For many people in Germany, the celebration of Weihnachten (Christmas) would not be complete without a trip (or two) down to the local Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market). The origins of the Weihnachtsmärkte date back to the Middle Ages, when peasants would sell their hand-made products that they have worked on since the final harvest. Today, although much more commercial, these markets remain a hallmark of the Christmas season in Germany and throughout Central Europe. The most famous Christmas Market is the Christkindlesmarkt in Nürnberg. At Waldsee, we often celebrate such traditions as part of our cultural immersion program throughout the summer.  In past summers we have celebrated Swiss Independence, the Vienna Grand Ball, birthdays, high school graduation, and much more. Come join us this summer to learn more about these traditions, learn German, and have fun!  See below for a great recipe for Pfeffernüsse - a delightful Weihnachtsplätzchen (Christmas cookie).

Das BioHaus, Waldsee’s newest residence, is a one-of-a-kind Wunderland of discovery. The whole experience is unvergesslich! – unforgettable!  "Das BioHaus is a transformational experience,” say Waldsee Deans Berndt und Karl. “Kids eat, sleep, play, clean and learn in the most modern new residence you can imagine. This is modern Europe – and this is the right way to experience German language and German culture.”

The BioHaus was designed just for kids. It is fun, it is comfortable, it is interactive, it is fast-paced – and it uses 85% less energy than a comparable American building. There’s simply nothing like it on either side of the Atlantic. Explore the Earth Tube. Bake pizza in your home-made solar oven. Take the pulse of the building. What size is your ecological footprint? Why was the wood of a BioHaus window frame harvested during a full moon? Get up on the roof – literally! Our grünes Dach – green roof -- is an awesome opportunity for villagers to get down and dirty with mother nature, exploring earth-friendly technology and cutting-edge architecture – alles auf Deutsch, natürlich!

Das Waldsee BioHaus -- America's lowest energy building in America's highest energy German program! Alles übercool, Mann.

Every February families large and small enjoy a weekend of fun and learning the Waldsee way!  Give your family the gift of time - time spent together working and playing in our beautiful winter setting.  There are opportunities for young and old to learn about German language and culture auf deutsch, natürlich!  This is a program designed for all ages. We'll sing, play, learn about German-speaking Europe, and much more. Of course, we always enjoy great food from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria!  Join us February 16-19, 2007!  There is still time to register for Familienfest 2007!  Bring Oma und Opa too!

Preparation: Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ground pepper in a large mixing bowl.  Over medium heat, warm molasses and butter in a small saucepan and stir until the butter has melted. Allow the molasses and butter to cool to room temperature and then stir in the beaten eggs. Now mix the liquid mixture in with the dry ingredients and add the walnuts.  Cover with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and chill the dough overnight.  On the following day, preheat the oven to 350°.  Shape chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place on a greased cookie sheet about 1 inch apart.  Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. Remove cookies from the baking sheet to a wire rack and let cool.  When still warm (but no longer hot) roll in powdered sugar. Enjoy!