BAVARIA - traditionally different 2019, "Forest edition"

BAVARIA

TRADITIONALLY DIFFERENT SP EC IA L FO RE ST ED ITI ON

Forest Tales ++ The immersive experience of forest bathing in Upper Bavaria ++ Ranger tours in the Bavarian Forest ++ The mountain forest project in the Allgäu ++ With four cool gin makers in Franconia ++

PLUS: 34 OTHER FOREST EXPERIENCES

Contents 06

Family holiday Forest experiences for young and old

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Helping the forest The Mountain Forest Project in the Allgäu brings you close to nature

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Walking holidays Through Bavaria’s forests

Forest in a bottle A very special gin from the Spessart in Franconia

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Dive in Forest bathing at Lake Tegernsee one hour south of Munich

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With all the senses Gain new strength in the forest

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Service, legal notices

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Ranger

RANGER IN THE BAVARIAN FOREST

A vocational calling It is very rare that career aspirations from childhood days are actually realised in later life. But this is exactly how life turned out for Kristin Biebl. An ardent nature lover, her dream job was to work as a ranger in the Bavarian Forest

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Forest Tales

Young visitors are Kristin Biebl’s favourite “customers” – “many city children hardly know anything about our wildlife“

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f you know from an early age what nature is and what it means, you will want to protect it,” says Kristin Biebl.

She herself became aware of nature very early on. Namely at ten or eleven years old, when a ranger came to her school and talked about his work. From that point on Kristin Biebl knew that one day she would work in the forest. But what kind of “work” would that be? She sees it as a real privilege to spend her days in the forest on a “roller-coaster of emotions.”

Her tasks include checking hiking trails, leading guided walks, acting as a contact partner for visitors to the park and from time to time clearing away the rubbish that visitors leave behind. She

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„

My everyday life in the forest is a real privilege.

“

Kristin Biebl is completely at home in the National Park

often goes into local schools too, to offer the children taster programmes as junior rangers. And: “Here we also have some rare creatures, such as the wood grouse.

That’s why I have to make sure visitors stay on the paths and leave the animals in peace.”

What the young ranger enjoys most of all is climbing up the Rachel, at 1453 metres the second-highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest, and looking out across her beloved homeland – a region where “nature is still given enough space to flourish.” It is that playful flourishing of nature that she hopes to convey to the children she accompanies through the national park. When Kristin Biebl looks into

Ranger An endless task – the job can involve writing reports or picking up rubbish

Some more tips from the region ON THE ISLAND BAVARIAN FOREST In the Nature Parks of the Bavarian Forest there are many wonderful peculiarities of nature to be discovered.

Have you heard of the

A hands-on approach – the taster course is a great way of attracting future rangers

floating grass islands on the Lake Kleiner Arbersee, (Small Arbersee)? You can walk here from Brennes and do a circuit of the lake. www.bayerischerwald.de

A GLASS FOREST ARBERLAND Here visitors

can have a sensory forest experience in every aspect: Standing on one of the 18 thousand-metre peaks in the ARBERLAND region, you can

the wide-eyed faces of her young visitors, her heart fills with emotion. She remembers doing her very first taster course in the forest, and how impressed she was.

However, a tour through the Bavarian Forest is a wonderful experience for adults too. “When I go out into nature,” says the ranger, “it’s always so different. For example, on the Lusen I have this sea of vast

Granite rocks, but if I go a little further I come across ancient trees, moorland and bog ponds. It’s this diversity that makes our surroundings so unique. “

Other forest tales and tips: www.bavaria.by/forest

see far across the BavarianBohemian sea of trees.

A particular highlight is the “glass forest” near Regen (photo) – which consists of glass pine and fir trees up to 4.5 metres in height. www.arberland.de/en

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Family holiday

Look what’s scuttling along!

Counting ants, feeding wild boar or walking along a dinosaur trail: the forests of Bavaria captivate visitors of all ages. And for weary environmental researchers there are also places to stay in the very heart of nature

PREHISTORIC GIANTS DENKENDORF In the prehistoric forest

of the Dinosaur Museum in Altmühltal visitors walk through 400 million years of earth’s history along a 1.5 km experience trail, complete with life-size reconstructions of dinosaurs. In the museum hall there are other worldwide sensations on display, including the original skeleton of Rocky, the world’s only teenage T. rex.

Then it’s off to the forest Biergarten. www.dinopark-bayern.de/en/

HIGH ABOVE THE STEIGERWALD EBRACH/HANDTHAL Up to 42 metres up in the trees, families can experience

the forest of Steigerwald from a whole new perspective: on the treetop trail in Ebrach. An exhibition in the Steigerwald centre in Handthal teaches visitors all about forestry management and sustainability. steigerwald-zentrum.de; www.baumwipfelpfadsteigerwald.de

A BED IN THE TREES

THE SOUNDS OF THE FOREST

FRANCONIA A nighttime adventure: in Franconia guests can stay

ALPENWELT KARWENDEL For children, the experience trail on

in some unusual places, such as the comfortable treehouse hotel Seemühle in “Spessart-Mainland” or the Heuhotel Fischbeck hay hotel in Vorra in the “Nuremberg region” – sleeping directly on organic hay. www.frankentourismus.com

Lake Lautersee near Mittenwald is an exciting thing to do: on the Pirschpfad trail they can discover badgers and other inhabitants of the forest while in the Listening Studio they can prick up their ears and identify their feathered friends in the chorus of birdsong. www.alpenwelt-karwendel.de/en

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An eye-level view of the forest Special parks and sports facilities bring children close to nature as they play

Excursion to the wildlife park

CHILD’S PLAY IN THE KLETTERWALD KINDERHOTEL OBERJOCH The Kinderhotel Oberjoch****S in Bad

Hindelang-Oberjoch lies at 1,200 metres. Right next door is a wonderful outdoor playground with plenty to do: a climbing forest, a forest playground with Indian tepee as well as a wild stream, all designed to attract young guests out into the great outdoors from morning to night. Numerous walking trails also start from the hotel and lead through the nearby forests. www.kinderhoteloberjoch.de/en/

FICHTEL MOUNTAINS The way to the wildlife park in Mehlmeisel leads through the Waldhaus (forest house), the park’s environmental education centre. Here visitors are given an interactive introduction to the forest. In the barrier-free wildlife park itself they can then get close to the animals. www.fichtelgebirge.bayern

A forest full of surprises INN-SALZACH This region in Upper Bavaria

LEARNING STATIONS IN THE FOREST

OVER HILL AND DALE

FREISING This town has a special

WEISSENBURG It’s a little bumpy

relationship with trees: children are the target audience for the 2 km experience trail in Freisinger Forst (photo) with its 23 information and play stations (starting from the Plantage Biergarten). The world forest of the Kranzberger Forst near Freising is also exciting. For over 30 years trees from all over the world have been planted there, and can be discovered on circular trails. tourismus.freising.de

but a lot of fun to take a wagon ride through the Weißenburg Stadtwald (town forest). Being pulled by two horses through this recreational forest is something the whole family can enjoy. The forest is well worth a visit, not least because of its his­ torical significance: in 1338 the land was a gift from Kaiser Ludwig to the inhabitants of Weißenburg. www.weissenburg.de

has some special offers for families, including the forest rope course in Oberreith. Other highlights are the guided forest experience tours for families, yoga enthusiasts and creative talents. www.inn-salzach.com

Join in!

SCHEIDEGG All sorts of creatures scuttle and scurry along the forest floor. Ants carry their loads of wood and leaves to their nest.

At the sensory and hands-on activity sta­ tions in the Skywalk Allgäu, a nature experi­ ence park with treetop trail in Scheidegg, visitors explore the forest from the vantage point of its inhabitants. www.skywalk-allgaeu.de 7

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Mountain Forest

MOUNTAIN FOREST PROJECT

Any volunteers?

Every year, 2,500 people get involved in protecting and maintaining Germany’s forests – all on an entirely voluntary, unpaid basis. It’s a great enterprise, which also helps the trees in the Upper Allgäu. If only you didn’t need to get up so early to do it …

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Out into the forest: Peter Naumann gets stuck in when it comes to the rehabilitation of the protective forest in the Upper Allgäu

„

T

he most important thing is that we teach our volunteers one thing dur­ ing the mountain forest project,” says Peter Naumann, “and that is: We are not spectators, but all part of nature.

That’s why what each individual really does makes a difference.” And it’s im­ portant that they actually do something.

Peter Naumann doesn’t say this explicitly, but he thinks it. In the same way that he did something when he first heard about the mountain forest project. The idea first emerged in 1986 in a church in Hamburg, where retired Greenpeace activist Wolf­ gang Lohbeck and Swiss forester Renato Ruf decided they would like to get peo­ ple actively involved in the forests, which were in decline at that time.

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The first campaign of the “Swiss Mountain Forest Project” took place soon afterwards in Graubünden. Once again it was Peter Naumann, trained landscape gardener and later a qualified forester, who joined forces with colleagues to bring the campaign into his homeland.

Today he is spokesman and director of the German mountain forest project.

That’s not to say that he would just sit behind a desk and simply coordinate the tasks: He gets stuck into all the work pro­ jects rather than just being present. But what exactly is the mountain forest pro­ ject? “An association that gets volunteers working in biotopes, forests and moor­ land across Germany. We carry out forest re­ structuring and the rehabilitation of

Wake-up at 6 am!

“

Peter Naumann, 49, is a spokesman for the German mountain forest project

Mountain Forest

Some more tips from the region STRONG CHARACTERS ALLGÄU Some of the witch elms, silver firs and copper beeches on the experience trail at Steibis are around 500 years old. There walkers can experience for themselves the calming and reinvigorating effect of trees.

Further tips for a restorative holiday can be found in the programme “Achtsamkeit Allgäu”, which contains various packages designed for rest and relaxation. www.visitallgaeu.com

NESTLING IN THE FOREST HÖRNERDÖRFER On the forest educational trail known

Home and idyll:

The Allgäu is still pristine and unspoilt – and that’s the way it should stay.

protective forests.” Forest restructuring?

To be specific, ensuring that the many pro­ blematic monocultures that have grown up over recent generations are turned back into mixed woodland. And what is happening in Bavaria in particular?

“There we are running lots of projects in the Allgäu, in Upper Bavaria, in the Fichtel Mountains and in the Bavarian Forest,” says Naumann, who studied in Weihen­ stephan. “The rehabilitation of the pro­ tective woodland is very important in the mountain regions, where we are planting pine trees.” These make the best stabi­ lisers, as they have tap roots unlike fir trees, which are shallow rooted. Naumann could talk for hours about the complex connections within woodlands, and in­ deed he sometimes does when he’s in­ volved in the volunteer work sessions in the Upper Allgäu. He also tells the volun­ teers where the best places are – “the best view is from the Grünten, where the high Alps of the Allgäu begin” – and helps them,

as “Die 12 Fischinger Tore” (12 gates of Fischen), twelve stations inform guests about the flora and fauna of the area and the ecology of the forests around Fischen. This village and its neighbouring communities are nestled between high mountains and the River Iller, which has earned this group of villages the name “Hörnerdörfer”. www.hoernerdoerfer.de/alpine-erholung-allgaeu

THE GREEN HEART OF THE ALLGÄU ALLGÄU Like a dark green island, the Adelegg is

a large, forested mountain range covering over 100 square kilometres near Isny, set in the heart of a meadow landscape. Visitors can explore this beautiful region on the two routes known as the Wiesengänger (meadow trail) and Wasserläufer (water trail) of the 876km long-distance hiking trail network “Wandertrilogie Allgäu”. www.visitallgaeu.com

through their participation in the proj­­­ ect, to see their own personal relationship with the entire ecosystem of nature in a whole new light. Anyone who wants to be part of the week-long work sessions in the forests of the Upper Allgäu needs to wear sturdy footwear, have no fear of steep slopes and be able to get up early.

“The wake-up call happens at six o’clock in the morning,” says Naumann, and warns potential participants that they will want to run away by the third day because their whole body will ache.

“But they carry on anyway and realise they can do it after all.” That’s the effect of working outside in nature, says Naumann.

“And the physical experience gives you an incredible sense of satisfaction.”

Eating & talking: Over a shared meal volunteers are given a lot of information about the forest

Other forest tales and tips: www.bavaria.by/forest

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Walking

Rambling through nature A great many beautiful trails lead through the rich and varied natural landscape of Bavaria.

The forest is a constant companion along the way. Educational trails and guided tours are great ways to learn more about the forest – or you can simply enjoy the company of the trees. It’s such a relaxing environment …

THE SOUL OF THE FRANKENWALD TREES

ON THE GREEN ROOF OBERPFÄLZER WALD Vast forests and distant views await

walkers on the green roof of Europe. The seven stages of the Nurtschweg trail lead through extensive woodland and past striking viewpoints – such as the Holy Trinity Church in Kappl, the castle ruins of Schellenberg and the Hochfels natural monument. www.oberpfaelzerwald.de

FRANKENWALD (FRANCONIAN FOREST) In the heart of this quality hiking region lies the Upper Rodachtal with its many and diverse forest experiences, such as the “Souls of Trees” Walkshop, where guests can get close to the still giants of the Frankenwald (Fran­ conian Forest), meditate with them and learn how to tap into their calm and their power. Time out from everyday life with nature coach Holger Schramm. www.frankenwald-tourismus.de

ON GOLDEN PATHS EASTERN BAVARIA Holiday makers can find a vast network of hiking

trails in Eastern Bavaria. One of these is the Goldsteig. Germany’s longest quality hiking trail runs for 660 kilometres through the Upper Palatinate and Bavarian Forest. On the Czech side, an additional Goldsteig route, the Zlata Stezka, traverses the Bohemian Forest. Experi­ence unlimited hiking enjoyment on the green roof of Europe. www.goldsteig-wandern.de

ON THE TRAIL OF HISTORY HASSBERGE Cultural landscapes of oaks and mixed

woodland, meadow valleys, orchards and streams are the characteristic features of the Haßberge hills. In the forest, lovers of nature and culture can find traces of the ancient knights of Franconia, such as at Königs­ berg Castle (photo). 22 experience tours along castle and palace trails bring visitors to many ancient struc­ tures. www.hassberge-tourismus.de

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Forest treasures The forest is such a diverse environment: from secluded streams to

Rocks in the Zauberwald UPPER BAVARIA A highlight for walkers is the Zauberwald, a forest in the mountain­ eering village of Ramsau (picture). A rockfall thousands of years ago left great boulders strewn around the landscape and created Lake Hintersee. A fairy-tale tour through the Zauberwald is a particularly magical experi­ence. www.oberbayern.de

Steps through the riparian woodland EICHSTÄTT Eichstatt’s riparian woodland

has a totally untouched feel to it. Yet the woodland, with its stepped path, has been shaped by people. Who used the forest – this is what walkers in the “KultURwald” find out: eleven information panels along the 5km educational trail provide an insight into the history and nature of the forest. www.eichstaett.de

Mountain forest full of surprises INZELL Holding your head against a hum­

ming stone (picture) or measuring your jump against a wild animal: this experience trail with 20 activity and information stations runs through the trees near Inzell. From the Forst­ haus Adlgaß the trail takes visitors through thick mountain forest. www.inzell.de

CITY OF CULTURE AMID GREEN HILLS BAYREUTH Back in the early 19th century, poet Jean Paul extolled the virtues of charming Bayreuth, which is surrounded by the dark green forests of the Fichtel Mountains, the Franconian Forest and romantic Franconian Switzer­ land. Our tip: Reap the rewards of a walk through the ancient oaks, beeches and mixed woodland up to the Hohen Warte, where you can enjoy the best views of the city and the Festspielhaus from the Siegesturm tower. Then it’s off to the Bürgerreuth for a 30-minute hike up through the woods to an ad­ venture playground in idyllic surroundings. www.bayreuth-tourismus.de

THE DONAULEITEN

EXPLORING THE FOREST

DISTRICT OF PASSAU The Donaulei­ ten region near Passau is a unique natural feature. The steep forested slopes on the banks of the Bavarian Danube are home to around 1,600 animal species and over 450 rare plant species. The best way to ex­ plore this nature reserve is on foot, such as on the LiFe Naturwald trail near Jochenstein. More information: www.hausamstrom.de; www.passauer-land.de

AMMERGAU ALPS In the far south of Bavaria, in the triangle between Munich, the Zugspitze and Neu­ schwanstein Castle, lies the Nature Park Ammergau Alps with its im­ pressive forests. Visitors can enjoy exciting glimpses of this habitat on a walk along the Timberland Trail through the Ludwigsschlucht gorge in Bad Kohgrub. This is a lively forest adventure trail with balance raft, forest windows and much more. www.ammergauer-alpen.com

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Forest Gin

FAIRY TALE SPESSART

The gin from the forest What do a love of the Spessart region in Franconia, a distillery licence held by grand­ parents, and the fairy tale of Snow White have in common? The connection is best explained by four young gin aficionados from Lohr am Main F o r e s t Ta l e s

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W

hat happens when four young men in their local region of Spessart get a distillery licence despite having no prior experience? Quite simply: “Snow White”, one of the best new gins currently being made in Germany.

The proof: In Berlin in 2018, Snow White won the silver medal at the Craft Spirits Festival, the most important event for new spirits. Small wonder, given the aspiration: “Our gin should taste like a walk in the woods on a fresh summer morning”, says Markus Skrobanek, and because he knows that gin drinkers prefer things to be a little less precise, even if no less poetic, he goes on to say: “Imagine the dew on

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the leaves and meadows – this is provided by the spring water and the tingle of the lemons. The sweetness of the apples reflects the first rays of the sun. And the scent of the forest is provided by the resinous note of the juniper berries and the pine needles.”

The four young amateur distillers successfully convinced the jury in Berlin.

Now the distillery, which is located right by the forest in Lohr am Main in Spessart, just needs to grow quickly so that the four friends – as well as design engineer Markus Skrobanek roadmender Stefan Blum, student Fabian Kreser and dispatcher Jonas Völker – can turn their charming

„ Like a walk in the forest

“

Markus Skrobanek on the flavour of the gin

Forest Gin

More tips from the region

2-MOUNTAIN TOURS CHURFRANKEN Seven challenging mountain bike circuits lead through the Spessart and Odenwald in the region of Churfranken. The CO1 circuit in Collenberg runs for 33 km through the Spessart, past red sandstone quarries and with the new exercise course offering an additional highlight. www.churfranken.de

The fire accelerator Fabian Kreser knew the business through his grandfather’s distillery

Friends with good taste:

What sits in the Spessart forest, drinks “Schneewittchen” and enjoys life? The quartet of “Snow White” gin distillers

hobby into a real profession. The fact that this option is open to them at all is thanks to Fabian Kreser’s grandparents, who passed the distilling rights issued to them generations ago onto their grandson – and with them the tried and tested recipes for pear and fruit schnapps dating back to 1973. The four friends used these as the basis and went on to refine them further. “Our region is so dominated by the Spessart that we wanted our gin to taste of our homeland,” says Markus Skrobanek, adding: “The most important ingredients come from the forest: the spring water and the needles of the Douglas fir.

The apples come from orchards owned by

Fabian’s parents.” Local concept, regional products – even the name has a strong relationship to Spessart: The gin is called Snow White (Schneewittchen in German) because the fairy tale figure is emblematic of our homeland,” says Skrobanek. Not only should the gin taste delicious, but the Spessart must also appear on the label.

There you can see the seven dwarfs hard

at work. “They are collecting the ingredients for Snow White’s beauty drink in the forest.” It bubbles up …

Other forest tales and tips: www.bavaria.by/forest

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FOREST BATHING

Recently in the green pool The Japanese invented it and called it Shinrin Yoku. It’s something you can do particularly well in the protected landscape around Lake Tegernsee and it is - forest bathing. You may have a few questions ‌

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F O R E S T B AT H I N G

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A

dmittedly, the risk of confusion is huge: Forest bathing, as Sonja Still can vouch, has nothing to do with a normal walk or even a strenuous hike.

The local guide of Lake Tegernsee knows the subtle differences: “Forest bathing is about taking a slow walk through a wood and allowing the special atmosphere of the greenery to have an effect on us.” Then she pauses for a minute before adding: “Naturally, forest bathing is initially a concept that makes you laugh.”

The trained television journalist, who spent many years travelling the world as a travel writer, often meets with a certain scepticism in this regard.

Forest bathing expert with a passion: For Sonja Still it’s clear – there is no other landscape quite like Lake Tegernsee anywhere else in the world

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All senses set to receive: This makes the nature experience even more intensive

It soon becomes clear that nobody goes forest bathing with a swimming cap and a floating ring. Those who delve more deeply into this kind of nature experience are, in fact, likely to realise that it’s far from being a load of humbug. Japanese doctors discovered back in the 70s that it was very good for the health of city dwellers to go out into the forest from time to time.

Modern studies prove it: Forest bathing helps you to lead a healthier life. “In the meantime Shinrin Yoku, in other words forest bathing, has become a recognised therapy in Japan,” says Sonja Still, and explains that due to increasing globalisation it is gradually becoming a trend in our latitudes. And that’s definitely having positive consequences:

„ Forest bathing helps you live a healthier life

“

Local guide Sonja Still

F O R E S T B AT H I N G

More tips from the region

THE FOREST AS PHARMACY ASCHAU IN THE CHIEMGAU, SACHRANG

Slowly, slowly:

You have to learn how to do forest bathing – if you walk too fast you will miss out on some experiences

On a walk along the new “Forest Pharmacy” themed trail through the moun­tain­eering village of Sachrang, over 30 stations teach visitors about the therapeutic effect of plants.

Bat walks are also on offer in Aschau in the Chiemgau. www.aschau.de/ waldapotheke

AT HOME IN NATURE TÖLZER LAND

She has herself retained a childlike fascination for the forest, irrespective of the therapeutic backdrop. Above all, her homeland around Lake Tegernsee is a special place for Sonja Still: “When you arrive from Munich and drive down the Gmunder Berg, the view opens up like in an amphitheatre. “We have these gentle hills, but behind them are steep cliffs that remind us what it means to be a mountain. And there’s Lake Tegernsee, as sweet as a doll’s house – a wonderful lake landscape that is simply very moving.”

Following Japanese and American researchers, scientists at the University of Munich have now found that many stress-related disorders such as cardiovas­ cular problems, metabolic disorders and

autoimmune diseases can be reduced by forest bathing.

“Medical studies prove that people who walk slowly and mindfully through the trees enter a state of inner peace”, says Sonja Still. “As they do so, they see things they hadn’t noticed before.” Naturally she has to instruct her guests on how to get the most out of her guided tours: “I say to them, look at those mush­ rooms. And here are some beechnuts.

I like to do eye exercises too, to change their field of vision and their perspectives in the forest.”

Who still knows how to find food in the wilderness or how to build a shelter?

Sepp Fischer, survival expert from Bad Tölz, offers day-long seminars in the

art of bushcraft; in other words, the skills you need for (voluntary) long-term survival. www.waldhandwerk.de

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Relaxation

Excursions through nature

THE SECRET OF THE TREES WILD HERBS WALDECK BEI KEMNATH Discover the versatile

power of plants: The Naturerlebnis-Akademie in Waldeck in the Upper Palatinate runs seminars all the year round on the tasty and healthy herbs found in field and forest. One highlight is the “Edible Wild Plants Park”. www.naturerlebnis-akademie.de

RUHPOLDING Touch some soft moss, lean against a strong tree, listen to the rustling of the leaves or feel the sunshine on your face: The power spot walks in the Upper Bavarian town of Ruhpolding are a wonderful way to find peace, switch off and recharge your batt­ eries. www.ruhpolding.com

Forest well-being Health experts in the Bavarian spas and thermal baths exploit nature’s treasure trove

FINDING PEACE

HEALTHY WALKING

PFRONTEN Being in the moment and

BAD STEBEN The state spa lies in the middle of the Nature Park Frankenwald. The delightful health walk­ ing trail starts and finishes in the spa park, where visitors can indulge in coordination and strengthening exercises. www.bad-steben.de

listening to the rustling of the leaves: “Forest experiences” in Pfronten im Allgäu combine mindfulness meditation in the foothills of the Alps with creative elements of nature. www.pfronten.de

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HEALTH COACHING ALEXANDERSBAD Bavaria’s smallest health spa lies in the Nature Park Fichtelgebirge, and is the perfect destination for some time out. The offer “my healthCoaching” combines exercises in the forest with cookery courses and relaxation training, for a healthier life. www.badalexandersbad.de

BAD

SERVICE

How to behave

in forests and national parks Be prepared When going out into the great outdoors it’s important to be well equipped: sturdy shoes, a map, drinks, a mobile phone, a first-aid kit and bad weather gear are all essential items.

Stay on the path In particularly sensi-

ART IN THE FOREST BAVARIAN SWABIA Bonstetten’s Outdoor Art Trail in Augsburg Nature Park – these westerly woodlands awaken the senses and the imagination: on this 6 km circuit walkers come across 10 works of art, most of which are made of natural materials. They are subject to the vagaries of time and weather and are therefore in a constant state of flux. The special features of this trail will shortly become “audible” too – with a new Listening Tour. www.bayerisch-schwaben.de

tive areas of the national parks, such as high uplands or moorland, please stay on the marked trails to protect endangered flora and fauna species. These are marked on maps and signposted along the way.

Be aware of dangers The natural cycle of development and growth in the national parks is protected and dead trees often form part of this cycle, so falling branches are a relatively common occurrence. Be on your guard! Walkers use the paths at their own risk.

Take your rubbish home with you Food remains and tissues are not part of the natural environment – please keep the forest clean!

HOW TO FIND US Our website and our social media channels:

www.bavaria.by facebook.com/visitbavaria instagram.com/bayern Post your Bavarian experiences at #visitbavaria.

Legal Notices Publisher: BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH Arabellastr. 17, 81925 München Tel.: +49 (0) 89/2123970, tourismus@bayern.info, www.bavaria.by Responsible persons: Barbara Radomski, Managing Director Advertising Manager: Claudia Mitchell, Tel. +49 (0) 89/21239764

MEET THE BEAVERS BAD BRÜCKENAU It is not just spa

guests that saunter through the State Spa of Bad Brückenau. Not far from the park lives a family of beavers.

Visitors can take a short guided walk to find out more about these hard-working rodents – and if they are lucky they can watch them from the viewing platform. www.staatsbad.de/en/leisure/ add-tours/

Concept, Editorial, Design: Cross Media Redaktion, www.cross-media-redaktion.de Translation: TransPerfect Translations GmbH Printing: typwes Werbeagentur GmbH Fotos: Cover: Kilian Schönberger; Contents: Jan Greune; Ranger in the Bavarian Forest p. 3–5: Jan Greune, Marco Felgenhauer, Marcel Peda; Family Holiday p. 6/7: Dinosaurier Museum Altmühltal, Schulze/Naumann/Güra/www.das-baumhaushotel.de, Martin Hertel, Alpenwelt Karwendel/Stefan Eisend, Sven Posch, Herbert Rudolf, Forstamt Weißenburg, Tourismuszentrale Fichtelgebirge/Andreas Hub, Andreas Jacob, Heimplaetzer Werbefotografie; Mountain Forest Project p. 8–11: Tobias Gerber, Thomas Gretler, Marc Vogel, Klaus-Peter Kappest; Walking p. 12/13: Hans-Juergen Schmidt, Nelly Kirchner, Tobias Mattes, Woidlife Photography, Dietmar Denger (2), Touristik Inzell GmbH, Corinna Weih, Haus am Strom, Timberland World Trading GmbH; Forest Gin p. 14–17: Bernhard Huber, Bernd Ullrich; Forest Bathing p. 18–21: Gert Krautbauer, Aschau i. Chiemgau/Heribert Reiter, Waldhandwerk/Sepp Fischer; Relaxation p. 22/23: André Wirsig, Pfronten Tourismus, Andreas Plenk, Monika Josiger, By.TM/Peter von Felbert, Hama Lohrmann, Bayerisches Staatsbad Bad Brückenau; Back page: Peter von Felbert F o r e s t Ta l e s

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Unusual stories from Bavaria Did you know that we have lake cows? As part of a delightful “Almabtrieb”, these cattle travel across Lake Königssee in wooden boats. Bavaria is, quite simply, traditionally different. And that means a wealth of special experiences for holiday makers. For example, in the world’s oldest inn, or in a mountain hut dedicated to vegetarian cuisine. The new Bavarian holiday magazine features many such unusual stories along with plenty of useful tips. More information at www.bavaria.by

BAVARIA TRADITIONALLY DIFFE

RENT

The best tips

Walking, cycling, strolling, experienc ing culture

For the love of the forest

With a ranger through the Bavarian Forest National Park

WIN

Folk festivals with flair

YOUR OWN BEER SET

How Bavaria celebrates tradition, customs and summer