"Nerds, hackers, and phreaks" to gather at Berlin campground for a three-day hackathon.

Hackers looking to get away from it all while honing their hacking skills will be setting up tents in a field near Berlin next week as part of a three-day event sponsored by Germany_s premier hacker group, the Chaos Computer Club. "Nerds, hackers, and phreaks from around the world," as CCC calls them, are gathering August 6 through 8 in Altlandsberg, near Berlin, where they will split their time between partying, bathing in a nearby lake, and engaging in contests that test their hacking prowess. Preregistration is already closed for the event, according to the CCC Web site, but those that want to show up with 150 marks ($82) can try their luck. The grounds can comfortably fit between 1500 and 2000 people. The camp will be divided into themed "villages," letting participants choose the topics that most interest them. The camp includes villages for lock-picking (breaking in without destruction), art and beauty, reengineering (for example, chip cards), and cryptography. Those who feel inclined can also propose topics to the event_s sponsors. A typical event will be the Linux Deathmatch, a real-time hacking competition where teams of one to three players will try to hack one another. One group has also announced a Hack NT contest, and the lock-picking project is eyeing "underwater lock-picking in the lake nearby."To relax, hackers will have access to the Leisure Lounge, which will feature a bar and music. CCC is providing "electricity and Ethernet for every tent, and on-site facilities for food and drinks." A special network will be set up for the event so users can hook up to the Net. The event will be held mainly in English.