Viehscheid, bringing the cows down to the valley

Watching the Almabtrieb spectacle in Austria

The Almabtrieb is an annual event in the Alpine region of southern Europe which takes place in late September, early October. It refers to a cattle drive that brings the cow herd down from the mountain pastures to their barns in the valley During summer, cattle herds feed on alpine pastures high up in the mountains. This practice known as Transhumance, meaning the action of moving livestock … Continue reading Watching the Almabtrieb spectacle in Austria

Berchtesgaden Watzmann Mountain

The Berchtesgaden Watzmann Legend

The Watzmann mountain is not only Berchtesgaden’s landmark, it is also shrouded in famous legends and myths. Even today, the peaks of the massif are referred to as a family The Watzmann itself, with its 2713 meters of the middle peak, highest inner-German peak, as well as the Kleine (small) Watzmann known as the Watzmannfrau, and its 2307 meter frame with the smaller peaks, the … Continue reading The Berchtesgaden Watzmann Legend

Rumtopf (by wikimedia) Sticky post

Rumtopf, a popular dessert, not only for Christmas

Rumtopf is a German and Austrian dessert made of mixed fruit and Rum traditionally eaten around Christmas. It is made by preserving pieces of fruit that have been soaking in Rum for months, to which other fruits are added in the summer and early fall. In Austria the Rumtopf is often made with a strong, spiced Austrian Rum called Stroh.  Each season brings different fruit, … Continue reading Rumtopf, a popular dessert, not only for Christmas

Pfunds Molkerei in Dresden Sticky post

Pfunds Dairy in Dresden showcases exquisite vibrant tiles

Back in 2010 while visiting the city of Dresden I walked into Pfunds Molkerei. It is a historic dairy shop and known for its beautifully decorated interior. This fancy colorful Dairy features a collection interesting hand-painted tiles. The shop has been in operation since 1880 and is often referred to as the most beautiful Dairy in the world. Visitors can purchase a variety of dairy … Continue reading Pfunds Dairy in Dresden showcases exquisite vibrant tiles

Wieskirche, South Bavaria

Wieskirche, a popular pilgrim church in Bavaria

A couple years ago I was driving towards Füssen through the Bavarian countryside. I saw the sign “Wieskirche” and instantly remembered visiting this church with my parents as a child. The Wieskirche in Upper Bavaria is a jewel of the South German Rococo. The building, created by the Zimmermann brothers, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. In this volume, the church and … Continue reading Wieskirche, a popular pilgrim church in Bavaria

Sankt Nikolaus Santa Claus in Bavaria by Wikimedia

Sankt Nikolaus, the history and how he became a beloved figure

The custom, the filling of the shoes in the night from the 5th to the 6th December or similar is based on the legend of the three virgins, who were gifted at night by St. Nicholas. This is mainly done in the Bavarian catholic regions, and the Christmas Child usually comes Christmas Eve with presents. Continue reading Sankt Nikolaus, the history and how he became a beloved figure