Dear Parallel World Tourists,

we are continuously working to make the Nation of Gondwana even more accessible. We’re very happy that the measures of recent years have been so well received — this motivates us to keep improving the festival experience to make it as accessible and enjoyable as possible for as many people as we can.
Some details are still in the planning stage — we’ll keep you up to date here in the FAQs (current status: April 2026).
If you can’t find all the answers to your questions in the information below, or if you’re unsure whether you’ll be able to get around comfortably at the festival, feel free to contact us at: barrierefreier@pyonen.de

Yours,
Pyonen

FAQs

Where do we celebrate and what does the site look like?

Since 1999, Nation of Gondwana has taken place on a large green field in Grünefeld, nestled within a pine forest. There are several dance floors:

• “Wiese” (main floor)

• “See”

• “Bei Birke”

• “Spelunke”

The main floor “Wiese” is uneven, but mostly consists of firm ground covered with grass. It is located near sanitary facilities and about 100 meters north of the DRK tent.
To the east of the “Wiese” lies the lake and the “Seebühne” (lake stage). The area between the two floors features a sandy, uneven path about 2.5 meters wide, with some trees and exposed roots. The stage is right on the beach with direct access to the water and is surrounded by trees. The ground and the dance floor itself are sandy.
The “Spelunke” is located southwest of the lake stage and can also be reached from the “Wiese” via the sandy path. Its dance floor is relatively even and firm, aside from a few trees and roots.
The “Bei Birke” stage is located about 150 meters west of the main stage “Wiese.” The ground here is largely even, covered with grass, and has a firm surface.

Event and camping area

Path System

Last year, we already installed heavy-duty ground mats along many of the access routes to make the site more accessible—especially for people using wheelchairs or walking aids. The path system can also be helpful for blind or visually impaired visitors. The mats are non-slip and have a grippy, tactile surface without holes.
The path system will be largely the same as last year. You’ll find out the exact layout on site at the entrance and at the info point located on the more accessible camping area C3.
It’s important to note that the event area is not yet fully covered by the path system:

• The “Wiese” is encircled by the path system and can be easily reached from all sides. This dance floor is accessible via mats.

• The sandy access route from the “Wiese” to the “Seebühne” is covered with mats up to a platform on the dance floor and is therefore accessible. The beach itself is not accessible via mats.

• The same sandy route toward the “Seebühne” has a small turn-off to the right leading to the entrance of the “Spelunke.” This floor is accessible via mats.

• From the “Wiese,” a laid path leads to the “Bei Birke” floor. This floor is accessible via mats.

As always, we hope for dry weather—because heavy rain can soften the ground and potentially limit accessibility.

Platforms & Mat-Covered Dance Floors

• On the western side of the “Seebühne,” you’ll find a platform with a ramp that is accessible via the path system.

• In addition, selected areas on the “Wiese” dance floor and the “Bei Birke” dance floor are covered with heavy-duty mats to provide partially firm and even ground. 

Bars at the Dance Floors

Each of the four dance floors has its own bar — at the “Wiese,” the “See,” “Bei Birke,” and the “Spelunke.”

• At the “Wiese” bar and the “Birke” bar, sections of the counter are lowered.

• All four bars open on Thursday at 6:00 PM and remain open շուրջ the clock until at least Sunday evening. The “Spelunke” bar even stays open until Monday morning.

• The “Wiese” bar, “Birke” bar, and “Spelunke” bar are accessible via the path system. Only the bar at the “Seebühne” is not accessible via mats.
  

Quiet Areas

• At the request of many guests, we will be setting up an additional shaded quiet area this year in the small wooded area (“Wäldchen”) north of the “Wiese.” However, this area is not connected to the path system.

• The ground in the wooded area is fairly firm but slightly uneven.
  

Camping Area

• The campsite is located directly south of the event grounds. There are no additional entrances, checkpoints, or barriers between the campsite and the dance floors.

• For orientation, there are occasional construction fences and path markings using wooden posts about 1 meter high, which define passages approximately 1.5 meters wide.

• Paths on the campsite are partly sandy and uneven — depending on the weather, this can affect accessibility.

• Further down on this page, you’ll find sample photos of the site and ground conditions to help you get a better idea in advance.

• Note on location: The further south you camp, the quieter it becomes — however, distances from there are longer and not connected to the accessible path system.

• For more accessible camping, there is the centrally located area C3, which is connected to the path system and close to the dance floors. This is also where you’ll find accessible shower and toilet containers, as well as a welcome team available around the clock. You can find more information under “Accessible Camping.”

Ticket Purchase and Companion

• When purchasing a ticket in the category “People with Disability ID B,” you will automatically receive a ticket for your companion as well.

  If you require more than one companion due to your specific needs, please send us an email at: barrierefreier@pyonen.de

• Tickets for you and your companion are available now here: https://www.tixforgigs.com/de-DE/Event/66753/nation-of-gondwana-2026-waldsee-bei-grunefeld-grunefeld-bei-berlin

Arrival

Arrival by Public Transport

• You can conveniently take a regional train from Berlin to Nauen station. Nauen station is equipped with elevators and a tactile guidance system.

• From Nauen station, free shuttle buses are available. These are accessible articulated buses operated by Havelbus.

• Please note: The buses are often very crowded, and situations at the station can become congested. However, three security staff members are on site to coordinate boarding — feel free to approach them directly if you need assistance.

• More information about the station and the buses can be found via the following links:
  https://www.bahnhof.de/nauen/ausstattung-barrierefreiheit
  https://www.havelbus.de/busflotte-2/

Arrival with Bassliner

• This year, for the first time, you can also travel to Nation of Gondwana with the Bassliner. The buses run directly from Berlin and Hamburg to the festival site.
  Tickets can be purchased here: https://bassliner.org/fahrten/nation-of-gondwana-2026

• The Bassliner FAQ also contains information regarding accessibility on the buses. Please note that accessibility is only limited. https://bassliner.org/faq

Arrival by Car

• Arriving with your own vehicle is only possible with a valid vehicle ticket.If you rely on a vehicle due to barriers, please contact us in advance at barrierefreier@pyonen.de — we will work together to find a suitable solution.

• Alternatively, you can be dropped off — see the following section “Parking for People with Disabilities.”

Parking for People with Disabilities

• There are sufficient parking spaces for people with disabilities located in the immediate vicinity of the box office. These are situated on a grassy area in front of the entrance — please note that the ground is not paved.

• Parking directly on the camping area is also possible, for example with a tent next to your vehicle or in a camper van. You can find more information under “Accessible Camping.”

Infrastructure

Accessible Camping (C3)

• We offer a more accessible camping area on the site. It is located at C3, centrally positioned and close to the dance floors. From there, there is direct access to the DRK tent.

• The two combined accessible sanitary containers are located at the edge of this camping area.

• C3 is on grassy ground, like the rest of the campsite. A path system with heavy-duty mats connects C3 to the sanitary facilities and the event grounds.

• During arrival and throughout the entire duration of the event, a welcome team is present at C3. The team is available for questions and will support you if needed. The central point for this is located in the north-west corner of C3, where the info point is.

• There you will also find seating areas and a charging station for electric wheelchairs and other assistive devices. Please bring the appropriate charging cables.

• Due to its central location, music is clearly audible at C3, including at night. If you need a break, you will find a protected yet central retreat space next to the small welcome team container. We call this the RESET SPACE. However, it is not truly quiet there either.

• You are of course welcome to camp together with your friends at C3. However, please note: there is no power supply for tents and no pre-marked pitches.

Welcome-Team, Awareness Team & Safer Space

• Our trained welcome team is available to support you with any concerns throughout the entire event — 24 hours a day. At least one contact person with a focus on accessibility is always available at the info point on C3.

• In addition, mobile awareness teams are present across the site — you can recognize them by their green high-visibility vests. All security staff are also available if needed and can provide assistance.

Wheelchair-Accessible Environment

• The route from the entrance area to C3 is covered with heavy-duty mats, but primarily designed for vehicle traffic. Therefore, it does not meet the standards of the rest of the more accessible path system. There are uneven surfaces and gaps you should be prepared for when using this route. However, the path is generally usable. You will receive more detailed, up-to-date information about the exact layout of the path system from the welcome team at the info point on the accessible camping area C3.

• During the event, a team regularly checks the path system for dirt and damage. If you notice anything, please let us know — ideally directly at the accessible info point at C3.

• A drinking water station with a ramp is located at the entrance to the event area, just before the “Wiese” stage.

Orientation on the Site

• To improve orientation, we are increasingly using pictograms across the entire site. At the entrance, you will also receive a printed site map showing all important points of contact.

• For blind and visually impaired visitors, tactile 3D site maps are available. These can be found at the accessible info point at C3.

Information for Blind and Visually Impaired Visitors

• We provide a QR code to the drink menus at the entrance and at the accessible info point. These can be downloaded and opened on your own smartphone and, for example, read aloud using a screen reader. Mobile reception at the entrance is usually stable. Once downloaded, no internet connection is required.

• Please note: Mobile network coverage across the rest of the site is unfortunately limited. Therefore, it may be difficult during the event to make phone calls or share locations for orientation.

Accessible Sanitary Facilities

• Across the site, various accessible sanitary facilities are available:

  Two combined accessible shower and toilet containers are located near the DRK tent and at the more accessible camping area C3. They are well lit and equipped with grab rails, a washbasin, disinfectant, and bins for hygiene products. Shower and toilet are not separated.

• We also provide four accessible portable toilets (“Dixie toilets”), equipped with lighting and disinfectant.

  • Locations: near the DRK tent, close to the “Wiese” and “Bei Birke” stages, and on arrival day also at the entrance — these are fitted with an Euro key lock.

• IInformation about the Euro key: www.schwerbehindertenausweis.de
  If you do not have your own Euro key, you can borrow one from the accessible info point for a €30 deposit. The deposit will be refunded at the end of the event at the accessible info point. Alternatively, you may also keep the key — that is perfectly fine. All accessible sanitary facilities are gender-neutral.

Cashless

• Please note: Only cashless payment is accepted on site.

• Cashless containers can be found near the awareness team area and at the “Wiese” bar.

• A cashless counter near the awareness area is lowered for accessibility.

Assistance in Case of Emergency

• Mobile phone network coverage on the site is unfortunately very limited. However, all our teams are connected via radio communication.

  If you are feeling unwell or need assistance, you can approach any member of our crew at any time — whether at the bars, in the traffic team, or security. They can always coordinate further help for you.

DRK / Medical Tent

• The site includes a fully equipped medical tent with an ambulance, emergency physicians, and paramedics from the German Red Cross (DRK). The team is available 24 hours a day.

Cooling and Storage of Medication and Special Food

• At the DRK tent, there is the option to store medication in a dedicated refrigerator. Please bring your medication in a labelled, sealable container.

• If you rely on special food that needs refrigeration, it can be stored in a fridge at the welcome team / accessible info point.

• It would be very helpful if you could inform us in advance, as our capacity is limited and we try to prepare accordingly. For this, please also bring your items in a sealed and labelled container.

Lighting Effects & Volume

• Most of our stages use moving lights, strobe effects, and other visual effects. Musically, the focus is on techno, electro, house, and other forms of electronic music. Sound levels on the dance floors can reach up to 99 dBA — there may be intense bass and unusual sounds. Please bring hearing protection if you need it.

Assistance Dogs

• As much as we love dogs, we consider a techno festival not to be a suitable environment for dogs, including assistance dogs. We kindly ask for your understanding that assistance dogs are not permitted.
  

Ein solidarisches, wertschätzendes und respektvolles Miteinander steht für uns auch beim Feiern ganz oben!
Mit dem Kauf des Tickets für die Nation of Gondwana 2026 nimmst Du unser Selbstverständnis zu Kenntnis:

Wir streben eine gemeinsame diskriminierungsfreiere Zeit auf dem Acker an, in der sich alle möglichst wohl und willkommen fühlen. Wir legen sehr viel Wert auf einen respektvollen und achtsamen Umgang miteinander. Nationalistische, rechts-autoritäre und andere menschenverachtende Einstellungen sind mit unseren Werten unvereinbar. 

Jede Person bringt eigene Erfahrungen mit auf den Acker und setzt Grenzen unterschiedlich, daher erwarten wir Konsens & Verständnisbereitschaft in jeder Situation. 

Wir wollen gemeinsam feiern, unabhängig von der ethnischen Zugehörigkeit, der sexuellen Orientierung, der Geschlechtsidentität, des kulturellen oder religiösen Hintergrunds, der sozialen Herkunft, des Alters, der Lernmöglichkeiten oder der sichtbaren und unsichtbaren Behinderungen. Wir erkennen an, dass unsere Veranstaltung nicht per se diskriminierungsfrei ist. Deshalb arbeiten wir mit einem intersektionalen, betroffenenorientierten Ansatz daran, die Nation of Gondwana Jahr für Jahr sicherer zu machen.

·      Wir sagen Nein zu sexualisierten, rassistischen, ableistischen, homo-, inter- und transfeindlichen Gewaltakten.
·      Wir sagen Nein zu antidemokratischen, rechten oder faschistischen Haltungen oder Handlungen, egal in welcher Form.
·      Wir sagen Nein zu diskriminierenden und verletzenden Übergriffen, egal ob verbal oder körperlich.
·      Wir wollen keine National- und Regionalfahnen auf unserem Festival.

Wir legen Wert auf die Persönlichkeitsrechte des Einzelnen, dazu gehört auch das Recht am eigenen Bild.
Fotografiere oder filme keine Personen ohne deren klares Einverständnis.

Gegensätzliches Verhalten wird geahndet und kann unter Umständen zu einem direkten Platzverweis führen! Wir möchten an dieser Stelle noch einmal auf unser Awareness-Team vom Safer Space (gegenüber vom Spelunkeeingang) hinweisen, welches rund um die Uhr für Dich ansprechbar ist und für ALLE Angelegenheiten ein offenes Ohr hat. Dort findest Du Unterstützung, Hilfe und Schutz.

Um ausnahmslos allen eine schöne Nation of Gondwana 2026 zu bereiten, bist auch Du gefragt! Wende dich gern an uns, wenn du dich unwohl fühlst oder eine unangenehme Situation wahrnimmst. Grundsätzlich sind alle Mitarbeiter*innen über Funk verbunden und können schnell Unterstützung organisieren.
Du kannst dich auch direkt an unser Awareness-Team, welches an grünen Warnwesten zu erkennen ist, oder an unsere Security wenden.

Du möchtest vor oder nach dem Festival mit uns in Kontakt treten, hast Anregungen, Fragen oder möchtest z.B. ein unangenehmes Erlebnis auf der NoG melden?
Melde dich gerne via Mail: feedback@pyonen.de

Denn gemeinsam feiern bedeutet für uns auch, gemeinsam aufeinander achtgeben.

André came to the city from the West German provinces with colourful hair and lots of punk cassettes. And he left again with punk in his heart. André and Markus invented the Pyonen, the crew made it what they are today. Party organisers, trailblazers, reality escape helpers.

André died in 2020. For the Pyonen, it is impossible to forget André. For the others, we want to tell his story here. Not only because he was a particularly empathetic person, but also because he shaped the self-image of our party culture as a synergy-seeking scene, as a utopian event, and would certainly continue to do so.

When he came here, he lived with Markus and other friends in a house in Rykestraße, where there was no heating, no telephones, but plenty of space to fool around. They held their first party in 1993 at Lychener Straße 60. Sven Dohse was the DJ and Gianni Vitiello came by at some point and asked if he could DJ.
So it happened that years later he played in front of thousands at the Carnival of Cultures, when the Pyonen drove through Kreuzberg with a truck full of boxes as part of the parade. They turned empty buildings into clubs for a night. Opened an illegal club in Schlegelstraße in Mitte, which was open from 1996 to 1998, first in the basement, then in other parts of the building.

In 2001 they opened their first bar in Prenzlauer Berg, Bar23. They also run pubs like Tante Liesbeth, Fetten Ecke and Böhmisches Dorf, complete with bulky waste-like furnishings that André lovingly bought together at flea markets. There he liked to sit at the bar as a tippler, beer dispenser, Union fan, gossip box and gossip.

André and Markus were among the first to organise open air raves. From 1995 onwards, they celebrated a small festival on a horse meadow, which they called Nation of Gondwana. The Nation established itself as a Love Parade alternative. But instead of just dissipating in escapism, from 1999 they organised and produced the Chaos Computer Club camp, where they taught party aesthetics and a sense of community to the hackers and in return brought the party people together with the utopians.

All his knowledge André was happy to share. He always had advice, sometimes unsolicited. But most of the time he was even right. Who is good at working with metal? Who makes good awareness concepts? Which loudspeakers are suitable for a techno parade? He gave the right keywords on the phone, forwarded e-mail addresses.
André also kept in firm contact with Grünefeld, the place where the nation settled down. As a boy from the north German province, he knew how to bowl, hold warm-hearted banter and make dry jokes. The festival supports local clubs, donates to the kindergarten and integrates local residents who offer food or shower guests in the drizzle with the volunteer fire brigade.

André, who among other things took care of the booking at the Nation and listened to endless amounts of music in return, however, mostly liked to watch the goings-on from further afar. For hours he sat on a sofa in silence, smoking, beer in hand, and watched the dancers with a grin. Now and then making a precise comment. Unabashedly honest, always full of respect.

Because he had convictions. Work with security guards who train in right-wing boxing clubs? Better to use anti-fascist structures. Women at the door and at the DJ booth? Of course. Securing woodland to convict a peeping Tom, yeah right. Collecting cigarette butts from the meadow, doing without sponsors and making the calculation transparent in order to explain extensively on Facebook why the festival ticket was more expensive. That was important to him. But he didn’t make a big deal out of it.

André died at the age of 52. Of a cancer he managed to fight for much longer than many a doctor had thought.

“Never give up and believe in yourself”,
that was his motto. And it remains ours.

Laura Ewert