Live Abroad Opportunities
- Volunteer on a Community Farm (Italy)
- Volunteer in a Guesthouse near Fukuoka City (Japan)
- Experience Life as an Au Pair (Germany)
- Volunteer at a Gardens and Retreat Centre (Canada)
- Become Part of Our Hospitality Team (Canada)
Blog Posts
- A Beginner’s Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Spain
- Are You Too Old to Travel?
- How to Volunteer for Free Accommodation
- Volunteering in Hostels: A Guide to Opportunities
- The English Speaker’s Guide to Teaching and Living in Spain
Destination Guides
HelpStay Work Exchange Categories
- Animals & Environment
- Backpacker Hostels & Hospitality
- Building & Restoration Projects
- Farming & Homesteads
- Community Betterment
- Teaching & Language
- Yoga Travel Jobs