
HACKATHON FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the CloudFest Hackathon.
This page holds the answers to most questions you might have about #CFHack26, this year’s CloudFest Hackathon: how to take part, what it accomplishes, and more.
Attending The Event
For the first time ever, we’re hosting this groundbreaking event in the breathtaking Hotel Krønasår, Europa-Park’s newest and most exclusive venue. This setting provides the perfect backdrop for pioneering ideas and transformative solutions.
All projects will unfold in the Vineta event location, ensuring ample space for all participants.

The call for projects will open in November 2024. Selected projects will be announced in the following weeks on our projects page, so attendees can make an informed decision on-site, which project they’d like to participate.
Europa-Park sits at the heart of Europe, where Germany, France, and Switzerland meet.
Here‘s a quick guide from CloudFest on your travel options by plane, train, car, or bus.
Please note that the official CloudFest shuttles are operational only starting from March 16/17.
If you travel by car, here is the Google map link for the Hotel Krønasår:
Here are some guidelines for the last steps toward your stay at Europa-Park for CloudFest Hackathon 2025:
1. Traveling from Offenburg Central Station to Ringsheim:
- By train: Deutsche Bahn (DB) offers convenient connections from anywhere in Germany (including the main airports) to Offenburg train station, followed by a quick 20-minute train ride to Ringsheim, the closest station to Europa-Park. Plan your trip and check connections here.
- By taxi: You can take a taxi from Offenburg station to Europa-Park. It’s about a 30-40-minute ride, but prices vary.
- By business shuttle – SIXT Ride: If you’re moving in a group, consider booking a shuttle with SIXT for a comfy ride.
2. Europa-Park- and Rulantica Bus from Ringsheim Train Station:
Ringsheim station is your gateway to Europa-Park.
Hop on the Europa-Park- and Rulantica Bus (bus route 7231) for a quick ride to the Kronasar Hotel.
👉🏻 Timetable link (Your Stop = Rulantica)
There’s NO CloudFest shuttle service before and at the start of the Hackathon!
Your accommodation and booking details for Hotel Krønasår will be available in your CloudFest account dashboard.

information to be added closer to the event
information to be added closer to the event
information to be added closer to the event
To ensure you’re always in the loop and can connect with fellow hackathon participants, we will set up a dedicated Mattermost channel for all things CloudFest Hackathon 2026. This is where you’ll find real-time updates, engage with project leads, and get to know your teammates before the event kicks off.
All OSS attendees and partner attendees will receive an email invitation with an invitation link.
Why Join?
- Connect with attendees and partners before the event
- Engage with the project leads and the organizing team
- Stay updated on important announcements
- Learn more about our confirmed projects in the dedicated channels
- Network with different open-source communities
Application & Registration
Here’s what the new application process looks like:
- Apply for your free spot at the CloudFest Hackathon on our website: https://www.hackathon.cloudfest.com.
Keep in mind, this is just the initial step and doesn’t guarantee your registration.
- We will select our attendees based on multiple criteria after two application batches:
- Batch #1: December 15, 2025 – January 11, 2026
- Batch #2: 2026 – Invite only
- We’ll review applications and notify you by email regarding your status – whether approved, rejected, or placed under review.
- If approved, you’ll receive a special code via email. Use this code to register for CloudFest. Once done, you’re confirmed for both the Hackathon 2026 and the main festival!
Once you have successfully registered for CloudFest, we will reach out to you for additional information about accessibility needs, special dietary requirements, the length of your stay, and, of course, your hoodie size!
- Use the link and special code we will send you in the attendee confirmation email to register for CloudFest. Within moments, you’ll be confirmed for both the 2026 Hackathon and the main festival, at no cost to you!
In case you have more questions about the CloudFest registration process, check out the CloudFest Registration FAQ.
Registration for CloudFest is mandatory to attend both events! - We will then book your hotel accommodation in the Krønasår hotel, breakfast included, and send you final confirmation two to three weeks before the event.
Applications will happen in two batches:
- Batch #1: December 15, 2025 – January 11, 2026
- Batch #2: 2026 – Invite only
As we gear up for CloudFest Hackathon 2025, we anticipate a surge of applications from all over the world, ready to make a difference in the open-source world.
Application:
Apply for your free spot at the CloudFest Hackathon on our website:: https://www.hackathon.cloudfest.com. We will select our attendees based on different criteria and notify them via email.
Your application is NOT yet a registration and doesn’t guarantee a registration: neither for the Hackathon nor for the CloudFest main event.
Registration:
Once we have selected you as a Hackathon attendee, use the link and special code we will send you in the confirmation email to register for CloudFest. Within moments, you’ll be confirmed for both the hackathon and the main festival, at no cost to you.
In case you have more questions about the CloudFest registration process, check out the CloudFest Registration FAQ.
Registration is mandatory to participate in both events!
We will select our attendees based on different criteria in two batches.
While our primary attendees encompass Web Developers, Software Engineers, Sys-Admins, and Frontend & UX-Designers, we celebrate diversity in skills and backgrounds.
Our ambition is simple: to curate a melting pot of diverse talents and minds in the open-source landscape.
The sooner you apply, the higher your chances of being selected in the earlier batches!
Here’s a breakdown of the hotel accommodation process for CloudFest Hackathon attendees:
- CloudFest Hackathon Stay: All registered Hackathon attendees will enjoy a three-night stay on March 19, 20 & 21, 2026, in a luxurious four-star Europa-Park Hotel. This includes full catering and drinks, all on the house.
- Booking: We will handle the hotel bookings at the Hotel Krønasår for you. You can expect a final confirmation from our side a few weeks before the event.
- Confirmation: After finalizing your booking, you’ll find your hotel confirmation details in the dashboard of your registered CloudFest account.
- Accessibility Needs: We value inclusivity and will ensure the accommodation meets the accessibility requirements of our attendees during the registration process.
We aim to make the process seamless for all attendees, allowing you to focus on the Hackathon and enjoy your stay!
Main booking period (2 nights):
- Friday, March 20, 2026 (check-in)
- Sunday, March 20, 2026 (check-out)
To our invited open-source community attendees, we offer a complimentary two-night stay (March 20-22, 2026) at Hotel Krønasår, Europa-Park’s premier four-star hotel, with daily breakfast, full catering during the hackathon, and unlimited beverages.
Optional:
- Early-Arrival-Option: Special rate for early arrivals on March 19, 2026
- Extra Night: One additional free night on March 22, 2026, for selected attendees to participate in CloudFest’s new exciting Monday program – stay tuned.
Details for both options will be provided after the application selection process and successful registration.
Planning to stay for CloudFest’s main event (March 23-26)?
As a registered Hackathon attendee, you’ll receive a free CloudFest standard pass.
Make sure to arrange your extended accommodation through the CloudFest website.
Planning to stay for CloudFest’s main event (March 23-26)? As a registered Hackathon attendee, you’ll receive a free CloudFest standard pass.
Make sure to arrange your extended accommodation through the CloudFest website.
For registered CloudFest Hackathon attendees, we will offer an early arrival night at a special rate. Details will be provided after the application selection process and successful registration.
To avoid accessibility issues at the hackathon venue (limited space) please store your luggage in the luggage room at the Krønasår hotel lobby, if necessary.
Yes! Upon check-in, you will receive breakfast vouchers that give you access to your hotel’s breakfast amenities during breakfast hours.
Coffee and snacks will also be served at the CloudFest Hackathon venue and we’ll serve delicious buffet lunches and dinners on March 15 and 16.
Once you are selected as an attendee and successfully registered for CloudFest and the Hackathon, we will reach out to you for additional information about accessibility needs and special dietary requirements.
Apply through our CloudFest Hackathon website at https://www.hackathon.cloudfest.com.
If accepted, we’ll recognize your existing CloudFest ticket and guide you through the next steps.
