There are numerous excellent breads you can create using yeast. However, if you’re looking for bread that remains fresh for an extended period and has a rich flavor, consider making the dough with Sourdough. It is also easier to digest. What you’ll need: Creating a quality Sourdough at home is quite simple. All you need are water and flour, along with a few days for … Continue reading Making Sourdough: Preparation-Care-Tips
As November draws to a close and the air turns crisp, I find myself returning to one of my favorite rituals—gathering fresh evergreen branches and crafting an Advent wreath, or Adventskranz, just as we did back home in Bavaria. I carefully bind the greens together, nestle four candles—usually red or white—into the circle, and place it in a spot where it can quietly anchor the … Continue reading The History and Meaning of the Adventskranz
The Reindling cake, reminiscent of the Guglhupf, is a classic Bundt cake from Kärnten, Austria. This delightful treat is enjoyed during special celebrations such as Easter, Christmas, and birthdays. Traditionally baked in a “Rein” (a round cast-iron pot), it can also be prepared using a Bundt pan. The exact origins of the Carinthian Reindling are unclear, but there is evidence of its existence for centuries. … Continue reading Carinthian Reindling, an Austrian Bundt Cake
Nestled on the serene shores of Lake Thun, surrounded by vineyards and framed by the majestic peaks of the Bernese Oberland, Spiez Castle is one of Switzerland’s most picturesque and historically rich landmarks. With its origins dating back over a thousand years, this castle isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a living testament to the region’s cultural and architectural evolution. Upon my arrival in … Continue reading Spiez Castle: A Timeless Jewel on Lake Thun
An old Bavarian custom is the Pentecost procession in Bad Kötzting. It is one of the largest Equestrian Processions in Europe and goes back to a vow from 1412. The festivities this year were on May 19, 2024, which is the Pentecost Sunday in Germany. As the legend goes, not far from Bad Kötzting, a man was dying and asked for the last sacraments. However, … Continue reading An Equestrian Procession (Pfingstritt) in Bavaria
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Having spent half of my life in Germany, and traveled extensively over the past two decades, I was recently asked which town in Germany embodies the most authentic “Old Town atmosphere.” Usually when I get asked, people refer to the historic town centers that have retained much of their medieval charm, which entails cobble stone streets, half timbered homes (Fachwerk) and historical landmarks. Below are … Continue reading The most charming, historic Towns in Germany
A few years ago, I had the privilege of witnessing the impressive event of raising the Maibaum,(Maypole) in a stunning public square. The Maibaum at Florianiplatz in Bad Reichenhall has been a tradition since the 16th century. This custom represents fertility, marks the end of winter, and heralds the arrival of Spring. In the lively town Bad Reichehall, the festival featured traditional folk dances and … Continue reading The tradition of the Maibaum (Maypole)
During one of my trips heading south from Munich, I visited Kloster Andechs, a monastery located near Lake Ammersee. This Abbey has been a significant site for religious pilgrimages since the 10th century and is renowned for producing the well-loved Andechser Bier. In the distance, I caught sight of the Zwiebelturm, or onion dome, of the Andechs pilgrimage church rising above Lake Ammersee. This rococo … Continue reading Andechs Abbey, a pigrimage site with a brewing tradition
