Ermitaj Malin is an “off-grid” eco-hub in the village of Malin, in the heart of Transylvania, in Bistrița-Năsăud county.
Organising worships, internships, and volunteering programs, it promotes promote exchanges and experimentation around permaculture, agro-ecology, and eco-construction.
A group of youths from Belgium have bought the eight hectares in Malin for this purpose – but they aim to stimulate the local population. Permanent owners are Rémy și Coline, who spend the warmer months of the year in Romania.
Since its inception, Ermitaj has been hosted permaculture courses.
Volunteers can stay on-site, provided they work. Tourists can take vacations here, for reasonable prices. There is a bedroom with multiple beds, camping space, and a communal kitchen.
They also hold courses and workshops – for instance, yoga sessions and guided introductions to African music.
The farm operates on principles of permaculture, meaning that vegetation is set up according to principles of collaborative harmony. In this case, trees are planted in seven rows, in order of descending height.
The property is traversed by two streams.
It’s also wheelchair-friendly. What does “off-grid” mean? They’re not connected to the village’s electricity and water, but rather function independently with wells, rainwater barrels, and solar panels.
The surrounding landscape is beautiful: hilly and rich in vegetation.
Ermitaj Malin takes visitors from April 15 to September 15.
Those interested can also organize their own events here.
