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Practical information for visitors

We are open to new people who are enthusiastic about developing Suderbyn,
strengthening the community, and actively engaging in the work toward an
​environmentally sustainable and socially just world.
If you are thinking of visiting us, please read this basic information about Suderbyn.

All of us who live in Suderbyn contribute our time and energy for building up the ecovillage as a place and as a community. Creating a new model of society, such as an ecovillage, is a challenging although inspiring task and it takes a lot of effort, time and commitment. Therefore we who live here contribute to create Suderbyn including not only physical construction and infrastructure but also developing its social side. We ask our visitors and guests to be considerate about our lifestyle and values and to adapt to it when possible.

Here in Suderbyn we live simply and in harmony with nature. We are not against innovative technologies and we use them ourselves when needed, but we do appreciate traditional knowledge and low-tech solutions which empower us and allow us to make more things ourselves instead of buying everything from distant industries. Not everything is perfect, of course, but we are trying to live ecologically, sustainably and creatively, to respect nature and each other. 

If you want to move in

If you are thinking to move to Suderbyn, the best is to first come for a visit to see the place and how we live and work together. If you like it and feel that you would like to live here, you are welcome to come back for "test living" for 2 weeks (in exceptional cases you can come to the test living directly). After 2 weeks you leave Suderbyn for a week to reflect and make a decision if you are going to stay in Suderbyn or not. It is important to have this week so you can compare another life with Suderbyn. during this time, we in Suderbyn have a meeting and take a decision if we all welcome you as part of the community. If you decide that Suderbyn is the right place for you and we decide that you are the right person for us, you can move in and live with us. 
Although we appreciate people staying for longer periods, It is always possible to leave if you feel that your learning journey should continue elsewhere.

Ecological and Biodegradable Products

We try to use only ecological food products and biodegradable personal hygiene products, such as shampoo, tooth paste, etc.,  and we expect the same from our guests. If you do not have 100% natural (biodegradable) personal hygiene products, you can buy one in Suderbyn. Also be aware that we are a vegetarian community. ​

Community meetings

Each morning we start with a meeting to check how everyone of us feels today and to plan the day – what should be done and who takes the responsibilities. In the end of the week we have a community meeting to talk about broader issues. If you live in Suderbyn, you are expected to be present at these community meetings. 

Prices

All of us living in Suderbyn pay for our rent and food, and so do our visitors, even volunteers. The rent depends on the room size and comfort. The rents vary from 1700 to 3500 SEK per month. The food is 1600 SEK per month and is 100% ecological, vegetarian, and very good quality. Everyone can eat what, when and how much they want, though we try to be more aware of our consumption habits.

Test living (2 weeks) costs 2000 SEK including food and accommodation.
​
For shorter visits (less than 21 days), a bed is 100 SEK/night, a tent is 50 SEK/night, and food costs 150 SEK per day (breakfast: 30 SEK, lunch: 60 SEK, dinner: 60 SEK). Working volunteers who contribute 4 hours of work/day pay a reduced food cost of 75 SEK/day (includes 3 meals).

For information regarding short-term visits, please contact us directly for rates and availability: info@suderbyn.se

Volunteering work 

Those who live in Suderbyn permanently are asked to contribute at least 10 hours of volunteering work per week, though most of people invest more of their time as we build this home together and we want to take care of it and the community. Volunteers are requested to work at least 4 hours a day.  It can be cooking, construction work, cleaning, working in the garden, creating art, organizing social events, helping in the office and contributing to the projects of our NGO. 

Sheets, towels and working clothes

We have towels and sheets which you can use but please make sure to wash them before you leave. Or, if you leave early in the morning, ask someone from the community to help you. Feel free to bring your working clothes/shoes otherwise we have community working clothes which you can borrow.

We have good internet connectivity and WiFi in Suderbyn, which you can use in the main house and in the office.

More details...

All communally served food is vegan. Every day one or two people cook for the community.

We promote a healthy lifestyle. Smoking is allowed only in specially designated areas, never indoors. No drugs or hard alcohol are allowed in Suderbyn. 

We have cats which is good to know if you have an allergy. 
​

We do not want active medical residues (e.g. contraception pills and   antibiotics) in our garden and water supply. In case if your body contains such you will need to use a specially dedicated toilet.

As a part of Swedish culture we like "fika" (the tradition of tea/ coffee and cakes), especially with new arrivals

We use compost toilets, separating urine and solids. But if you need to pee the best is to just do it in the garden
​(at least 50 m from the pump station).