Caritas forest kindergarten at the University of Passau

The University's Caritas Forest Kindergarten in Ingling opened its gates on 2 September 2024. 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. The realisation of the forest kindergarten is a necessary step towards expanding the existing childcare services at the University of Passau for children of students and staff.

Key data

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
94036 Neuburg am Inn

This is where the kindergarten caravan will be 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 14:00.

Interior view of centre and seating area for kindergarten trolley

Lageplan Kindergartenwagen auf Kiesparkplatz — Site plan for kindergarten trolleys on gravel car park

Reservation of childcare places

To reserve childcare places from September 2025, please send the following details to the head of the forest kindergarten, Mrs Karin Eibl, by e-mail:

the full names of all parents/guardians (given and family names)
information on each parent/legal guardian's status at the University of Passau (staff or student – please provide your matriculation number if you are a student) or non-university member
your child's full name (given and family names)
your child's date of birth
Your address in Passau or in the rural district ("Erstwohnsitz")
your current contact details, including your mobile phone number

To conclude the childcare contract, please contact the forest kindergarten management:

Ms Karin Eibl
E-mail: Kita.waldkita-uni.ingling@caritas-passau.de
Phone: +49 175 4920273

If you have any further questions, please contact Family Services at
familienservice@uni-passau.de.

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

Donations are welcome

We are grateful for your support!

The forest kindergarten is a project that can only succeed with the dedicated help of friends and supporters of the University. The University Executive would like to thank all those who have supported us!

Further donations are welcome.
The bank details are:

Universität Passau
IBAN: DE52 7405 0000 0240 2512 49
BIC: BYLADEM1PAS
Reference line: Waldkindergarten

Children in rubber boots sitting on a tree trunk