Caritas forest kindergarten at the University of Passau • 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.

Press release dated 22 June 2026: ‘University of Passau Forest Kindergarten: Educational concept to continue in a new form’

Welcome to the Forest Kindergarten!

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The main location of the forest kindergarten is on the gravel car park/gravel area in Ingling, opposite the University boathouse, in the municipality of Neuburg am Inn. The address of the rowing centre is also the postal address of the forest kindergarten:

Caritas forest kindergarten at the University of Passau
Innstr. 125
94032 Passau

This is where the kindergarten caravan is located, which will be complemented by a tipi in a clearing in the Neuburg forest.

There will be 20 childcare places for children from the age of 3 until they start school.
Children of university members are given priority.

The regular opening hours are
Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 13:30.

Interior view of centre and seating area of the kindergarten caravan

Location of the kindergarten caravan on the gravel car park

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.