11 Lynx in the Bavarian Forest

Through the use of hidden cameras, 11 lynx have been found living in the Bavarian Forest. The cameras were located in areas thought to be frequented by lynx, which have very rarely been seen in the area.

The project started with the installation of the first cameras in late 2007. The project leader for the National Park says that, until the photos were taken, the only thing which was known for certain about the lynx was that some lived in the forest. Occasional sightings were reported and tracks were seen. Some lynx were tagged, but this only gave information about their behaviour, not how many there were.

The photographs which were taken have been carefully compared to eliminate animals which were photographed twice. There might be one or two more lynx at the most which have escaped the cameras.

Cameras are now being installed in the Oberpfalz, in order to cover the whole region. Cameras will also be installed in 2009 on the Czech side of the border, to establish the size of the lynx population in the Bohemian Forest.

The lynx in the Bavarian Forest are thought to have crossed the border from the Czech Republic. The lynx population is believed to be declining: three quarters of the young animals are reckoned to die before reaching maturity.

www.luchserleben.de   www.luchsprojekt.der

Bavarian Forest National Park

The Bavarian Forest National Park was the 1st National Park in Germany, founded in 1970,  and covers a large area from Bayerisch Eisenstein along the Czech border to the South.

 

The Park contains the largest area between the Atlantic and the Urals where nature is left to its own devices, allowing it to return over time to its natural ‘wilderness’ state.

 

The Park is 1 of only 3 in Germany which are internationally recognized according to the criterion that at least 75% of the Park area must be untouched by any human activity such as hunting or forestry.

 

HISTORY

 

The Forest was originally settled by monks from Niederalteich in the 11^th century. From the 14^th century onwards, the glass industry developed due to availability of timber and quartz in the area. At the beginning of the 19^th century, ownership of the land in the area passed to the Bavarian state and systematic economic development of the forest began. As early as the middle of the 19^th century, there were moves to protect the most ancient areas of forest in the area which was designated the first German National Park in 1969. The Park covers an area 40 kilometres long and 6 kilometres wide. One third of the area is above 1,000 feet above sea level.

 

GEOLOGY

 

The mountains of the Bavarian Forest were formed in the Tertiary period and reached their final form in the last ice age. The rocks are mainly gneiss and granite. Interesting geological sites are the area of granite blocks on the peak of the Lusen mountain and the Rachel Lake, formed in the last ice age, the only natural mountain lake in the National Park.

 

A display of typical rocks from the region can be seen next to the Natural Garden at Neuschoenau.

 

FORESTS

 

Spruce dominate the lower, valley, areas, up to 700 metres above sea level, with some birch on the moors, and fir.

 

Mixed forests dominate the slopes between 700 and 1,150 metres, mainly beech and fir. Spruce was not naturally widespread at this altitude but has become dominant through use over the years.

 

Above 1,150 metres, the slopes are relatively steep and the climate harsher. Here the mixed forests turns naturally into spruce, with occasional rowan berry and mountain ash.

 

 

The policy of the National Park is to ‘let nature be nature’ and allow the previously farmed forests to return to natural mixed low mountain forest. In the core of the National Park, nature is allowed to take its course, which means that the Borkenkaefer is allowed free access to the trees, which it kills. The effect of this can be seen on the Rachel and Lusen mountains – to the left if you take the road to Frauenau and Spiegelau. If you get closer, you can see that the forest is already starting to regenerate itself. Around that core area is the area where strenuous efforts are made to control the Borkenkaefer in order to prevent it from destroying the whole forest and migrating to privately owned land around. Currently the core area covers 10,000 hectares.

 

OTHER VEGETATION

 

The cool, damp climate and poor soil determine the animals and plants which flourish in the forest. The Forest does not boast a huge number of plant varieties but is home to many special plants which cope with the climatic conditions.

 

Typical plants of the forest landscape can be seen at the Natural Garden close to Hans Eisenmann Haus at Neuschoenau. More than 700 plant varieties can be seen in the 4 hectare garden, arranged in different types of habitat, all of them labelled. Examples of the plants, raised in the centre’s own nursery, are for sale in the shop.

 

ANIMALS

 

There are many threatened species which have found refuge in the National Park: otters, grouse, small owls and many woodpecker varieties. Lynx have returned to the Forest, from the neighbouring Bohemian Forest. Black storks and peregrine falcons have returned. Red deer, roe deer and wild boar are at home here.

 

The large game animals which are native to the area cannot survive all year within the National Park. In the winter, the high altitude areas where they spend the summers are snowbound and they need to come down to the lower areas which are outside the National Park area. These lower areas are mainly farms, residential or leisure areas or roads and therefore do not provide natural areas where these animals can live. Some animals such as wild boar and roe deer can survive in this situation but red deer cannot find large enough areas, partly due to the legally defined areas in which they can stay and also because of the low tolerance of many forest owners because of the damage they can cause. The structure of the animal population has also be changed by human influence in recent centuries and species such as elk have died out and others which are not indigenous have ventured towards the park. Bears, wolves and lynx became extinct in the first half of the 19^th century, resulting in a lack of natural predators for the larger animals. Recently, lynx have come back to the Bavarian Forest, from the Czech Republic, and have helped to regulate the population of larger animals to a limited extent.

 

 

There are 3 areas in the National Park where indigenous animals can be seen in large enclosures:

 

Neuschoenau: because of the density of forests in the National Park, visitors rarely have a chance to glimpse the indigenous wildlife population such as black storks and lynx. The 250 hectare site at Neuschoenau is home to 45 varieties of birds and animals in enclosures which replicate their natural habitat, including bison, lynx, owls, wolves, wild boar, otters, brown bears, squirrels, pine martens, capercaillie, amongst others (Parts of the forest are closed to visit to protect the capercaillie, which are in danger of dying out). The main entrance is at the P1 car park, close to the Hans Eisenmann Visitor Centre. There is no entrance fee for the animal enclosures but there is a fee for parking. The enclosure area is open all year and always accessible. In winter, the paths are cleared and gritted. The paths are well signposted and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The complete route is 7 kilometres and the recommendation is to allow 3-4 hours to complete it. There are 2 short cuts which reduce the distance to 3 kilometres and the time needed to 1 hour.

 

Ludwigsthal: 4 animal enclosures, with animals which would have lived in the area in ice age times – horses, cattle,  lynx and wolves.

 

Scheuereck red deer enclosures: 9 hectare site with a 300 metre path through the middle and 2 viewing platforms. The enclosures can be visited at any time of year but end September/early October is when the rutting season presents the most exciting experience. There is a covered viewing area so that winter feeding can be observed even during bad weather.

 

WATER

 

The watershed between the Danube and the Elbe, between the Black Sea and the North Sea runs roughly along the border with the Czech Republic. Most of the streams rising in the Bavarian Forest flow into tributaries of the Danube: the Ilz and the Regen. Only a few flow across the border into the Elbe. Many of the streams in the forest were cleared and their banks strengthened with stones, to be used for transporting logs, thus losing their original character. The Rachelsee is the only natural mountain lake within the National Park, formed by retreating glaciers. There are also still ponds on the high moors of the forest. The water in the region is very soft and slightly acid.

 

 

INFORMATION CENTRES

 

Hans Eisenmann Haus, Neuschoenau, has information on the National Park and a relief model of the Park. There are slide and film shows and an exhibition on the Eco-System of the National Park. Open 09.00-17.00 every day, closed 2^nd week November, reopens 26^th December. At or near Hans Eisenmann Haus are animal enclosures, a natural garden and a display of typical rocks.

 

Haus zur Wildnis, Ludwigsthal, covers the Falkenstein-Rachel area of the National Park, reached by footpath from the car park/railway station at Ludwigsthal, past the model ice age cave and animal enclosures. The centre shows 3D films and has a playroom, shop and restaurant. Open 09.30-17.00 from 26^th December to 31^st March and 09.30 to 18.00 from 1^st April to 2^nd week in November. At or near Haus zur Wildnis are animal enclosures and the red deer enclosures at Scheuereck.

 

FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN

 

Forest Playground: a 50 hectare site in the forest, with playgrounds, a nature trail and a meadow with barbecue facilities. It can be reached from the ‘Waldspielgelaende Parkplatz’ (car park on the edge of Spiegelau. Follow the Tapfauenauge circular path (suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs) for about 1 hour. Refreshments and toilets are available.

The end of winter

This is probably the most difficult time of year in the Bavarian Forest. The snow is almost always good for skiing and snowboarding until the end of the Easter weekend. But guests are rare at this time of the year – apart from a flurry around Easter weekend. And when you venture down from the mountains, you can see why. Spring is in the air. There are drifts of snowdrops and crocuses. The grass is not only visible but often very bright green. Along one road we travelled yesterday, above the Isar valley, heading for the Danube, we even came across low, green toad fences along the side of the road, making sure that none got run over, directing them to the little tunnels provided for them under the road. And the garden centres add to the problem: racks of spring plants, trees in pots, lots of new pots and gadgets, garden furniture and, of course, the seeds, with their over bright photos of perfect crops. Each trip away from the mountains, seems to involve bringing a little more ’spring’ back with us – a few more pansies, some particular attractive pots and, of course, some more packs of seeds. 

And as we climb back up into the mountains after our trip down into spring, the snow becomes thicker and even the fresh snow from this last week is looking a little grubby. And when we look at the gardens, the depth of snow is still so great that we wonder how long it will take for snow to melt and the ground to defrost. At least the days are getting longer and the temperature is rising. Even though it is unlikely that we have had the last snow fall of the season! Not surprising that the visitors have decided that skiing is something to plan for next season.

Vacation Rental Checklist

I am a vacation rental owner who also books vacation rentals for our own holidays. These are my tips, based on my experience on both sides of the fence!

Assuming that you have decided on the location and the number of people in your party, these are the things to check for – not necessarily in this order: you need to put them in order of importance to you!

1. How many beds in how many bedrooms do you need? Many properties involve some of the party sleeping on sofa beds in living rooms, or on cheap extra beds in bedrooms. If this is your scene, that’s fine. But if some or all of your party have privacy issues, you need to make sure that the property you are considering respects those issues.

2. How many bathrooms do you need? Some couples do not wish to share bathrooms even with their best friends or with their children. Make sure you have the minimum number of bathrooms which will avoid tension.

3. Holiday rentals may also be called self catering but this does not have to mean self cooking. If you want to be able to enjoy a pleasant meal and a drink, you need 1 or preferably more decent restaurants within walking distance.

4. What type of location do you want – city centre (can be noisy but convenient), out in the countryside (quiet but you have to drive to get to shops, restaurants etc.), in a village, sea view etc.

5. For those days when you do want to cook, are there proper facilities? In a hot climate, a barbecue may be all you need. But in a cooler climate or cooler time of year, you want to be sure that you have more than 2 hotplates and preferably also an oven.

6. For the days when you want to hang around the house and relax, what are your priorities for that: a pool, a TV, DVD player and DVDs, indoor or outdoor games?

7. What kind of range of places to visit do you want within, say, 1-2 hours drive?

8. Consider the time of year you want to travel. If it is not peak season, check to what extent the restaurants, museums etc. will be open – if that matters to you.

9. Check out the weather. Make sure it is not going to be a type of weather which is unpleasant to you – too cold, too humid, too many bugs etc.

10. Check out the availability of the property. If the availability chart shows no bookings, don’t bother to inquire. Either the property is undesirable or, more likely, the owner can’t bothered to update the availability, thus wasting your time and theirs, when you inquire about dates already booked. This is inconsiderate of the owner. Favour those owners who answer your inquiries quickly and comprehensively.

11. Pricing. This is a minefield. Make sure you check out ALL the extra charges involved, over and above the basic rental. Bedlinen and towels, final cleaning, air conditioning and many others may carry extra charges. Check out the payment and cancellation terms. Ask and ask again until you are sure you have got the full information. Bear in mind that properties which seems to be priced above or below the market level for the type of property and area may have a reason for this. They may be expensive because they are better than average or cheap because they are worse than average or there may be other reasons. Don’t hesitate to ask.

12. Think about all the places you have stayed before (including hotels and houses of family and friends). What were the things which irritated you? Uncomfortable sofas? Dirty knives and forks? Do you want to be able to smoke or have a non-smoking property? Take a pet with you or be sure there will be no dog hairs anywhere. Duvets instead of sheets and blankets or vice-versa? Think about taking small things with you which will make your stay pleasanter. Like a favourite corkscrew or pillow.

13. Probably the most important thing: if you are looking at an advert for a holiday rental or a website, go down your checklist and tick off the things which are explained there. In these days of the internet, there is no excuse for rental owners not to give all the detailed information which you want. If they have done so on their website, you start off the inquiry process with some confidence that this is an owner who cares about their guests. If the information you need is not there, it may be that they do care but are poor at explaining what they are offering – when it is your own place, it is sometimes easy to overlook things which you need to spell out for potential guests. If you need information which is not in the advert, brochure or website, ask, ask and ask again. An uncaring owner will quickly get fed up with your questions. A caring owner will want to tell you everything you need to know. Even if most of the information is on the website etc., still ask questions. Again, a good owner will not mind giving information which is already available.

No list can offer complete security when booking a holiday rental – only visiting the property beforehand could do that – usually impossible because of distance. But making sure that you check off each of these items on this list – leaving some out if they do not matter to you, adding some others in which are important – will go a good way along the road to a happy holiday. The one issue which cannot be covered in this way is cleanliness but making sure you are booking with a quality owner gives you some security on that issue too.

Bavaria IV – the latest no smoking law

On August 1st, Bavaria will introduce the 4th version of its no smoking law in 2 years. The text has been agreed by the ruling CSU/FDP.

The most important changes are:

- more protection of minors from passive smoking

- less protection for serving staff from passive smoking

- smoking is officially allowed in more public places

The provisions of the latest law are:

- smoking is allowed in beer, wine and festival tents used only temporarily and at changing locations, as well as in fixed halls used as locations for village festivals and major events

- places serving mainly drinks, less than 75m2 in size and without a separate room for smoking, will be able to allow smoking provided that there is a clear sign at the entrance that this is an establishment which allows smoking. Minors (under 18) are not allowed in these establishments.

- establishments and leisure facilities with multiple room can allow smoking in one completely separate side room, clearly marked as such, and no minors are allowed into that room.

- discos and similar can allow smoking in a side room provided the room does not have a dance floor and children and minors are not allowed in. The room must be clearly marked as a smoking room.

- smoking clubs (a device used to get around the previous version of the law) are no longer allowed. Smoking is only allowed at completely private parties such as family events.

Public buildings, buildings for children and young people, all educational establishments, health facilities, sports facilities and airports remain smoke free.

Beat the recession by holidaying in the Bavarian Forest

In these days of economic gloom and volatile exchange rates, it is good to know that holidays in the Bavarian Forest still offer amazing value for money.

 

Our best 5 star apartments in the peak summer season cost about €25 per person per night. Of peak, the price can be just  under €20 per person per night. And the rent includes an unusual number of extras in the price:

·        bread rolls, spread, jam, muesli, fruit juice and milk for breakfast on the 1st morning of your stay (additional supplies of these plus yoghurts, ham and cheese and ready made meals are available to buy)

·        essential supplies for the duration of your stay: coffee, English tea, sugar, cooking oil, olive oil and wine vinegar for salads, salt/pepper/herbs/spices, flour, washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, aluminium foil and cling film, toilet rolls, liquid soap and shower gel. (Bathrobes, slippers and swimming/sauna towels are also provided free of charge).

 

·        vouchers for local restaurants

As well as:

·        bedlinen and towels

·        final cleaning

·        tourist tax

 

You can use our table tennis, table football, pool table, darts, DVDs and CDs and small gym free of charge. (We make a small charge for use of our mountain bikes and sauna).

 

The best restaurants in the area can provide a substantial main course plus a half litre of beer or quarter litre of wine for under €15. Or you can book a 3 course meal at the best restaurant in the village for €12 per person (drinks are extra and some dishes have a small surcharge). We have listed some examples from the menu below.

 

Up to 5 adults can travel all day on trains and buses within Bavaria for a total of €28. All-day tickets on the local trains and buses cost €7 per adult. Children travel free on these tickets.

 

At the best swimming complex in the area, a day ticket for 2 adults and 3 children costs €14.50. Entrance fees to museums etc. are often €5 or less for adults, with reductions for children.

 

And skiing, although more limited than at the big alpine resorts, also offers great value for money – 5 days equipment hire under €60, 5 day lift pass €99, 3 days skiing lessons €60. Check out www.arber.de (check the snow on the webcam!)

 

A number of people have already booked their stays with us for skiing and for next summer.

 

Visit our website www.bavarian-forest-holidays.com now. Let us know if you have any questions.

 ——————————————————————————————————-

 

Bavarian Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets

Within reach of Bayerisch Eisenstein are some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.

German Christmas markets tend to be half food and drink stalls and half present/decoration stalls. They are best in the late afternoon/evening when all the lights are on. For Germans, they are more a social occasion then a shopping opportunity, especially the local ones.

We have given the markets we have visited a ’star’ rating based on how pretty they were and how much we enjoyed our visit.

Daily Markets

PASSAU (1 hour drive)
28th November – 23rd December 2008.

Monday-Thursday 10.00-20.00, Friday-Saturday 10.00-21.00 Sunday 11.30-20.00
On the square in front of the cathedral in the middle of the romantic old town. Lovely setting, varied stalls. Performances by musicians every day.
Star rating: ****

REGENSBURG (1 hour 30 minutes drive)
29th November – 23rd December 2008, open daily 10.00-20.00

3 Christmas Markets:

Neupfarrplatz:
A 400 year tradition of Christmas markets here. Many local specialities, including berry Gluehweins from the Bavarian Forest and apple gluehwein from the Oberpfalz, local sausages (including ‘half meter’ sausage in a baguette!), Lebkuchen, toasted almonds, roasted chestnuts and more.
Star rating: ***

Haidplatz: Lucrezia Arts & Crafts Market

Thurn & Taxis chateau Medieval style market
Many craftsmen demonstrating their skills and a wide range of food and drink, including a hog roast. One of our favourities, very different from any other we have been to. Less commercial than the main market.

27th November – 23rd December 2008 Monday-Wednesday 12.00-22.00, Thursday-Saturday 12.00-23.00m Sunday 10.00-22.00 Entrance costs €3.50-5.50, children 6-16 €1, under 6 free
Star rating: *****

NUERNBERG (2 hours drive)
28th November – 24th December 2008

Monday-Thursday 09.30-20.00, Friday-Saturday 09.30-22.00 Sunday 10.30-20.00 (Christmas Eve 09.30-14.00)
The most famous Christmas market of all and one of the oldest. Plastic garlands and tapes playing continuous Christmas music are banned! 200 stalls selling traditional gifts, food and drink.
We rate this one of the very best. Very high quality stalls. The main market is in the Hauptmarkt. In a smaller area to one side is a market with stalls representing all of Nuernberg’s twin towns, of which there are many including 2 in Italy, plus Macedonia, USA, China, Glasgow and many more. An added bonus is a ride on a horse drawn post coach, painted bright yellow. The short ride costs €3 per adult and €1.50 per child.
Star rating: *****

DEGGENDORF (40 minutes drive)
28th November – 23rd December, open daily 10.30-20.00/Sundays 12.00-20.00
Apparently voted one of the 10 most beautiful markets in Germany. We thought it was very poor and not worth bothering with. Deggendorf itself has a very pretty central area and good shopping and is worth a visit.
Star rating: -

MUNICH (2 hours drive)

28th November-24th December 2008

Monday-Friday 10.00-20.30, Saturday 09.00-20.30, Sunday 10.00-19.30 (Christmas Eve 10.00-14.00)

Bayerisch Eisenstein
2nd International Christmas Market on 4th Advent Sunday – 21st December 2008. 12.00-19.00

Star rating: *****

www.weihnachtsmarkt-eisenstein.de

Czech Republic Public Holidays 2009

Januaury 1st New Year’s Day

April 13th Easter Monday

May 1st Labour Day

May 8th Liberation Day

July 5th Day of Slavomic Apostles

July 6th Jan Hus Day

September 28th Czech National Day

October 28th Czechoslovak Republic Day

November 17th Students Fight for Freedom & Democracy

December 24th/25th/26th Christmas

Bavaria Public Holidays 2009

January 1st New Year’s Day

January 6th Twelfth Night

April 10th Good Friday

April 13th Easter Monday

May 1st Labour Day

May 21st Ascension Day

June 1st Whit Monday

June 11th Corpus Christi

August 15th Assumption

October 3rd German Unity Day

November 1st All Saints

December 25th/26th Christmas

New source of schnaps in Bayerisch Eisenstein

Sunday lunch has come to mean a wander through the village to the Grenzglashuette (border glass works) whenever we can. A good uphill walk before lunch, checking the village noticeboard for new events as we go past. A stop to admire my favourite view in the village: along the old ‘iron curtain’ between folds in the mountains, with not a trace of the line which divided the continent for so many decades. Then into the glass works restaurant, now wonderfully pleasant since smoking in restaurants was banned at the beginning of the year and one of the recent success stories in the village. The food is good and astoundingly cheap. The reason for going at lunch time is that the restaurant is not open in the evenings and Sunday is the only day when we occasionally have the time to go out in the middle of the day. But this time the lunch ended differently. As we got ready to leave, we noticed a new sign chalked on the board over the beer taps ‘Baerwurz selbstgem.’ – home made made local schnaps! The owner showed us his latest venture, only visible at the moment to those needing the loos. Half way down the stairs to the cellar is a display case with a small explanation about schnaps (in German only until he emails us the text for translation) and some interesting looking glass jars. In a far corner of the cellar is the schnaps production area. ‘Real’ schnaps is produced without any distillation. The Baerwurz root, collected from the mountains above the 1,000 metre line, is scrubbed and then soaked in alcohol. After a while it is chopped and soaked some more, then filtered. This particular version will then be aged in an ash barrel. Blutwurz (another root) and blueberry versions are also in preparation, cranberry may follow. The traditional Bavarian Forest earthenware bottles are standing there waiting for the first main production to be ready. We were given a small bottle to try – not even labelled yet. So different from the mass produced versions available in supermarkets as a way of getting maximum alcohol consumption with in the shortest time.