By GOSLAR, Germany — German authorities have initiated a large-scale operation to remove approximately 2,000 members of the “Rainbow Family,” a global hippy commune, from a nature reserve in the Harz mountains of northern Germany. The eviction comes after the group’s annual gathering, which began last week, raised concerns among local officials about environmental impact and public safety.
The Rainbow Family of Living Light, a loosely organized group that originated in the early 1970s, is known for hosting annual “Rainbow Gatherings” on public lands worldwide. These events, typically lasting a month to coincide with the lunar cycle, attract participants from over 60 nationalities who seek to live in harmony with nature and eschew consumerism.
Dr. Alexander Saipa, the district administrator of Goslar, stated, “Camping in the landscape conservation area is strictly prohibited. This applies to everyone, including the Rainbow Family supporters. What has been going on there for over a week is simply against the law.”
Authorities’ primary concern centered on the group’s planned “ritual fire” to celebrate the full moon on August 19. Marlies Dornieden from the Göttingen district administration explained, “Our main goal is to prevent a large ritual fire that the Rainbow Family wants to celebrate on the occasion of today’s full moon. The danger of a wildfire and forest fire is real despite the rain of the past few days.”
In addition to fire hazards, officials cited illegally parked vehicles obstructing emergency access routes as a reason for intervention. Last week, authorities imposed a €5,000 (approximately $5,400) fine for entering the site as campers began to arrive. However, a significant influx over the weekend prompted an escalation of police efforts.
Images from the scene show law enforcement officers approaching minimally clothed campers and dismantling tents. Some footage captures gathering participants continuing to dance, apparently unfazed by the arrival of emergency services.
Despite the commune’s assurances that they would leave no trace and remove all their rubbish after the event, authorities decided to proceed with the eviction. The operation is expected to continue until the area is fully cleared.
The Rainbow Family, which has no formal leadership structure, emphasizes principles of non-violence, non-consumerism, and harmony with nature. Their gatherings typically involve communal cooking, singing around campfires, and participatory workshops.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between alternative lifestyles and environmental regulations. While the Rainbow Family promotes ecological awareness, their large gatherings in sensitive natural areas can pose challenges for local ecosystems and law enforcement.
As the eviction continues, questions arise about the balance between freedom of assembly and environmental protection. The incident may prompt discussions about suitable locations for such gatherings and the need for better communication between alternative communities and local authorities.
The Rainbow Family has not issued an official statement regarding the eviction. However, past incidents suggest that the group may seek alternative locations for future gatherings, continuing their tradition of nomadic, nature-based celebrations.
