Volunteer on a Swiss Farm: A Unique Alpine Experience

Mountain Farm Sanctuary Volunteering (Switzerland)

Experience life in the Alps and volunteer on a Swiss farm in Jeizinen. From May 2025, we’re seeking two reliable, motivated, and physically capable helpers for 2–3 months to assist with our farm operations. This is a unique opportunity for individuals who enjoy hard work, value solitude in nature, and appreciate the rewarding experience of caring for animals. Due to the nature of the work and the shared accommodation, we can only host male volunteers.

Our farm, located in the picturesque village of Jeizinen, Switzerland, ranges from 634m to 1600m in altitude. We care for sheep, horses, highland cattle, and dogs, dedicating ourselves to their welfare year-round. The farm is connected by cable car and features two stables—one in the valley and another in the mountains.

Volunteer on a Swiss Farm: Tasks & Roles

Your responsibilities will vary with the seasons. During winter, duties include feeding the animals, cleaning the horse stalls, and maintaining the stables. In spring and summer, tasks shift to haymaking in steep alpine meadows, building fences, and moving animals between fields and mountain pastures. July is particularly busy, so we are looking for volunteers who thrive on physical, outdoor work and are ready to embrace a demanding schedule.

Animal welfare is our top priority, which means regular checks, watering fields, and ensuring the farm is kept clean and well-maintained throughout the year. While some tasks are physically intensive, others involve lighter, routine upkeep, but all contribute to the smooth operation of the farm. Additional tasks may occasionally arise, requiring flexibility and a strong work ethic.

Volunteer on a Swiss Farm: Living & Getting There

You’ll be staying in a cosy flat in the village of Jeizinen, located close to the farm. The accommodation is compact but well-equipped, comfortably housing 2–3 people with a queen bed, a fold-out double, a separate bedroom, a kitchen, a living room, and a bathroom. While the flat has everything you need for cooking, the Wi-Fi connection is limited. However, there’s a restaurant 50 metres away with better connectivity.

Due to the living arrangements, you’ll have the flat to yourself or share it with other volunteers. The farm is close to local amenities, including a grocery shop, and is easily accessible by cable car. The two nearest airports are Zürich and Geneva. From there, a train will take you to Gampel-Steg station, where we can pick you up if arranged in advance. Travelling by car is also an option.

For your safety and comfort, please bring sturdy hiking boots, weather-appropriate outdoor work clothing for both winter and summer, and ensure you have personal health insurance.

Volunteer on a Swiss Farm: What Else

Life on the farm offers unique experiences, but it also demands resilience. Winters bring heavy snowfall, and hiking is a regular part of the work, so you’ll need to be physically fit and mentally strong. When not working, you can enjoy the region’s recreational activities—skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking the numerous trails in summer.

This is a rare chance to immerse yourself in a simple lifestyle surrounded by breathtaking alpine landscapes. If you are ready to take on the challenges and rewards of life on a working farm, we’d love to hear from you.

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