Get some headspace this Easter Easter is the perfect time for a little getaway. Somewhere you can enjoy spring and recharge before it’s getting busy again. Why not check out some idyllic places across the DACH-region that are less known and, more importantly, not as crowded (yet)? TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: PIXABAY
Need a little break away from the hustle and bustle? The DACH-region has got you covered. With a seemingly endless range of hidden gems located off the beaten track, there’s plenty to discover and explore: from mountain tops and fairy-tale castles to anything the seaside has to offer. Iseltwald, Bernese Oberland Iseltwald is a little gem of a Swiss village on the shore of Lake Brienz and it is also a part of Swiss Heritage Sites. It merges the 38 | Issue 85 | v 2020
fishing village feeling of the beautiful little bay with some grand mountain scenery. If you’re looking for some headspace and a slower pace, Iseltwald is a great little spot. What keeps it so authentic? Driving into the village is only allowed for locals, or guests staying in one of the four hotels. Odenwald Forest, Hesse The Odenwald region is densely forested and not very populated, making it the perfect setting for long nature hikes. Think wide open spaces, forests and
gentle hills. The highest mountain and ideal destination for a day trip is called ‘Katzenbuckel’, which translates to ‘cat’s arched back’ – giving an easy clue as to what it looks like, although the mountain is actually an extinct volcano. The area is perfect for long strolls without seeing a single soul. And if you do fancy being amongst some locals, there are a number of quirky little towns scattered in the area, one of them being Auerbach, which dates back to the eighth century. Eltz Castle, Rhineland-Palatine At the stunning Eltz Castle you can experience the Middle Ages up-close. It towers on a rock and overlooks the beautiful lush landscape of Rhineland-Palatine. As the castle remained unscathed by wars, it’s as authentic as it gets. Remarkably,