Daycare · Darmstadt
Bessunger Waldkindergarten e.V.
Last reviewed: June 2026
One of Darmstadt's oldest forest kindergartens, founded in 2001 as a parent initiative. The children spend the day outdoors in the forest — playing at the secret hideout, the mud kitchen or on the group's own woodland plot. Three heated construction trailers provide space for morning drawing and lunch in winter. It takes 20 children aged three to six, affectionately called ‚forest ants‘.
What speaks for it
Nature pedagogy in its purest form — the forest is the group room, in all weather. As a parent initiative, families actively shape daily life. Plenty of movement, sensory experience and calm away from sensory overload.
What you should know
A pure forest kindergarten with no fixed building — weatherproof clothing is a must. Admission only from age three. Parental involvement is binding and more extensive than in a standard setting. Registration is via the City of Darmstadt.