Caritas forest kindergarten at the University of Passau
The University's Caritas Forest Kindergarten in Ingling opened its gates in September 2025. This nature-educational childcare facility is a project of the University Executive and the Caritas Association for the Diocese of Passau and will go a long way to improving the work-life and study-life balance at the University.
Educational concept continues in a new format
The University of Passau and the Caritas Association of the Diocese of Passau will cease operating the University's forest kindergarten on 31 August. The reason for this is the changed conditions in childcare provision, which have led to a significant decline in demand for kindergarten places. However, the fundamental idea behind the project is to be retained: the existing structures will in future be incorporated into a new learning environment for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) on the University campus.
Further information can be found in the press release of 22 June 2026 (in German)
Forest education concept

Why a forest kindergarten?
Within the Passau region, the forest kindergarten in Ingling is an exemplary sustainable childcare and education project that makes a valuable contribution to the future-oriented and nature-based education and care for the youngest generation.
Taking the motto "There is life in, on and under the earth", the focus is on learning with and through nature. Guided by the kindergarten staff, the children learn how respect and care for nature and each other. In the forest, children can experience nature with all their senses and develop confidence in their own abilities. They can experience self-efficacy and that they are part of nature – and learn "holistically with their head, heart and hands", said Ursula Rüther, Passau regional manager for the Caritas Association.
"Our aim is to make all children feel welcome and accepted for who they are", said Professor Christina Hansen, Vice President for International Affairs and Diversity at the University of Passau.
The forest education concept and the kindergarten's numerous opportunities for cooperation, e.g. with facilities, chairs and professorships of the University of Passau, are also in line with the sustainability strategy of the University of Passau.
Picture Gallery
Sponsors of the forest kindergarten
Sponsors of the forest kindergarten
Private sponsors
- Simon Biberger
- Daniel Buss
- Dr Dierk and Veronika Ernst
- Bernhard and Marianne Fink
- Dr Erik Hallmann
- Professor Ulrike Lechner
- Manfred and Elsbeth Rauser
- Joachim Schroeter
- Alois Zieglmeister







