My Bavaria - Summer' 15

BAVARIA

YOUR HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

SUMMER ’15

INcity break!

W a 4-day

CULTURE, TOWNS & CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS

Tasty beer brewed the traditional way NATURE & ACTIVE

Exploring the holiday paradise on foot FAMILY

Fun with animals in the Allgäu

© Fotolia/Christa Eder

Josef Orterer is a dairy farmer in the Tölzer Land region and sells his cheese at Munich‘s Viktualienmarkt food market.

“I WILL SHOW YOU SHOPPING CENTRES, BAVARIAN STYLE.”

CONTENTS FRANCONIA

EASTERN BAVARIA

Nuremberg

ALLRGIAÄ- U/ BAVA SWABIA

Regensburg

Augsburg Munich

ARIA UPPER BAV

WIN A WONDERFUL DAY-STAY IN MUNICH! Spend four days in the famous 5-star-rated Hotel Bayerischer Hof and get to know the history-charged city.

NATURE & ACTIVE Hiking & Biking – Bavaria has so much to offer

T 340 rooms including 65 suites owned by the Volkhardt

he multiple award-winning Hotel Bayerischer Hof with

12

family for four generations ranks among the leading German hotels. With a breathtaking view over the city of Munich the wellness area Blue Spa - designed by star architect Andrée Putman - offers well-being at the highest level. For more information visit www.bayerischerhof.de.

Participate now and win a 4-day stay at The Hotel Bayerischer Hof for two persons in Munich!

Register here: www.bavaria.by/munich-competition

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FAMILY Explore the Bavarian Forest National Park

2 MY BAVARIA SUMMER ’15

CONTENTS & EDITORIAL

CULTURE, TOWNS & CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS

4 Josef Orterer and Munich’s Viktualienmarkt food market invite you to try some regional culinary specialities

5 The Bavarian beer purity law celebrates its 500th anniversary 6-7 Franconia: Historical jewels and home of beers 8 Culture and culinary delights in Bamberg and Nuremberg 9 Tour Rothenburg with the night watchman 10 Culinary delights in Regensburg, southern European flair in Passau

11 Altötting: In the footsteps of kaisers and kings 11 Travel tips: Prien at the Lake Chiemsee and Bad Reichenhall NATURE & ACTIVE

12 Climbing adventure: The gentle way to go vertical, with Allgäu mountain guide Bernd Zehetleitner

13 Ruhpolding: Hiking with Franz 14 Experiencing nature in Oberaudorf-Kiefersfelden and the holiday region Alpenwelt Karwendel

15 Mountains, lakes and blooming mountain meadows in the

DEAR READERS, Welcoming, that’s Bavaria for you! We promise you memorable holiday experiences and encounters with authentic characters. They enjoy talking about their region, Bavaria, offering you some personal insights and sharing their traditions, culinary delights and way of life with you. We invite you to discover Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s “dark side” with a night watchman, to follow Bamberg’s “beer trail” with a “beer sommelier”, or to explore the Arberland with guide Sepp.

Zugspitze Region

16 Hotel Birgsauer Hof in Oberstdorf: Centrally located in a 17

holiday paradise Activity holidays in the Explorer Hotels. The most scenic hiking trails in the Arberland

Get some inspiration on the following pages. The people and their very personal stories, the heartfelt hospitality and the authentic Bavarian lifestyle will welcome you.

We are looking forward to meeting you!

FAMILY

18 Günter Sellmayer teaches in the outdoor classroom of the Bavarian Forest National Park

19 Children can get closer to animals at the Kinderhotel Oberjoch Jens Huwald Managing Director

Dr. Martin Spantig Managing Director

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CULTURE, TOWNS & CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS Regional cuisineA real taste experience

IMPRINT: Publisher: BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH, Arabellastrasse 17, D-81925 Munich, Germany; Phone: +49 89/212397-0; tourismus@bayern.info, www.bavaria.by Responsible: Dr. Martin Spantig, Managing Director; Jens Huwald, Managing Director Design: dworak & kornmesser, agency for communication & design, Innere Wiener Strasse 50, D-81667 Munich, Germany; Phone: +49 89/666168-0; www.dworakkornmesser.de Editing: editing agency Balon, Rita Balon, Manzostrasse 15, D-80997 Munich, Germany; Phone: +49 89/89220620, rita.balon@web.de Printing: PMA print + media advertising, Martin Dorffmeister, Unterer Dürrenberg 29, D-82419 Murnau, Germany; Phone: +49 8841 / 67 80 42, www.pma-medien.de

SUMMER ’15 MY BAVARIA 3

© www.bayern.by – Peter von Felbert (2 x)

Farmer Josef Orterer owns a cheesedairy in the village of Jachenau. At the Viktualienmarkt in Munich he sells his special cheese Tilsit type.

THE SECRET STARS OF THE REGIONAL CUISINE Regional produce is one of the most important contemporary culinary trends.

Josef Orterer’s “Tölzer Kasladen” cheese stall at Munich’s Viktualienmarkt food market has something very special to offer: mountain cheese from Jachenau.

B the wide range of speciality foods for

oth star-rated and hobby chefs rely on

For more information please visit www.bavaria.by/culinary-art

sale at its stalls, and locals often refer to the Viktualienmarkt food market as “Munich’s parlour“. It‘s popular and one of the bestknown and, with 150 stalls, one of the largest markets in Bavaria. Gourmet fans can find mainly “victuals” here (hence its name), i.e. fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, bread and cheese. Even if exotic fruit and spices are on offer here and there, the main focus is on regional produce.

Bavaria is Germany’s largest dairy farming region; it is therefore also home to a particularly

4 MY BAVARIA SUMMER ’15

great number of dairies and cheesemakers.

So it is hardly surprising that the “Tölzer Kasladen” stall at the Viktualienmarkt is a firm favourite with many locals and visitors. One outstanding regional speciality is hidden amongst the numerous large and small wheels of cheese made from cow’s, goat’s or sheep’s milk: mountain cheese from Jachenau. Jachenau is a small community in the southernmost corner of the Bad TölzWolfratshausen district. This is where Josef Orterer, a qualified farmer and the 18th generation of his family to farm, produces around three-and-a-half tons of this semi-hard Tilsitstyle cheese every year in the cheese dairy on his farm. “The secret behind our cheese is our cows and the good milk they give.” Josef Orterer’s 500-year-old farm has 25 hectares of pasture attached to it. And his heifers have the same amount of space again to graze up in the mountains. That is also where the fresh raw milk is turned into cheese.

CULTURE, TOWNS & CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS

500 YEARS OF

BAVARIAN BREWING TRADITION

The Bavarian Purity Law (“Reinheitsgebot”) is the oldest regulation concerning foodstuffs in the world.

T versary year that is to be celebrated; but

he countdown is on: It is not just an anni-

also the foundations of Bavarian beer culture: true brewery art, impressive variety and a world-famous tradition. “We can be proud of organising the 500th anniversary of the Bavarian Purity Law in 2016, and celebrating across the world with lots of enthusiastic fans of Bavarian Beer”, explains Friedrich Düll, President of the Bavarian Brewers Association.

The foundation of Bavarian beer culture On 23rd April 1516, the two Bavarian dukes Wilhelm IV and Ludwig X passed the decree in Ingolstadt: No more adulterations and peculiar ingredients that some brewers had been adding to the brew until this point. Since then, the brewers have only been allowed to add water, malt, hops and yeast to the brewing process. The almost 500-year-old Purity Law for beer in Bavaria has been followed without restriction ever since.

It is the world‘s oldest regulation pertaining to foodstuffs that is still valid to this day.

The Bavarian Purity Law is a very modern, timely regulation despite its age. It stands for unadulterated, natural production; like that expected by consumers for their food nowadays – free from colourings, additives and preservatives. The restriction to just four ingredients does not, however, mean a lack of product diversity.

Instead, the decree shows how it is a real art to be able to brew such a range of beers from just four permitted ingredients. Over forty varieties and around 4,000 brands are brewed in line

with traditional methods in Bavaria to this day. In addition, the Purity Law is the standout feature of Bavarian brewing on the world beer market. Every fifth litre of beer brewed in Bavaria is drunk abroad.

Take note!

The most important dates from the 2016 beer calendar: • Bavarian brewing is celebrating the 500th birthday of its Purity Law with a whole series of events. On 22nd April 2016, a celebratory opening ceremony will mark the anniversary in Ingolstadt.

• The highlight of the anniversary year is the “Festival 500 Years of the Bavarian Purity Law” from 22nd to 24th July 2016. Celebrations will take place on several squares in the heart of the regional capital of Munich, with around 100 breweries and numerous attractions. For more information, see www.bayerisches-bier.de.

TIP The special value of the Purity Law and its unique tradition as a craft technique for beer preparation in Germany is also acknowledged by the EU. Since 1996, German beer brewed in line with the Purity Law has been the only German foodstuff to be protected by law with the quality seal “Traditional Specialities Guaranteed”. In addition, Bavarian Beer was even placed under special protection of origin with the “Protective Geographical Indication” label.

SUMMER ’15 MY BAVARIA 5

CULTURE, TOWNS & CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS

© CoburgTourismus/FrankenTourismus

HISTORICAL JEWELS AND THE HOME OF LOTS OF BEERS

A in the glass, is the embodiment of pure

freshly pulled “Seidla Bier”, glistening gold

pleasure for connoisseurs. Traditional brewery pubs, beer gardens and jovial beer festivals all invite you to enjoy the “liquid gold” in Franconian towns. The nature of the beast lies in the sheer variety. Franconia has the greatest density of breweries in the world.

In the footsteps of the “liquid gold” Paying homage to the refined amber nectar whilst chatting to the people sharing your table is part of the Franconian way of life. In the town and district of Bamberg, almost seventy breweries brew over 400 different types of beer.

Franconian beer culture is also said to have been omnipresent in Bayreuth for over 150 years. The brewing history, the town‘s cultural history and much more can be discovered below the town in the catacombs of the AKTIEN-Felsenkeller. Maisel‘s brewery museum documents a further piece of history. In the old machine room, the brewhouse and in the cooperage, everything remains as it once was; as if the brewers and coopers have just popped out for their lunch.

Brewing tradition lives on “Ein Prosit” or “Cheers!” is the order of the 6 MY BAVARIA SUMMER ’15

day on the Thursday before Whitsun in Erlangen, as the first keg is tapped at the Bergkirchweih – the oldest beer festival in the world, which has been running since 1755. Between 21st May and 1st June 2015, locals and guests will be able to sample the cool Festmärzenbier festival beer from stone tankards along with Franconian specialities on the Burgberg.

The Tucher Bräu has been standing for beer culture in Nuremberg for almost 350 years. In the Altstadthof craft brewery, the brewing process is followed using traditional methods, with copper vessels, wooden wash backs and traditional machinery. On the tour, you can even descend into the historical rock-rut cellar labyrinth. Traditional Nuremberg Rotbier (literally “red beer”) used to be aged here. Small speciality breweries are making themselves known more

© FrankenTourismus/FRS/Hub

History lives on in Franconia’s towns. The art of brewing that has been passed down through the generations is just as well-maintained as traditions dating back centuries and festivals.

and more now with their new creations. One example is the Schanzenbräu, which produces both the full-bodied red beer and the flavoursome pale ale, as well as various speciality beers.

You can find out everything you need to know about the history of the brewing culture in the Bavarian Brewery Museum in Kulmbach.

“Heute back‘ ich, morgen brau‘ ich” (“Today I bake; tomorrow I brew”) – as the fairytale Rumpelstiltskin testifies, baking and brewing belong together; and visitors to the „Kulmbacher Mönchshof“ Bavarian Brewery Museum can find out all about this; from the Egyptian baking culture to the variety of types of bread available today.

The Kulmbacher Week of Beer (25th July to 2nd August) is celebrating a special anniversary this year. In 2015, the coopers (cask builders) celebrate their 250th anniversary. Their historical dance is traditionally performed as part of the Week of Beer.

CULTURE, TOWNS & CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS

© Ansbach

Ehrenburg Castle; Rococo-Festival, Ansbach and “Franconia – Home of the Beer.”

Franconian blood in the English royal family The connections between the former duchy of Saxony-Coburg and Gotha span far into the royal families of the world as a result of the duchal marriage policy. In 1840, Coburg Prince Albert wed his cousin, Queen Victoria, the great-great-grandmother of Queen Elisabeth II. Rosenau, the palace in which he was born, which was to become Queen Victoria‘s favourite place; the medieval Veste which stands high above Coburg; the Ehrenburg in the heart of Coburg‘s town centre; and Callenberg Palace, are all evidence of the links between the German and English nobility.

Rothenburg romance in a London suburb What do Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Hampstead Garden have in common? Lots of greenery, arcades and prominent oriels on the upper storeys, which have their roots in Franconia. At the beginning of the 20th century, English architect and town planner Raymond Unwin travelled regularly to Rothenburg. The impressions that he collected were then incorporated into his designs for the refined suburb in northwest London in 1905.

Würzburg: Sights that you shouldn‘t miss • UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site

Residence Palace one of Europe’s most renowned baroque castles • Festung Marienberg (Fortress Marienberg) the most dominating feature of the city • Alte Mainbrücke (old bridge) • Dom St. Kilian (cathedral) the fourth largest Romanesque cathedral in Germany Eichstätt: Experience ancient handicrafts Handicrafts have a golden crown in Eichstätt. In the traditional workshops, you can watch over the shoulders as the pewterers, gold and silversmiths and stone sculptors work, or can observe the lithography workshop.

TIP Customs and traditional events Town festivals Schweinfurt: 5.6. – 15.6.2015 Aschaffenburg: 19.6. – 29.6.2015 Parade with groups bearing traditional dress and marching bands, as well as traditional floats and marquees – welcome to the largest town festivals in Franconia.

Ansbach: Rococo Festival 3.7. – 7.7. 2015 Court behaviour from the time of the margrave Carl Wilhelm Friedrich from Brandenburg-Ansbach is brought back to life in the court garden of the Hohenzollern residence, in front of the Orangerie.

Dinkelsbühl: Kinderzeche 17.7 – 26.7. 2015 According to legend, when the Swedish General Sperreuth planned on destroying Dinkelsbühl during the Thirty Year War, a handful of children stood in his way. Every year, the town celebrates its rescue with historical parades and a festival.

Fürth: Michaeliskirchweih 3.10. – 14.10.2015 As the consecration of the St. Michael Church, the “Fürther Kirchweih” is one of the oldest town festivals in Franconia. The Harvest Parade on the second Kirchweih Sunday is a great spectacle, with some 3,000 people taking part.

INFORMATION: FrankenTourismus | Telephone: +49 911/94151-0 | www.frankentourismus.com

SUMMER ’15 MY BAVARIA 7

PRETZELS, BRATWURST AND STAR-WORTHY ORGANIC CUISINE

M

One of the highlights for beer enthusiasts in Bamberg: A visit to the beer gardens perched high up on top of Bambergs’ hills.

CULTURE SQUARED

B

amberg and beer: that is culture squared. Beer tours, beer tastings and beer menus can be perfectly combined with a visit to all of the sights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. “Beer plays a very important role in the region. The huge range of hand-brewed specialities is based on centuries of tradition and the huge passion of the brewers”, states Markus Raupach. The beer sommelier, who founded the German Beer Academy in Bamberg, knows his stuff. He has already written several books about beer in Bamberg. Bamberg is also a town of diversity when it comes to food. The typical specialities like “Schäuferla” (shoulder of pork cooked in beer), “Bamberger Zwiebel” (literally: Bamberg Onion) or “Zwetschgerbaames” are popular classics with pork or 8 MY BAVARIA SUMMER ’15

beef. However, vegetarians and vegans, like Raupach himself, also have a home: The Gardeners’ District, which is part of the World Heritage Site. Different types of vegetables have been growing here since the Middle Ages, in the middle of town.

“They are available in lots of different restaurants and go well with Bamberg beer”, says the beer sommelier, enthusiastically.

He is also impressed with the musical wealth of Bamberg.

As someone who used to sing as a choir boy in the cathedral choir, he rhapsodises: “Alongside the unique concerts of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, there are lots of music festivals and a great pub music scene.”

INFORMATION: Bamberg Information | Telephone: +49 951 /2976 200 | www.bamberg.info

The secret of the typical Franconian pretzel is revealed by Jessica and Peter Kolb. They bake directly on the hot stones in the stone baking oven, in line with their old family traditions. Crunchy pretzels of all shapes and sizes are served directly from the bakery in the Brezen-Café on Ostendstraße. And for anyone who is in a rush: Drivers can pick up their baked goods at the Brezen-Drive through.

INFORMATION: Nuremberg Tourist Information | Telephone: +49 911/2336-0 | www.nuernberg.de

TIP Tip for gourmets Alongside a whole host of certified organic restaurants, organic produce has begun its triumph in Nuremberg’s gourmet kitchens: Andrée Köthe, head chef of the “Essigbrätlein” restaurant (2 Michelin stars), Andreas Aumer of “Aumer’s la Vie” (1 Michelin star) and Stefan Rottner of the Romantikhotel Rottner and 1997 Head Chef of the Year, all predominantly use products sourced from the Franconian region.

© Weinstadel Nürnberg, Uwe Niklas

Good to know: Nine breweries, two ,a large malthouses brewery machinery factory and the ry Franconian Brewe be Museum are all to . found in Bamberg

© Andreas Hub / laif

TIP

any legends are entwined around the Nuremberg bratwurst. One thing is for sure: Its size (7 to 9 centimetres), its weight (20 to 25 grams) and its content are heavily protected. Since the 19th century, the „Bratwurstglöcklein“ has been the epitome of old Nuremberg Bratwurst culture and its 700-year-old tradition. The defined shape that exists today has its roots in this: 6, 8, 10 or 12 sausages served on a pewter plate with Sauerkraut (pickled cabbage) or potato salad and horseradish.

CULTURE, TOWNS & CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS

THE HOUR OF THE NIGHTWATCHMAN n the mellow light of dusk, Rothenburg ob der Tauber and its fairytale silhouettes reveal its special charm.

As soon as it gets dark, the hour of the nightwatchman strikes. In the flickering light of the sooty lantern, he brings the medieval town to life, like a history book with living chapters. The journey takes you down gloomy alleyways and through sparingly lit squares. He describes how, as a castle settlement, Rothenburg developed into a rich and free imperial town;

© Willi Pfitzinger; Peter Frischmuth / argus

I

from its insignificance after the Thirty Years‘ War to its rebirth as one of the bestpreserved towns in Germany.

Hans Georg Baumgartner fell into the job of the nightwatchman by chance. He read in a newspaper article

that the search was on for a successor of the recently deceased Rothenburg nightwatchman. The 58-year-old was chosen from hundreds of applicants. The Rothenburg nightwatchman is now famous across the world.

TIP The walking tour with the Rothenburg nightwatchman also takes place in English from March to Christmas.

The tour begins at the market square, in front of the town hall. It costs € 7 per adult, and € 4 for schoolchildren and students.

Children under 12 are free.

INFORMATION: Rothenburg Tourism Service | Telephone: +49 9861/404-800 | www.tourismus.rothenburg.de

Take a whole day to explore Bavaria by train for just EUR 23!

Travel with up to 4 friends for an additional EUR 5 each.

Book online now on bahn.com/uk and discover Southern Germany’s idyllic treasures: from Neuschwanstein to the picturesque cities of Regensburg and Nuremberg.

Get in, relax.

© Regensburg Tourismus GmbH

TIP

CULINARY WORLD HERITAGE

© Regensburg Tourismus GmbH

owadays, a lot revolves around a fast food intake Fast Food. But is this an invention of modern times? Far from it. The snack bar next door does not come from America or Berlin but from Regensburg. The historic Sausage Kitchen “Wurstkuchl” on the southern bank of the Danube is the oldest snack company in the world.

10 MY BAVARIA SUMMER ’15

But at the same time it also offers Slow Food - enjoyable, confident and regional food, with local plant and animal products and their local production. Regensburg is famous for sweet mustard too.

B

aroque town, cathedral town and the City on Three Rivers – few other towns are blessed with as many nicknames as Passau in Eastern Bavaria. The baroque Old Town was created in the 17th century by Italian builders.

Their southern European flair still fascinates visitors to this day, along with St Stephan’s Cathedral, which is home to the largest baroque church interior north of the Alps and the largest cathedral organ in the world. An impressive natural wonder can also be found nearby: the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz rivers. Discovering Passau’s unique location by boat is a truly special experience. The local shipping company offer both “Three Rivers” -Sightseeing Boat Tours as well as boat trips and gala rides down the Bavarian and Upper Austrian Danube Valley. In addition, Passau lies at the beginning of cruise routes heading to Vienna, Budapest and on to the Black Sea. The idyllic river landscapes around Passau are also a real paradise for active holidaymakers. National and international long-distance cycle routes meet here, and there is also a whole host of magnificent hiking trails available.

Enjoy fresh, regional and seasonal specialties outdoors is also possible on the northern bank of the Danube.

A cool home-brewed beer in the beautiful Spital beer garden in Stadtamhof with postcard views to the historic center after a shopping tour or cultural events – this belongs to the atmosphere of this unique UNESCO World Heritage city.

INFORMATION: Tourist-Information Regensburg | Telephone: +49 941/507-4410 | www.regensburg.uk.com

© Hajo Dietz

N

From 9 – 12 July, the historic centre will be completely dedicated to jazz. The Jazz Weekend runs free concerts by various artists at some of the finest squares in the old town district.

The Thurn und Taxis Palace Festival is an absolute highlight, running from 17 to 26 July. Over the two week period, stars from all over the world come to the city on the river Danube.

A PEARL ON THREE RIVERS

INFORMATION: Tourist-Information Passau | Telephone: +49 851/95598-0 | www.tourism.passau.de

CULTURE, TOWNS & CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF KAISERS AND KINGS

“I introduce our guests to the ancient pilgrim traditions, the traditions that are still lived to this day, and the rich history of Altötting.”

INFORMATION: Altötting Pilgrimage and Tourist Office | Telephone: +49 8671/5062-19 | www.altoetting.de

Cornelia Stern, tour guide

and Hapsburg families. Kaisers, kings and even three popes have already made the pilgrimage to Altötting. Since the 17th century, it has been the custom for the Wittelsbach dukes, electors and kings to entomb their hearts in artistically decorated urns as princely guards of honour for the miraculous image of the “Black Mother of God” of Altötting. They include the heart urn of the famous Bavarian fairytale king, Ludwig II.

© H. Heine / Verkehrsbüro Altötting

elightfully situated in the heart of the Upper Bavarian Alpine Foothills between Munich, Passau, Salzburg and close to Lake Chiemsee, you can find the most famous pilgrimage site in Germany: Altötting. The “Black Mother of God” in the Chapel of Grace is the destination for the pilgrims and visitors. The shrine to Mary and the history of Altötting – the “heart of Bavaria” – are inseparable from the dynasty of the Wittelsbach

© H. Heine / Verkehrsbüro Altötting

D

TIPS FOR YOUR

© peppi18 - Fotolia

© Paul Mayall

TRIP DISCOVER LAKE CHIEMSEE

BREATHE IN THE ALPINE CLIMATE

The breathtaking lakeside vista of Chiemsee framed by towering Alpine mountains - that can only be Prien at lake Chiemsee.

3 nights from just 79 € including boat trip to the famous castle on Herrenchiemsee and much more ...

The mild and tranquil alpine climate in the Bavarian State Spa Town Bad Reichenhall invites you to „get some air“ in a way that best suits you: With a walk, whilst bathing in the spa, with music in the Royal Spa Gardens, or with a wander through the pedestrianised zone.

INFORMATION: Tourist office Prien at lake Chiemsee | Telephone: +49 8051/6905-0 | info@tourismus.prien.de | www.tourismus.prien.de

INFORMATION: Tourist-Office Bad Reichenhall | Telephone: +49 8651 6060 | info@badreichenhall.de | www.bad-reichenhall.de

SUMMER ’15 MY BAVARIA 11

Bernd Zehetleitner is an outdoor expert and a certified mountaineer.

B up into the mountains for as

ernd Zehetleitner has been going

long as he can remember. His father Udo was also a mountain guide, and a cofounder of Germany’s oldest mountaineering school. With Bernd at my side, I intend to dare to make my first careful mountain climbing attempts. Before we take the Iseler cable car up to the mountain station, Bernd shows the equipment to the small group of climbing novices. This includes a safety helmet, the climbing belt and a via ferrata set. On the approach, Bernd and I check each other’s equipment just one more time. I learn: the four-eyes-principle is vital for safe mountaineering. Closely watched by the experienced mountain guide, I clip my two carabiners to the steel rope for the first time. I soon learn to trust the equipment and feel safer with every step I take. Bernd continues to give me helpful tips that help me to get past especially difficult spots with less effort.

But the “Bergführerplatte” takes all my 12 MY BAVARIA SUMMER ’15

courage. Two steep overhangs sky high up in the mountains get my adrenaline going. After almost two hours, we have reached the summit. The surrounding mountains look like a sea of grey waves. Oberjoch and Bad Hindelang

are at our feet. They say mountaineers don’t talk much. Maybe because it’s so quiet up here, or because the views are so spectacular. Bernd Zehetleitner ponders on this: “Mountains are silent masters that make for quiet pupils.”

TIP Mountaineering greenhorns are in the best of hands at his school.

For more information about the Bavarian outdoor activities visit www.bavaria.by/outdoorsummer

© www.bayern.by – Peter von Felbert (3x)

SKY HIGH

Allgäu native Bernd Zehetleitner owns Germany’s oldest mountaineering school, trains future colleagues and is the chairman of the Verband Deutscher Bergsteigerschulen, the association of German mountaineering schools.

NATURE & ACTIVE

DISCOVER THE BEST PLACES TO HIKE WITH FRANZ

© Andreas Plenk

In Ruhpolding, no-one knows more about preserving traditions and customs, and explaining them to others, than Franz Ringsgwandl.

Fof local traditions in Ruhpolding for

ranz Ringsgwandl has been the curator

The Schwarzachenalm is a diverse hiking and climbing region, and a starting point for many hiking tours. During his work, Franz has investigated the many small steep

hiking tracks around the alpine pasture, including the former lumberjack and hunting tracks. From here, hikers can also access the Sonntagshorn, the largest mountain in the Chiemgau, via three different routes. A tour along the in-part dried-out Kraxenbach beck is a must for families with children. Here, they can build a small dam on the torrent, or can search for the rare animals of the Schwarzachen-Gries. As soon as Franz has finished renovating the hut, he plans to begin his next project: “I want to work as a guide to show visitors the most stunning places in our intact natural landscape”, he reveals. Guests can certainly look forward to this.

After all, he knows the most impressive hiking trails in the region like no other, and can tell a whole host of stories about the traditions and customs that are still lived today in Ruhpolding.

240 kilometres of walking, hiking and mountain trails around Ruhpolding offer unforgettable natural experiences for all guests.”

Franz Ringswandl, curator of local traditions

© Andreas Plenk

over ten years. In recent months, the 77-yearold retired building engineer and master carpenter has mostly been in the alpine pasture area of Schwarzachen. The reason has not been as in previous years, namely to visit the herdswoman and dairymaid, his current wife. Instead, he has made it his task to renovate the heavily dilapidated “Zellerbauernkaser” dairy. In answer to the question of what moved him to bring new life to the alpine hut, which dates back to 1927, Franz said: “This area around the Schwarzachenalm has a long history: The last bear in Bavaria was shot here; the last timber-rafting took place back there; and the hunting ground is the border region with Austria.” Franz wants to preserve the “Zellerbauernkaser” for posterity in its almost 90-year-old authentic condition. In addition, he wishes to set up a small documentation centre in the alpine hut. “So that hikers can find out everything about this region that can be described”, enthuses the old hand from Ruhpolding.

“The diversity of the

INFORMATION: Tourist Info Ruhpolding | Telephone: +49 8663/8806-0 | www.ruhpolding.com

SUMMER MY BAVARIA BAYERN 13 SUMMER’15’15MEIN

… at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain: the Zugspitze.

Fviews span across 400 rom the Zugspitze, the

alpine peaks to the horizon.

The Wetterstein, Karwendel and Ammergau Alps massifs rise up between Murnau am Staffelsee in the north and Mittenwald in the south.

In this diverse holiday paradise, locals invite you to embark on a journey of discovery.

Ammergau Alps Even King Ludwig II fell in love with this picture-postcard landscape; building one of his most stunning palaces here. Nowadays, visitors travel from across the world to Linderhof Palace and to the famous home of the Passion Plays, Oberammergau.

Alpenwelt Karwendel Situated in the heart of the Zugspitze and Karwendel

Hiking in the Zugspitze Region

14 MY BAVARIA SUMMER ’15

massif, between the Soiern Group and the Estergebirge Mountains, the Alpenwelt Karwendel spans across a sunny elevated plain. Locals have been keeping old traditions and alpine cultural treasures alive for generations in Mittenwald, Krün and Wallgau.

The “Blue Country” Hiking trails lead through the picturesque lake and Alpine Upland landscape between Murnau and Kochel to places that inspired the expressionists like Franz Marc, Gabriele Münter or Wassily Kandinsky to paint, and that gave the valley landscape its name as a result of the “Blue Rider” movement.

You can enjoy lots of extras for free with the KönigsCard: It is the “open sesame” for over 250 leisure activities.

You can enjoy free entry to castles, museums, abbeys, swimming pools, bathing lakes, buses and cable cars. The guest card is

“The Magdalena-Neuner panoramic trail in Wallgau: The favourite trail of the two-times Olympic Champion and multi-World Biathlon Champion snakes along the sunny hillside above the Isar Valley. The trail features 28 information boards.

They tell the story of the successful Wallgau athlete.”

Luitpold Wurmer, tour guide

free of charge for guests staying one or more nights in a KönigsCard partner establishment.

Zugspitzland The most stunning approach is from the Loisachtal Valley, as the view opens up to reveal the powerful Wetterstein massif with the Zugspitze. The 2,962-metre-high peak can be reached on foot (advanced Alpine mountaineering/climbing) or more comfortably by cable car.

INFORMATION: Zugspitze Region | Telephone: +49 8821/751-562 | www.zugspitz-region.de

©Zugspitz Region, Foto: W.Ehn

MOUNTAINS, LAKES AND BLOOMING ALPINE MEADOWS...

© go-images.com / Wolfgang Ehn

NATURE & ACTIVE

THROUGH THE KARWENDEL MOUNTAINS ON FOOT AND BY BIKE

A

lpine nature and welcoming people who are strongly rooted in the landscape and the culture invite you to discover the Alpenwelt Karwendel in a variety of ways. Nature-lovers, families and fans of the Alps will find around 700 kilometres of hiking trails at their feet.

Everything is possible: From relaxed strolls across the meadows, to tours of summits and huts promising magnificent views, right up to challenging climbs. Those thirsty for adventure can head to the geo and nature trails or can ram-

ble through the mysterious gorges. Mountainbikers can head up into the mountains.

With over 1,200 kilometres of tours and over 30,000 metres of elevation, the Alpenwelt Karwendel is one of the most popular mountain biking regions in the Alps. You can also embark on a sightseeing tour through nature and culture from the saddle. The wide network of cycle paths runs through the meadows of the wild river landscape of the Upper Isar; past kitchen gardens, small chapels and façades painted with frescos.

TIP Whether travelling at speed or taking it slow, cyclists should always take time for a refreshing “Radler” shandy at an alpine hut or in a cosy beer garden.

INFORMATION: Alpenwelt Karwendel Mittenwald Krün Wallgau Tourismus GmbH | Telephone: +49 8823/33981 | www.alpenwelt-karwendel.de

NATURAL EXPERIENCES AT EVERY STEP M

TIP For families and adrenalin junkies The Oberaudorf Hocheck mountain with summer toboggan run, forest rope garden, legend trail and Oberaudorfer Flieger (Flying Fox steel zip-line).

area around Oberaudorf, but thanks to its range of tourist activities, it is one of the most popular places for hikers”, states Markus Hartmann. You can reach the summit via a gentle climb from the Brünnsteinhaus – renowned for its typical Bavarian cuisine. From here you are within almost touching distance of the steep rocks of the neighbouring Kaisergebirge mountains, and the views span into the Central Alps. © Markus Mitterer

arkus Hartmann is at home where the majestic rock formations of the “Zahmer Kaiser” and the “Wilder Kaiser” above the Inntal Valley crown one of the most stunning mountain regions in Upper Bavaria. The certified mountain guide, skiing instructor and musician knows the region around Oberaudorf like the back of his hand. Anyone who goes on a guided walk with him will be left fascinated. Technically skilled, charming and funny, he leads his guests through the alpine region. Flat and lightly undulating walks and hiking trails by rivers and lakes alternate with alpine upland hills and mountains. Cosy mountain inns can be found all over, inviting you in for a break. “With 1,634 metres, the Brünnstein may not be the highest mountain in the

Rent a bike The towns of Mittenwald, Krün and Wallgau all ha ve a dense network of bike hire stations .

Touring bikes, eb ikes and mountain bik es as well as addition al equipment such as children‘s seats are available for hire.

INFORMATION: Tourist Information Oberaudorf | Telephone: +49 8033/30120 | www.oberaudorf.de

SUMMER ’15 MY BAVARIA 15

FAMILY

TEACHER IN AN OUTDOOR CLASSROOM Günter Sellmayer is one of the 24 guides who takes families and visitors on hiking tours through the Bavarian Forest National Park every day.

G a glass engraver. He has a job adverünter Sellmayer actually trained as

tisement that happened to catch his eye as he was reading the newspaper to thank for the fact that he will be celebrating his 20th anniversary as a Bavarian Forest National Park ranger this year. “Becoming a ranger was a dream come true,” he says happily. There are few questions related to the National Park he doesn‘t have an answer for. His main duties are answering visitors’ questions and generally looking after them.

“Just like at a football match, there are rules in the National Park that visitors have to keep to. Flora and fauna should be disturbed as little as possible by human intervention,” he explains. He and his colleagues offer all sorts of activities that get visitors closer in touch with the forest, from encouraging children to play in it to special guided tours during the mating season of the deer. He always tries to provide the information in a none to serious, enjoyable way, especially when he is hiking with families. “We want to excite the children’s curiosity about the outdoors and to get people in touch with nature,” Sellmayer explains the educational value of the guided

TIP For more information about family holidays in Bavaria please visit www.bavaria.by/family

tours and emphasises: “To us, nature conservation means conserving our own living environment. Nature is the environment we live in, it provides for us and we depend on it. That is one of the most important lessons we teach on our tours.”

Günter Sellmayer – interview with the ranger about respectful handling with nature.

18 MY BAVARIA SUMMER ’15

FAMILY

WHERE HOLIDAYING IS ALL THE FUN OF Volker Küchler has established a small zoo THE FAIR next to his children‘s hotel in the Allgäu.

The two alpacas are the favourites amongst the children.

“Tchildren who have never seen a donkey in their lives. In the

hey only know toy animals”, says Volker Küchler, describing

Children in seventh heaven

• Huge panoramic leisure cen-

tre with pools and saunas and the longest hotel waterslide in Germany (128 metres!)

• 2,000 m² indoor games area with cinema and theatre, family bowling alley, ice rink, soft play area, go-karting track and gymnasium • Outdoor park with mini zoo, bouncy castle and adventure climbing forest.

zoo at the Kinderhotel Oberjoch, young city-dwellers can ride Emil the donkey through the fell and more. The pigmy ponies Max and Moritz are happy to be stroked, whilst the bunnies can be gently cuddled. But it is the two alpacas that are the favourites amongst the children. “The alpaca with the dark coat is Puschkin, the light one is Picasso”, says the hotel director about the two four-legged balls of fur. “They are the best animals there are. They are so frugal and easy to look after. I don’t know any other animals that can look at you so knowingly”, says Küchler about the gentle demeanour of the alpaca. “Their peaceful nature has a positive effect on hyperactive children”, explains the head of the children’s hotel. It is also true that the animals from the Andes feel at home in Oberjoch, some 1,200 metres above sea level. They don’t mind the heat, the cold or the wet.

The animal-loving manager, father himself to a 19-year-old girl, knows what families like best. Many of the things that his children’s hotel provides are setting the benchmark. There are swimming classes and the Kids’ Club runs seven days a week, in the cinema and theatre, on the go-karting track, in the gymnasium and on the indoor ice rink.

And if the sun shines, children can go climbing in the adventure forest; whilst their parents can go rafting on the Iller River.

TIP Easing the family budget with the following service included • meals at the Schlemmer All Inclusive • Free non-alcoholic drinks from the fountain, available around the clock • KIDS Club with professional supervision by 20 members of staff, 7 days a week in five different age groups, from babies to teenagers • Free extensive baby equipment

for hire • Bad Hindelang PLUS Card with free

cable-car rides

INFORMATION: Kinderhotel Oberjoch**** | Telephone: +49 8324/7090 | www.kinderhoteloberjoch.de

FARM HOLIDAYS IN BAVARIA

BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH Arabellastraße 17, 81925 Munich, Germany Phone: +49 (0)89 212397-0 tourismus@bayern.info More information on:

www.farm-holidays-bavaria.com

Rural holidays in Bavaria – whether on the farm with the family or as a couple on one of the idyllic non-working farms – they represent pure relaxation and are sure to refresh everyone. And not just because the pristine nature and its relaxed inhabitants prove to be the perfect hosts.