By Ceri Temple
This summer, the idea of international travel and roaming far from home can seem more daunting than ever. Why not discover someplace close-by instead?
1. Paddle & Camp, Staffelsee
For those who grew up reading Swallows and Amazons, a stay on the Buchau Island on the Staffelsee will bring you back to the times you spent recreating those Lakeland escapades. Leave your car in Seehausen and hop on the little ferry to this car-free island on the Staffelsee lake. Bring or rent a paddling device of your own to create your own adventures!
– Tenting only. Minimum 2 nights stay.
– No electricity, but phones, etc can be charged in the camp restaurant.
– Dogs, cats, llamas not allowed.
2. Hike & Roll: Into the Oy Valley (Oytal), Oberstdorf
A recent discovery at the end of a long, multi-day tour led me to this suggestion, which can be adapted for families who want a gentle hike to the Oytal, or those who would like to go further and get a bit of a higher Alpine experience with a lovely waterfall en-route. The real perk is the “roll” down the mountain on the scooters for rent from the Oytal guesthouse!
A. Oberstdorf – Oytal Guest House – EASY
Distance: 5.4km
Ascent: 240m
Hiking time: 2.5hrs
A gentle day hike from Oberstdorf to the Oytal Guest House, along a wide, mainly paved track with gentle ascent.
Stop in the Oytal Guest House for lunch. From 3pm you can rent a “Roller” (scooter) for €7 and scoot your way back down the road to Oberstdorf.
B. Oberstdorf – Käseralpe – MEDIUM
Distance: 15.3km
Ascent: 630m
Descent: 400m
Hiking time: 4.5hrs
Extend your hike to pass the stunning Stuiben Waterfalls and experience an Alpine lunch at the Käseralpe, a traditional Allgäu Alm. The trail continues from the Oytal Guest House along a wide gravel track. From below the waterfalls the trail gets steeper and climbs up to the Käseralpe. Head back down the same way to the Oytal Guest House to rent your Roller down!
Happy Rolling!
3. Wild Bavaria, Bayerischer Wald
Rivers, ridges and wild routes— the Bavarian Forest is a great destination to get away from the crowded alpine areas and experience a wilder side of Bavaria. Bordering the Czech Republic, this area has a lot to offer and is well set-up for families, too. Beware: the slices of cake in this area are HUGE!
Great to experience:
– The highest peak of this area, the Großer Arber is not that spectacular, but a walk along the ridge anywhere between it and above Bad Kötzing is well worth it. In particular, the stretch towards or from Eck.
– For a forest walk of a different kind, visit the Waldwipfelweg (high forest walkway), which takes you through the elevated levels of the forest and gifts great views far and wide. https://www.waldwipfelweg.de/
– For some water action, make a stop at the Blaibacher See, a man-made lake before the Blaibach dam where you can rent canoes and paddle boards for fun and exploration.
My campsite recommendation:
Adventure Camp, Schnitzmühle, Bayerischer Wald
(2 hrs 15mins drive)
– On the banks of the Black Regen river.
– Tents, caravans, camping busses and tents & lodges to rent.
– Adventurous activities on site: canoeing, horse-riding, SUP, and more.
– Camp kiosk and fire pits.
4. Allgäu Bike & Swim
Take a bike ride through the rolling hills of the Allgäu. A great network of well-marked biking trails takes you along the Lech river, past cows grazing in meadows, and a handful of small to larger lakes where you can cool off on a hot day.
There are a few sections on the road, so road cycling awareness and experience is needed.
From Rieden, look across the Forggensee Lake for stunning views of that well-known Bavarian castle, Schloss Neuschwanstein, perched on the rocks below the Säuling mountain.
Distance: Approx 38km
Ascent: 280m
Descent: 300m
Refreshment stops:
Sameister: Gasthof Adler
Roßhaupten: Gasthaus Schwägele
Faulensee: Koppenalm
Rieden: Café Maria
Great camping spot:
Via Claudia, Lechbruck am See, Allgäu
(1 hr 15mins drive)
– On the banks of the Lechbruck dam, along the river Lech.
– Tents, caravans, busses, barrel huts— the lot!
– Restaurant and kiosk.
Ceri Temple
Ceri is a British-German outdoor educator, mountain hiking guide, and tour specialist who has spent years working and playing in Bavaria, the Alps, Northern Italy and beyond. Ceri has a passion for adventure and the balance being in nature brings to well being in everyday life. She founded her business, 4elements, in 2012 to inspire others to explore, challenge and discover more about themselves, others and the environment.
You can find out more about Ceri’s programs and tours at:
Facebook: @4elements.eu
Instagram:@4elements.eu or @ceri_temple