The German Diaries: Bavaria

Wild Encounters and Timeless Beauty: A Journey Through Bavaria and Beyond

There are places in the world that feel like they belong in a fairytale—Bavaria is one of them. Between its dense, whispering forests, historic towns, and stunning alpine landscapes, every step of the journey felt like stepping into something magical.

Through History, Into the Forest

Our adventure began in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This medieval town, with its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and towering stone walls, is one of the most well-preserved in Germany. We wandered through narrow alleys, marveling at the craftsmanship of buildings that have stood for centuries. The town square, bustling yet timeless, was the perfect place to enjoy a warm pastry while watching the world go by.

From the charm of Rothenburg, we ventured deep into Bavaria’s wilderness—the Bayerischer Wald National Park. The forests here feel ancient, their towering trees filtering sunlight into dappled patterns on the mossy ground. It was in this hushed, green world that we had our most thrilling moment—spotting a wild lynx.

It was nothing short of breathtaking. The lynx, with its tufted ears and powerful frame, moved like a shadow, barely making a sound as it padded through the undergrowth. Its golden eyes met ours for just a moment before it disappeared into the trees. Seeing such a rare and elusive creature in its natural habitat was a privilege, a reminder of the wildness that still exists in Europe's heart.

We continued our hike, walking through a forest that felt like something out of a Brothers Grimm story. The air was crisp and earthy, and every step seemed to uncover a new wonder—fallen logs covered in fungi, delicate wildflowers pushing through the leaf litter, the distant call of a woodpecker echoing through the trees.

Across the Border to Salzburg

No trip to this region is complete without crossing into Austria. Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a city of baroque elegance, was our next stop. We spent the afternoon exploring its grand churches, charming cafes, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which loomed protectively over the city.

But the true highlight was yet to come—a serene lake cruise in the Alps. As we drifted across the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering peaks, the beauty was almost overwhelming. The reflections of snow-capped mountains shimmered on the lake’s surface, and the only sounds were the gentle lapping of water and the distant call of an alpine chough. It was the perfect way to end our journey—a moment of complete peace in nature’s embrace.

Reflections on a Perfect Trip

From the heart-stopping excitement of seeing a lynx in the wild to the peaceful beauty of an alpine lake, this journey was a reminder of how deeply intertwined nature and history are in this part of the world. Bavaria and its surroundings offer an experience that is both wild and refined, where ancient forests and medieval towns exist in harmony with breathtaking landscapes.

If you ever find yourself longing for a place where nature and history collide in the most beautiful way, Bavaria is waiting!