During holiday periods, these young ones are looked after and attended to.
The town of Neumarkt has seen a revitalised spirit since early August, with the former Burg Wichtelstein containers being put to good use as a holiday care (Ferienbetreuung) centre for children. Since August 4, 2025, these once idle spaces have been transformed into a vibrant area where up to 45 children aged 2 to 6 years can play, craft, paint, climb, and engage in physical activities while their parents work[1].
This holiday care programme, organised by the local Amt für Jugend, Bildung und Soziales (Office for Youth, Education and Social Affairs), has been running since 2007 and enjoys continued popularity among working families[1]. The facility offers ample indoor and outdoor space, making it an ideal location for these activities.
The success of the holiday care programme is supported by local companies such as DEHN SE, Bionorica, Fritz Berger, and the City of Neumarkt, which help cover the costs, recognising the importance of family-friendly workplace policies for attracting skilled workers[1]. The mayor, Markus Ochsenkühn, personally visited the site to see the programme in action and expressed his satisfaction with its utilisation[1].
Besides holiday care, the site also appears to be connected to the Kindertagesstätte (daycare centre) Burg Wichtelstein, which is involved in local events and activities for families, indicating ongoing engagement with the community beyond just the holiday period[2][3]. However, the primary recent activity highlighted is the summer holiday programme for children in the former Burg Wichtelstein's container facilities.
Anita Dengel from the Youth, Education and Social Affairs Office is leading the organisation of the holiday care, ensuring that the children are not only kept busy but also given opportunities to be creative[1]. The number of children utilising the facilities has remained at approximately 45, and the programme has been successful in providing a safe and engaging environment for the children during the holidays.
References:
[1] Neumarkter Tagblatt. (2025, August 12). Burg Wichtelstein: Neues Leben für Ferienbetreuung. Retrieved from https://www.neumarkter-tagblatt.de/stadt/burg-wichtelstein-neues-leben-fuer-ferienbetreuung-15557272
[2] Neumarkter Tagblatt. (2023, June 15). Burg Wichtelstein: Kindertagesstätte feiert Geburtstag. Retrieved from https://www.neumarkter-tagblatt.de/stadt/burg-wichtelstein-kindertagesstaette-feiert-geburtstag-15082700
[3] Neumarkter Tagblatt. (2022, October 21). Burg Wichtelstein: Familien-Veranstaltung im Herbst. Retrieved from https://www.neumarkter-tagblatt.de/stadt/burg-wichtelstein-familien-veranstaltung-im-herbst-14828616
Engaging in a blend of lifestyle activities and education-and-self-development opportunities, Anita Dengel from the Youth, Education, and Social Affairs Office oversees the organization of the holiday care programme at the kindertagesstätte (daycare centre) Burg Wichtelstein, ensuring children not only remain entertained but have chances to learn as well. By providing this stimulating environment, the centre promotes both leisurely play and structured learning during school breaks.
