May 24th, 2023:
Welcome to the triumphant return of Summerwhite, your annual music, arts, and consciousness experience. After a two-year hiatus, we invite you back to the heart of the breathtaking 900-year-old Burg Dürnstein in der Steiermark for an unforgettable six-day journey.Organized by the Young Americans Club, a non-profit recognized by the EU, Google, and Microsoft and listed on the U.S. Embassy's website, Summerwhite continues to offer a transformative journey unlike any other. This year, we're back, more vibrant than ever, showcasing our most inspiring line-up yet: Chris Magerl, the soulful tunes of Esther Music, the dynamic performances of Wooded Cabin, Steve Loren & the Fizzers, The Kella and Peter Pikl. Summerwhite is so much more than music. Wake up every morning with fitness training, yoga, and meditation. Expect to explore inspiring workshops including Persian dance, ballet, photography, painting, drawing, acting, TaKeTiNa, eyegazing, engaging massage sessions, comedic performances, artistic immersions, and savor delicious meals (always vegan or with a vegan option), all designed to nourish every aspect of your being, built on the philosophy of quadrinity. Summerwhite is not just a gathering; it's an extraordinary annual life experience that promises to be the highlight of your year.
Join us for this special year, the final edition curated by our founder, Aryo Winterblack. Embrace the unique opportunity to be one of only 50 participants in our transformative journey, and become a part of the enduring Summerwhite legacy.
Sponsored by Red Bull, Summerwhite 2023 eagerly awaits you: JULY 11th - JULY 16th, 2023. For questions and reservations, email [email protected] or click here.
Welcome to the triumphant return of Summerwhite, your annual music, arts, and consciousness experience. After a two-year hiatus, we invite you back to the heart of the breathtaking 900-year-old Burg Dürnstein in der Steiermark for an unforgettable six-day journey.Organized by the Young Americans Club, a non-profit recognized by the EU, Google, and Microsoft and listed on the U.S. Embassy's website, Summerwhite continues to offer a transformative journey unlike any other. This year, we're back, more vibrant than ever, showcasing our most inspiring line-up yet: Chris Magerl, the soulful tunes of Esther Music, the dynamic performances of Wooded Cabin, Steve Loren & the Fizzers, The Kella and Peter Pikl. Summerwhite is so much more than music. Wake up every morning with fitness training, yoga, and meditation. Expect to explore inspiring workshops including Persian dance, ballet, photography, painting, drawing, acting, TaKeTiNa, eyegazing, engaging massage sessions, comedic performances, artistic immersions, and savor delicious meals (always vegan or with a vegan option), all designed to nourish every aspect of your being, built on the philosophy of quadrinity. Summerwhite is not just a gathering; it's an extraordinary annual life experience that promises to be the highlight of your year.
Join us for this special year, the final edition curated by our founder, Aryo Winterblack. Embrace the unique opportunity to be one of only 50 participants in our transformative journey, and become a part of the enduring Summerwhite legacy.
Sponsored by Red Bull, Summerwhite 2023 eagerly awaits you: JULY 11th - JULY 16th, 2023. For questions and reservations, email [email protected] or click here.
Summerwhite 2023
Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 - Sunday, July 16th 2023
What is Summerwhite?
In short, Summerwhite is Europe's smallest and most-exclusive annual music & arts experience which takes place in a 900 year-old Austrian (Styrian) castle. But don't let that confuse you; Summerwhite is much more than that. It may seem like an innocuous mistake to assume it merely a party in a castle, but that is an inaccurate and inadequate descritpion that does not reflect the truth. Think of it as Burning Man meets SXSW meets Flipside while living in a 900 year-old castle in the Austrian alps for six days. So what is it? Summerwhite—much like Burning Man—is not just another stereotypical festival. It is a curated experience where each attending individual is not just a guest merely there to consume and to be pampered, but rather a participant, bringing their unique individuality to co-create something extraordinary and magical together. Each individual is a “Baustein”—or a building block—of the collective, overarching phenomenon we’ve come to know and love as "Summerwhite." It is a non-profit event that celebrates creativity, imagination, composition, consciousness, beauty, and the contrasts in life. Unlike Burning Man, we only have four principles known as the Quadrinity, Body, Soul, Intellect, and the Emotional Self. Why "exclusive?" Summerwhite is first and foremost about the people who attend it. Burning Man has its “10 Principles,” and if you don’t adhere to them or embrace their philosophy, you are deterred from admitting. Similarly, we are very protective of the experience we have created (read: curated) over the years, and we understand that the most important aspect of this experience is the audience—the unique individuals that make up the experience and of whom the experience is comprise. We want bold individuals who have a story to tell, people who can add value to the experience, not detract from it. We want open, like-minded, kind-hearted human beings who are on the same wavelength in life. That’s why we call Summerwhite exclusive, even though we radically foster inclusion. More info? Summerwhite is a beautiful experience few have experienced the likes of, and above all an experience that started spontaneously yet is now bigger than any single one of us. Our common home is a 900 year-old castle overlooking the Styrian-Carinthian border and surrounded by mesmerizing, breathtakingly beautiful nature. During the days we listen to some of the world’s loveliest acoustic music, while chilling in the sun, some of us playing games, doing yoga, attending drawing and art workshops, doing experiments on gratitude and happiness or simply lying lazily in the grass reading books, with the sun caressing our bodies and the music our souls. Summerwhite is a mecca for artists. There are workshops that make you think critically and question life, there is a certified masseur pampering you if you need a massage, morning yoga sessions, fitness workshop by certified trainers and weight lifters, conversations that will make you a better human being, bands playing music, world-renowned stand-up comedians making your eyes teary from laughter, delicious, organic food homemade in our castle kitchen, clean alpine air and water from the Austrian Alps, and unforgettable conversations around the bonfire in the castle courtyard. Summerwhite is an experience the likes of which you have never experienced. The Location The castle that we have the honor and the privilege of inhabiting for four days is 900 years old, in the beautiful Styrian Alps. It is majestic and magnificent; it demands desire and commands respect. It bestows the heavy burden of being the best version of yourself. Bring your favorite bottle of scotch or wine, wear your most beautiful articles of clothing you possess, bring anything that you think would add to the experience. This is something magical, wholly inexplicable, too intricate and elusive to be described, too convoluted for words. A shared community with every single meal prepared by ourselves, deep connections to yourself and the rolling hills and mountains, and new discoveries both in the material life as well as in your respective journey as a human being. “Participate and immerse, don't spectate or observe.” The focus is predominantly on interaction, art installations, performances, workshops, and participation while constantly being caressed by music. Furthermore, we are very protective of our mother earth and therefore leave no trace of our existence behind. We are (sadly) one of the only festivals in the world that actually recycle paper, glass, plastic, and metal separately. We only serve a few meals that are not entirely vegan, and there is always a vegan option available for those who are strict vegans. All the food is organic and freshly prepared by the individuals who attend the experience. The very premise of Summerwhite is not simply locking yourself in a beautiful medieval castle and having a good time. Rather, it’s about something far more elusive and intricate: it’s about redefining the very notion of artistic consciousness, and the ephemeral, fleeting experience of being young while drastically increasing your cognitive environment. It’s about indulging and spoiling yourself because you’re inherently valuable and invaluable, at the same time. It is an unforgettable experience. We look forward to seeing you at the castle, our common home. The castle is calling; will you need the call? |
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line-up
Headliner
Steve Loren & The fizzers
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In the subterranean corners of Graz, Steve Loren & The Fizzers have been crafting music in harmony for six years, or perhaps six weeks, depending on one's perspective. The elements of the band have steadily coalesced over sporadic intervals, in the process shaping their unique sound. Drums, bass, percussion, guitar, and another guitar converge to create a robust alternative rock, leaving an endearing, lingering note. Their musical spectrum spans the gamut, from boisterous to serene, funky to ethereal, reflected in the eclectic repertoire of Their compositions. Steve Loren & The Fizzers are, simply put, about music and everything it brings along. It is a commitment they uphold both in name and on the stage. Steve Loren & The Fizzers will be playing on July 15th 2023 at 21:00.
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Wooden cabin & the joiners
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Wooden Cabin: In their cryptic and playful lyrics you are able to dive into a swamp of freedom, serenity and the ever recurring search for new paths which so often lead back to their homeland, the Styrian Tuscany. A place soaked in pleasure and abundance, with people from the working class, the middle class and the elite. This social diversity provides the perfect breeding ground for friction and discourse, as well as for creativity, art and music. Wooden Cabin mixes classic rock, folk and hip-hop beats with rhythm and blues and creates pop music that cannot be assigned to any specific time period. The two-part harmony is reminiscent of the Everly Brothers or Simon & Garfunkel and still has nothing to do with it. Despite the diverging backgrounds of the six band members, the different inclinations unite in a golden mean of indie rock and alternative.
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The Joiners: Every cabin needs a foundation to stand safe and stable in the ground. Alexander Lill, Fabian Huss (electric guitars), Felix Hirschmuggl (keys) and Joachim Dopplinger (drums) are forming the base for a fiery live music experience and they are standing like a rock in the surf behind the two part harmony of Tobi and Alex. Wooden Cabin and The Joiners, joined together!
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THe Kella
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We are proudly Introducing The Kella, a Funk/Rock band rooted in Graz! What began as a casual jam group has evolved into a dedicated ensemble, sharing their music with audiences near and far. Having had the opportunity to perform at esteemed venues including City Peach, Explosive, Sub, and now Summerwhite, they are very happy to perform and cherish every moment on stage, especially the connection they create with their listeners.
Nestled in the heart of Graz, The Kella's studio serves as their creative haven, a place where they continually explore new sounds and refine their craft. They are very excited by the opportunity to add vocal and instrumental devices to their setup, allowing them to experiment and grow as musicians. While The Kella enjoys crafting their own original songs, they also find joy in paying homage to the music that has inspired them. Their reinterpretations of beloved classics are a testament to their appreciation for the art form and their desire to share their unique perspective with others. Collaboration is at the core of The Kella's musical journey. They find immense fulfillment in joining forces with fellow musicians, like Steveloren and the Fizzers and are always seeking new avenues for exploration and creativity. With sincere gratitude, The Kella invites you to join them on their musical adventure. They hope to touch the hearts of listeners and create an atmosphere of joy and connection through their spirited blend of Funk and Rock. Stay tuned for updates on their upcoming gigs and experience the warmth that the Kella brings to their performances. The Kella will be playing at Summerwhite on July 13th 2023 at 6 PM. |
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Chris magerl
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We're excited to announce that Chris Magerl will be performing again this year at Summerwhite, for the fourth time. Chris Magerl used to be the singer and guitarist of the Austrian punk bands “Sick of Silence” and “Once Tasted Life.” With his bands he did several tours across Europe and Canada, played big festivals such as the Sziget Festival in Budapest and opened shows for bands like “the Bloodhound Gang,” “The Subways” or “Millencolin”— only to name a few.
In 2002 the British magazine “KERRANG!” wrote: “their brand of politically aware, animal rights-evangelising throat- shredding hardcore is possibly the most interesting thing in Austrian music right now.” Chris Magerl released his solo debut in 2008. After tours through Eastern Europe and the UK and shows with Scott Matthew, Kevin Devine and Frank Turner his album was sold out and Chris Magerl released a follow-up record entitled “Places”. His touring also included a concert at the forensic psychiatric hospital in Graz in summer of 2015. His 2016 EP “Sketches of the City” is a concept album about the singer’s hometown. Chris Magerl’s music can be described as a bridge between very slow and melancholic tunes and energetic, rocking songs that lay the foundation for very poetic and picturesque lyrics that tell stories about people’s everyday lives. In 2019 Chris Magerl also started playing with a full band again and named it “Chris Magerl and the Burning Flags”. Their new album was released in 2020. He will be performing his new singles as well as songs from his new album at the sixth annual Summerwhite experience on Thursday, July 13th, 2023 at 22:00. |
Peter pikl
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As a messenger of resonating images and stories, Peter Pikl captivates with a spectrum of songs that range from gentle sunrises to passionate outbursts of anger.
Just as diverse as life itself, he invites the listener to relate with and feel one's own inner voice and story. Following his debut album "Pure," recorded in New York, he presents his follow-up work, "Way Home," not only in the format of a classical concert, but also on the streets of his travel routes, in intimate living room concerts, during yoga classes, at festivals, or wherever people are willing to be touched by his heartfelt music. We are all on our journey! Every time we allow ourselves to be touched by this moment and let goosebumps and tears be our guide, we are one step closer to our true home. |
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Peter will also be holding TaKeTiNa and Eye-Gazing workshops at Summerwhite 2023. TaKeTiNa: TaKeTiNa brings the primal force of rhythm, which permeates all life, into tangible existence through your body, voice, and entire being. It is both a self-exploration and a group process. Your body is the instrument. We construct multilayered rhythms using steps, claps, and call-and-response chants that induce trance-like states and expand consciousness, while also grounding and promoting presence. TaKeTiNa provides a supportive space where you can explore at your own pace, free from judgment, expectations, obligations, and external pressures. You have the autonomy to choose from completely emerging with all our physical activities to free dancing to simply laying down and listening to this rhythmic journey. It's your choice. It's a space where you can observe how you interact with yourself. What happens when you struggle and fall out of sync with the rhythm? What happens when others can do it effortlessly while you can't? What happens when you let go of past fears and simply sing along and embrace this moment? Feel invited to examine the chatter in your mind and lovingly release it, allowing your joy to shine through. Eye-Gazing Workshop: We are the creators of our life. Whether our life is wonderful or miserable, it is our own creation. Every problem in our life is a place within us where we have lost touch with our true essence. Eye-gazing helps us restore this connection. For several songs we engage with our eyes, hearts, and souls to invite and experience the reality of our heaven on Earth, which is always waiting for us. |
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Esther music
IT’S GOTTA SLAP - that pretty much sums up everything about the band ESTHER.
ESTHER is somewhere between complete anarchy and grounded stability. ESTHER stands for emotion, respect, creativity, and absolute freedom, conveyed through music that is a blend of elegant pop, juicy soul, edgy funk, and experimental punk. ESTHER is a musical high, created by the tightest musicians that the Graz music scene has to offer.
Band members:
Lilli Kornhuber is detail-oriented, experimental, and always striving for more - the mastermind behind the band. She supplies ESTHER with tasty raw material and not only takes over the stage with her voice but also her energetic presence.
Maximilian Kreuzer is the earthy, organic part of the band. He is tasteful, wise, experienced and the way he slaps that bass is exhilirating! He’s the heartbeat of ESTHER’s music.
Benny Foris brings the gospel, soul and pop, which he grew up with. He is a pianist/producer and provides ESTHER with killer sounds and solos on the Prophet, evoking emotion as soon as he touches the keys of a Rhodes or piano.
Gregor van der Kallen, aka "the machine," aka “the metronome“. Every beat of his drum hits the spot. Fact. Gregor becomes possessed-smashing the drums with maniacal energy and unwavering consistency.
Esther will play on Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 at 21:00.
ESTHER is somewhere between complete anarchy and grounded stability. ESTHER stands for emotion, respect, creativity, and absolute freedom, conveyed through music that is a blend of elegant pop, juicy soul, edgy funk, and experimental punk. ESTHER is a musical high, created by the tightest musicians that the Graz music scene has to offer.
Band members:
Lilli Kornhuber is detail-oriented, experimental, and always striving for more - the mastermind behind the band. She supplies ESTHER with tasty raw material and not only takes over the stage with her voice but also her energetic presence.
Maximilian Kreuzer is the earthy, organic part of the band. He is tasteful, wise, experienced and the way he slaps that bass is exhilirating! He’s the heartbeat of ESTHER’s music.
Benny Foris brings the gospel, soul and pop, which he grew up with. He is a pianist/producer and provides ESTHER with killer sounds and solos on the Prophet, evoking emotion as soon as he touches the keys of a Rhodes or piano.
Gregor van der Kallen, aka "the machine," aka “the metronome“. Every beat of his drum hits the spot. Fact. Gregor becomes possessed-smashing the drums with maniacal energy and unwavering consistency.
Esther will play on Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 at 21:00.
DJs
Armaville
Introducing Armaville: Igniting EDM Experiences Worldwide
Get ready to groove to the infectious beats of Armaville, an emerging talent in the electronic music scene, based in Mexico City, Mexico. As an international DJ, Armaville has embarked on a musical journey that spans cultures, infusing his music with unique flavors from around the world.
With a decade of dedication to his craft, Armaville has had the privilege of collaborating with industry heavyweights and gracing stages across Valencia, the Philippines, and Florida. Represented by the esteemed MELODICITY Records, Armaville's signature style has earned him support from prominent names like the marketing manager at Future House Music, Ill Esha, Clubbin One Radio, DaChance Music, CFM Records, and more.
Known for his electrifying performances, Armaville blends Middle Eastern, South American, Classical European, and Asian musical influences with EDM, creating a distinctive fusion that emphasizes his personality and resonates with audiences worldwide. Inspired by Julian Jordan, Mesto, KSHMR, and Mike Williams, Armaville's music transcends time, combining timeless elements with modern production.
Get ready to groove to the infectious beats of Armaville, an emerging talent in the electronic music scene, based in Mexico City, Mexico. As an international DJ, Armaville has embarked on a musical journey that spans cultures, infusing his music with unique flavors from around the world.
With a decade of dedication to his craft, Armaville has had the privilege of collaborating with industry heavyweights and gracing stages across Valencia, the Philippines, and Florida. Represented by the esteemed MELODICITY Records, Armaville's signature style has earned him support from prominent names like the marketing manager at Future House Music, Ill Esha, Clubbin One Radio, DaChance Music, CFM Records, and more.
Known for his electrifying performances, Armaville blends Middle Eastern, South American, Classical European, and Asian musical influences with EDM, creating a distinctive fusion that emphasizes his personality and resonates with audiences worldwide. Inspired by Julian Jordan, Mesto, KSHMR, and Mike Williams, Armaville's music transcends time, combining timeless elements with modern production.
Jack holmes
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After performing in nearly 20 countries, two hugely successful performances at the 2018 Sziget Festival Comedy Stage, opening for some of the biggest acts in the U.K. and a debut headlining tour that had sold-out shows across the continent, Jack Holmes has proven himself as one of the fastest rising comedians in Europe.
Embittered and armed with his quick wit and sharp tongue, Jack has developed a comedic style that's guaranteed to entertain. Equal parts honest, vicious, and playful, his act mixes brutal self-deprecation with bewilderment and frustration at the world around him, creating a show every bit as heartwarming and endearing as it is gut-wrenchingly hilarious. Jack Holmes will be making you pee your pants from laughter at Summerwhite. His set will begin on Friday, July 14th, 2020 @ 18:30 - 19:15 |
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tamas vamos
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Tamas Vamos is a half Hungarian, half South African from Budapest now living in Austria.
He moved to Vienna five years ago after having lived most of his life in Hungary (Europe's "Voldemort"), Tamas shares his experiences in working, studying, dating and other challenges a so called "F@#$&N Immigrant" would face while trying to build a new life in Austria. Tamas first tried doing stand up comedy in 2014 in Vienna as a "laugh" but having years of experience in improv as well as acting in theaters and small movies, he quickly got addicted and fell in love with the stage light (once again). Since then he has become not only a creator but one of the main pillars of the Vienna English comedy scene, he is the in-house comedian of the Europe-wide famous Austrian Wein & Co franchise where he runs his twice-a- month-show aptly named "Wein & COmedy - Thirsty for a laugh?" making him the only paid regular. He is the founder of the stand up comedy/theater play the "Jewslim Show--when a Jew and a Muslim join forces to make you laugh." Tamas has performed at BOOM theater in Chicago as well as in location in Amsterdam. His storytelling style comedy is balanced perfectly with unexpected hard hitting punch lines, (very) dark humor and political incorrectness, which will provide abdominal-muscle training through sheer laughter at Summerwhite. His set will begin on Saturday, July 15th, 2023 @ 18:45 to 19:30. |
Fitness Training led by Florian zwittnigg
Florian has over 11 years of experience in weight lifting and has been professionally bodybuilding the last four years, competing in competitions which included going on stage. For the past two years he also been doing mobility training to avoid injuries. Beside his workouts, he loves to do outdoor activities and lives a very active lifestyle. He is studying Electronic & Computer Engineering at the FH Joanneum (Graz University of Applied Sciences). He worked over four years for the world’s market leader in producing high quality semiconductors. Florian enjoys cooking and has a passion for baking, whenever he does find the time to bask in those small pleasures next to his busy workout schedule and rigorous training program.
Florian will be leading a morning fitness workshop on Friday and Saturday mornings of Summerwhite.
Friday to Sunday: 10:00 - 10:45
Florian will be leading a morning fitness workshop on Friday and Saturday mornings of Summerwhite.
Friday to Sunday: 10:00 - 10:45
An experiment in gratitude and happiness
led by aryo winterblack
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Aryo Winterblack is the founder of Young Americans Club, as well as the Summerwhite festival. He is from Berkeley, California and moved to Graz, Austria in 2014. He speaks four languages fluently, has traveled all over the world and has lived in several countries. Aryo came up with the idea for Summerwhite in 2015, and the festival quickly grew out of infancy and took on a life of its own. In his free time he likes to practice the violin, act in theater, cook, dance, learn new languages, write poetry and read.
He is also an entrepreneur, having founded Royal Cup LLC which successfully Kickstarted the social party games Icebreaker & Firemaker the very first time in July of 2018. Aryo is passionate about writing and mountain sports (all year long, no matter the weather). Unlike Florian, Aryo gets injured seriously and often. If he doesn't die before Summerwhite, he'll be leading an experiment in gratitude and happiness at Summerwhite. Aryo has worked as a teacher for over five years and has done this experiment with hundreds of his former students. Time: Saturday, July 15th, 2023 @ 13:40 - 14:45 |
Duration: 1 hour (approximately)
Maximum participants: strictly limited to 25 Materials: Bring a pen and something to write on. Artist profile: Aryo Winterblack (USA), living and working in Graz, Austria. Instagram: @aryowinter |
Activities, Workshops & Timeline
FULL LINE-UP WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE LONGEST DAY OF THE YEAR--SUMMER SOLSTICE/MIDSOMMAR 2023 ON JUNE 21ST.
nuad Thai Massage with Manuela Wafzig & Kaylene
Acting workshop with aryo winterblackThere will be an acting workshop led by Aryo Winterblack for those who are interested in acting.
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Persian Dancing Workshop with mahnaz
Midsommar Summer Solstice Flower Crown Workshop
We are going to learn how to make midsummer/summer solstice flower wreaths and flower crowns and make several of them.
Benevolent stewardship of u.s. ambassador Trevor traina
Summerwhite 2023
This July 11th, we're back! The beloved, long-awaited experience is here, for the sixth and final time! It's Tuesday-Sunday and it will be the greatest, coolest private experience of the summer in a 900 year-old Austrian castle called Burg Dürnstein. There will be no more than exactly 50 spots for 50 people from all over this beautiful Earth.
The castle is calling; will you heed the call?
The castle is calling; will you heed the call?
Membership & Prices
Prices
Summerwhite FullPass (6-Day) €190
Summerwhite HalfPass (4-Day) €170 Summerwhite PerformerPass €130 Summerwhite Artist Pass €130 Deposit/Kaution per person €15 NOTE/ACHTUNG:
All passes include four delicious meals a day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and midnight snack, as well as access to all activities, workshops, and concerts. To apply for membership, please fill-out and submit the following form. We will assess and evaluate each individual application thoroughly. Please elaborate on why you should be approved for membership.
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MembershipAnnual membership dues for residents of Austria and bordering countries €20
Annual membership dues for residents of other countries €5 |
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