Baïkal

Self-Hosted

Open-source CalDAV/CardDAV server for self-hosted calendars and contacts

Overview

Baïkal is a lightweight, open-source CalDAV and CardDAV server that enables self-hosting of calendars and contacts, giving users full control over their personal data. It complies with standard protocols, integrating seamlessly with clients like Apple Calendar, Outlook, Thunderbird, and mobile devices (iOS/Android). Deployment is flexible—supporting Docker for quick setup or traditional Apache/Nginx + PHP environments. It offers two editions: Standard (file-based storage) for individuals and Professional (SQL database) for scalability. Ideal for privacy-focused users avoiding third-party services like Google or iCloud.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  baikal:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: baikal
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

CalDAV/CardDAV protocol compliance
Lightweight resource footprint
Intuitive web-based administration panel

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Baïkal hard to install?

No—Baïkal offers Docker images for quick deployment, and traditional setups with Apache/Nginx + PHP (7.4+). The web-based setup wizard guides you through configuration steps like storage (file or SQL) and user creation.

? Is it a good alternative to Google Calendar & Contacts?

Yes—Baïkal provides core calendar/contact functionality while letting you own your data. It syncs with the same clients as Google (e.g., Apple Calendar, Android Contacts), making it an easy privacy-focused switch.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—Baïkal is open source under the AGPLv3 license. Both Standard and Professional editions are free to use; there are no subscription fees, only server hosting costs if you use a VPS.

Top Alternatives

Google Calendar & Contacts Search Google

Microsoft 365 Calendar & People Search Google

Apple iCloud Calendar & Contacts Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Calendar & Contacts

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full data privacy (self-hosted)
⊕ Seamless integration with popular calendar/contacts clients

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server administration skills
⊖ Limited advanced collaboration features in the Standard edition