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Avno Oasis: Staying in an eco-community on a former Danish military base
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.”
What is Avno Oasis?
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.
What makes staying at Avnø Oasis so special?
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.
Facilities and spaces on the grounds
The site offers a wide range of shared spaces designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and well-being:
Permaculture Garden: Growing Your Own Food and Regenerative Agriculture in Practice
Macrobiotic community kitchen: three meals a day, organic, and 97% plant-based
Art Space: For Creativity and Self-Expression
Library: for study, reflection, and quiet
Gym: a shared space for exercise and physical health
Sewing Studio: Repairing and Creating Clothing
Play area for children: the community is also a home for families
Avnø Højskole: Learning as Part of the Stay
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.
Sara’s Visit: From the Outside In
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.”
Who is a stay at Avnø Oasis suitable for?
Avnø Oasis attracts a diverse crowd, but has a distinct character. It is a place for people who:
Being curious about alternative ways of living and housing
Want to learn more about permaculture, macrobiotic eating, or sociocratic living?
Seeking peace, reflection, and nature in a non-commercial setting
Consider joining the community as a volunteer, student, or long-term guest
Want to discover sustainable Denmark beyond the tourist trails?
Practical Information
Location: Flyvervej 10, 4750 Lundby, Denmark (South Zealand), Avno Oasis
Accessibility: Take the train to Lundby (8 km from the community); personal transportation is recommended
Meals: Three organic, mostly plant-based meals per day provided by the communal kitchen (meal fee: DKK 2,000/month for those aged 12 and older)
Contact: info@avno.org or +45 45 57 15 00
Frequently Asked Questions About Avnø Oasis
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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A really beautiful six-day hike from Bologna to Florence. Communication with NatureTravelLab and the local agent was excellent. The information packet was waiting for us at the hotel in Bologna, and the app with the route worked great. Luggage transport was well organized every day, and our bags were waiting for us each time we arrived at our new room! We covered more than 1,400 meters of elevation gain, but unfortunately didn’t always get the views we’d hoped for due to cloud cover and some drizzle. Most days had great hiking weather. It was wonderful to walk into Florence on foot and stay there an extra day.
We experienced the Walk of the Gods as a great adventure. Our start in Bologna didn’t go quite as planned because our app wasn’t working yet and we couldn’t find a single sign for Via degli Dei in the square. Fortunately, we were quickly able to join two young hikers from Florence who were also doing the hike. After a wonderful night’s stay at the beautiful Rio Verde agritourism farm, Day 2 went much better with the help of the hiking app. Along the way, we enjoyed stunning views, met some great fellow hikers, and sampled delicious local dishes. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t always on our side, and we had a day of heavy rain, which made the trail very slippery and required us to be careful. It’s a real treat when, on the last day, you can already see Florence in the distance and walk into this beautiful city a few hours later. Thank you so much for your quick and friendly responses to all our questions.
We enjoyed the trip. We also made some changes to our itinerary, and the email correspondence went very smoothly. We started in Mantera; the next day, our first and only hike was a really beautiful one. The taxi picked us up right on time. Unfortunately, the second day’s route was almost the same when we cycled to Ostuni. The bikes were well-maintained, including panniers and helmets (these were simply included). You could even bring your own water bottle!!! We found the route very scenic and varied. There were charming little villages where we could stop for lunch or coffee. The app worked great. All the hotels ranged from good to excellent, though we didn’t think the hotel in Leuca was worthy of 4 stars. We followed your advice for the two nights we stayed there. We found Leuca a bit underwhelming for a two-day stay. We would have preferred to stay in Gallipoli or Lecce for two days. We took this trip in April and were very lucky with the weather. It’s still a quiet time of year, but we didn’t mind that. We definitely recommend it!!!
Thanks to a great tip from Nature Travel Lab, we had a wonderful week in Italy. Fattoria di Maiano, just outside Florence, was a beautiful and peaceful place. And the suggested road trips were a great guide for exploring the region. We’ll definitely check here for tips for our next vacation, too. Highly recommended!
We spent a divine week in Italy: we walked the Path of the Gods, from Bologna to Florence—about 135 km spread over 6 days of hiking. Challenging distances and climbs, amazing views, nature, and a warm welcome every time we arrived at the agriturismo or albergo/hotel. All of this was perfectly organized by the Italian company Slow Active Tours, entirely in line with Nature Travel Lab’s itinerary proposal: upon arrival in Bologna, an information packet was waiting for us, complete with a hiking map, a booklet, and passports for the stamps. And the hiking app was very practical for along the way! Our luggage was transported every day and was always waiting for us when we arrived at the next location. Communication was smooth and clear. In short, highly recommended, well worth it, and well-organized.
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Slovenia was absolutely amazing. A beautiful country, friendly people, lovely hiking trails, and truly top-notch hotels. The staff at the local organization were also very easy to reach and helpful. The hiking was manageable. As Dutch people, we’re not used to high altitudes, of course, so it was pretty tough at times. But it was also a lot of fun.
We had a wonderful trip. Everything was well organized. Due to an unfortunate fall, I ended up traveling with my luggage for a day, but that was handled well, too. We really liked all the accommodations. Only the Hotel Hebe in St. Piero a Sieve was a little less impressive, but it was still okay.
Looks fantastic! I'm definitely going to book a trip with this company... they're committed to sustainability and personalized advice. Definitely worth it.
Madelon and her team are true experts. Thanks to their years of experience and passion for travel, they manage to surprise us time and time again.
Beautiful hikes, the most picturesque spots—it’s a real treat.
I highly recommend them!
Nature Travel Lab provided us with very helpful and honest assistance!
If you’re looking for travel itineraries, the most beautiful hikes, and destinations, you can find it all here. You’ll find endless inspiration for your next trip. Beautiful cities are interspersed with nature. You’ll find everything you need to know about practical matters. Plus, there are plenty of tips for sustainable travel. That way, you’ll get the most out of your trip.
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