Autumn is upon us in the Northern Hemisphere and that means sweater weather, pumpkin spice everything and trips to the apple orchard. It also means colorful displays of dancing foliage begin to spread across magnificent landscapes. To see some of the very best shows mother nature has to offer, check out Bavaria!
One of the most picturesque and charming places to visit during the Autumn season is Bavaria, Germany. Land of fairy tales and castles, lederhosen and cow bells, sky high alps and scenic hikes, it truly is a magical destination.
If you’re looking for activities that give you a little taste of everything, then try a full day hike along the section of King Ludwig Way that ventures past the castles of Fussen, Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangua. Not only will you see castles that look like they came right out of a storybook, but you’ll delight your senses walking through a forest of vibrant red, orange, and gold foliage set against a mountainous backdrop.
Another great activity is attending one of the Almabtrieb Festivals, such as the one held in Mittenwald or the one held in Schonau on Lake Konigsse. Almabtrieb is a long held tradition in which cattle leave the lush alpine pastures where they spent the summer and head down to the village farms where they will spend the winter.
As the cattle are ceremoniously led down into the villages, they are adorned with ornate decoration, such as beautiful handmade head pieces that take hours to make. It’s quite a unique spectacle to see these beautiful animals enter the villages and walk down streets lined with trees turning brilliant shades of golden Autumn hues. The sound of their famous cow bells lets the villagers know it’s time to celebrate their arrival by throwing lively festivals.
The festivals include everything you’d expect from lovely farmers markets, Alphorn blowing, Schuhplatter dancing, beer tents and more. Also, the finest traditional lederhosen and dirndl dresses are on display. One thing’s for sure, no matter what you do or where you go during a trip to Bavaria in Autumn, you will love every moment.
To Exciting Travels!
September 1, 2019
