On the Avnø Peninsula, right on the Danish coast near Lundby in South Zealand, lies a place you won’t soon forget. What was a military base for decades is now Avno Oasis (Avnø Oasis): a growing eco-community and højskole where residents, volunteers, and visitors work together toward a regenerative way of life. Surrounded by a 21-hectare protected nature reserve, it features buildings full of character and a kitchen that operates according to macrobiotic principles.
Nature Travel Lab ambassador Sara visited Avno Oasis and made a video documentary about it. Her first impression: “This isn’t a vacation destination in the traditional sense. It’s an invitation to live a little differently.”
Avno Oasis is an ecovillage and folk high school (højskole) on the Danish coast, founded on the belief that living together mindfully is a skill that can be learned. The community combines three elements: a co-housing community for long-term residents, an educational center offering courses on ecological living and holistic health, and a network of regenerative projects and enterprises.
The site comprises over 6,000 m² of buildings—former military infrastructure that is gradually being transformed into living and learning spaces. Currently, about twenty pioneers live in the community, but there is room for seventy residents. In addition to permanent residents, volunteers, students, and short- and long-term guests are welcome.
Avnø Oasis is neither a hotel nor a typical B&B. As a guest, you briefly become part of the community’s daily life. You’ll eat at the communal table, stroll through the grounds past the permaculture garden and the coast, and have the opportunity to attend workshops or activities. It’s a conscious choice for those who want to escape consumer society for a while (and see how things can be done differently).
The property borders directly on a protected nature reserve with a coastline. Hiking, birdwatching, and biking right from your doorstep are among the daily activities available. Research shows that households in Danish eco-villages have a carbon footprint that is 30 to 50 percent lower than the Danish average. At Avnø Oasis, this isn’t just a statistic—it’s everyday reality.
The site offers a wide range of shared spaces designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and well-being:
Avnø Oasis is also an accredited folk high school (højskole). It is a typical Scandinavian institution for personal development and non-formal education. As a guest, you can participate in courses and workshops on topics such as permaculture, sociocratic decision-making, nonviolent communication, yoga, mindfulness, and holistic health.
Here, learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom. The daily morning circle at 9:00 a.m., the communal meals, and the weekly sharing circle on Sunday evenings are just as much a part of the curriculum. These are moments when the community comes together, listens, and renews itself.
Nature Travel Lab ambassador Sara visited Avnø Oasis and documented her experiences in a video documentary. She spoke with residents, shared a meal at the communal table, walked through the permaculture garden, and filmed daily life on the grounds.
What touched her most wasn’t the inspiring infrastructure or the beautiful coastal setting, but the people: “You quickly realize that everyone here has consciously chosen this way of life. That creates an energy you feel the moment you walk in.”
Avnø Oasis attracts a diverse crowd, but has a distinct character. It is a place for people who:
Can I visit Avnø Oasis as a day or weekend guest?
Yes. Avnø Oasis welcomes recreational guests for shorter stays. This is a great way to get to know the community before you decide to stay longer or apply to become a volunteer or resident. Please contact us in advance to discuss availability and terms.
What is the difference between an ecovillage and a regular campground or B&B?
At an ecovillage like Avnø Oasis, you’re not a passive guest—you participate in community life. There’s no room service or front desk, but there’s a table where everyone eats, a garden that everyone helps tend, and a calendar full of activities you can join on a voluntary basis. It’s a deliberately different experience: more connection, less service.
Is Avnø Oasis suitable for children?
Absolutely. The community is explicitly designed to be a home for families as well. There’s a play area for children, and families with young children currently live there. Children who attend school in the surrounding area are simply part of daily life on the grounds.
What does macrobiotic cooking involve?
Macrobiotic cooking is based on the principle of balance: food is prepared with an emphasis on seasonality, local sourcing, and the interplay between ingredients. At Avnø Oasis, the food is organic, 97 percent plant-based, and a vegan option is always available. It is flavorful, nutritious, and mindful.
How far is Avnø Oasis from Copenhagen?
Avnø Oasis is located in South Zealand, about 90 to 100 kilometers from Copenhagen (depending on the route). By train, you can travel to Lundby and cover the last 8 kilometers by bike or taxi. By car, it’s about an hour’s drive from Copenhagen.
Hey! I'm Sara. My goal is to inspire people to explore all the possibilities for living more sustainably. I travel around Europe, visiting communities, off-grid locations, and households where sustainability plays a role. At each location , I work as a volunteer so I can immerse myself in the experience and paint an authentic picture.
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