European capacity is the buzzword of the programme offered by this European training centre in the border triangle between Germany, Luxembourg and France. The goal of its seminars, meetings and conferences is to enable constructive critical action on a solid information base in, with and for Europe. It welcomes more than 9,000 visitors per year from Europe and across all four corners of the globe, meaning that ‘come together to create Europe’ is more than just a motto – it is also the reality of life at the European Academy of Otzenhausen. Core elements of educational programme include intercultural seminars in conjunction with the German-French Youth Organisation (DFJW), binational and multinational seminars with partners from across Europe, and events organised by the Institute of Rhetoric and Communication. In addition, a wide variety of events are offered for cooperation partners and interested parties with information individually formulated for each target group and analyses of current political events and developments on a regional, national, European and international level. All events at the European Academy of Otzenhausen are open to interested visitors. This European training centre is involved in the ‘Partners for Europe’ association.

The European Academy of Otzenhausen is located in the St Wendel district at the heart of Europe’s model SaarLorLux region and near to the European capitals of Luxembourg, Strasbourg and Brussels. With its extensive and attractively designed outdoor grounds, it stands in a very peaceful location on the forest edge just to the south of Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park. This European training centre is available to companies, associations, ministries and more as a conference hotel for holding conventions and workshops as well as office parties, corporate events and works outings. With its exceptional gastronomy and select wine cellar, it is also an attractive venue for private celebrations and festivities. A total of 95 beds are available across 66 modern guest rooms. The 18 conference rooms (four of which are equipped with simultaneous interpretation equipment for up to five languages) offer impressive state-of-the-art seminar technology and flexible room design. A generous lobby, a specialist library, three restaurants, a bistro, a lounge and a large number of free parking spaces complete the services offered.

The community of Nonnweiler is the northernmost community in Saarland, halfway between Trier, Saarbrücken and Kaiserslautern. Unspoiled nature, charming landscapes and a healthy climate are characteristic of this region in the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park, which has plenty of attractions to offer tourists: Braunshausen, for example, has what is probably the most beautiful summer toboggan run in southwest Germany – the 1,000 metre descent runs through one of Saarland’s most attractive landscapes. Visitors to Otzenhausen can marvel at the Celtic ring wall, one of the most spectacular Celtic fortifications in Europe. Built in the first century BC, ten-metre-high walls still bear witness to the monumental memorial. At the foot of the Celtic ring wall now stands the Otzenhausen Celtic Park, containing an outdoor stage and a Celtic village which was opened in 2016. The Nonnweiler reservoir – a popular destination for cyclists, hikers and nature enthusiasts with a 12.8 km circular trail – is also worth a visit. Other popular destinations include the Peterberg Observatory with its two fully-fledged observation domes, and the historic nail smithy, probably the most traditional Hochwald trade.