Once left. Once right.
The Tannenhof sometimes feels like the most beautiful end of the world. And at the same time, almost everything is surprisingly close.
Innsbruck, the Tyrolean provincial capital, is perfect for a day amidst mountains, the old town, and cafés. Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald bring Bavarian *joie de vivre*, historic town centres, and impressive mountain scenery into play. The beauty of it is: you don't have to make up your mind.
Today, stroll through an old town. Tomorrow, sit by a mountain lake. The day after tomorrow, climb a peak. And return in the evening.
To where it's quieter. Centrally located. Yet far from the hustle and bustle.
Fairy Tale Kings & Favourite Places
Sometimes the most famous sights are closer than you think.
King Ludwig II built his castles right on the outskirts of the Außerfern. Whether he cast envious glances at our mountain scenery, we don't know. Admittedly, we like the thought. You don't necessarily have to see Neuschwanstein Castle from the inside. But you should stand before it once.
Thomas knows the best time for it. Early in the morning, during one of his bike rides, when the paths are still empty and the castle almost belongs to the mountains. The world there usually looks quite different at midday. And if you're already in the area, a detour to Füssen is worthwhile. Wander through the old town, with an ice cream in hand, watch the hustle and bustle, and for a moment, get a breath of city air.
The beauty of it: peace awaits again in the evening.
World-famous. And yet only a stone's throw away.
A valley full of stories
The Lechtal valley doesn't tell its stories loudly. You have to listen a little more closely. Between mountain villages, old farmsteads and the paths along the Lech, you'll encounter a region that has preserved its own character over centuries. Those who know the story of the Schwabenkinder (Swabian children) quickly understand why the people here are still considered particularly down-to-earth, proud and resilient. Exceptional personalities have also left their mark here. Anna Dengel, the founder of the Medical Mission Sisters, comes from the Lechtal. The Geierwally became a symbol of courage, stubbornness and the strength to go one's own way.
However, the Lechtal valley doesn't just live off its history. Wood carvings, Lüftlmalerei (traditional Bavarian mural painting), small workshops and living crafts are still part of everyday life today. The Wunderkammer (cabinet of curiosities) in Elbigenalp tells this story in a special way and should not be missing from any bucket list.
Thomas likes to claim there's nothing better than cycling through the Lech Valley. Maybe he's right. But perhaps it's the stories that make this place so special.
A valley full of character. And full of stories.
