Wild Isar River

The Sylvenstein Reservoir is a beautiful and scenic artificial lake located in the Bavarian Alps, near the town of Lenggries. It is known for its stunning natural surroundings, clear waters, and picturesque mountain views. The reservoir was created in the 1950s by damming the Isar River to prevent flooding and to provide hydroelectric power. 

Today, it is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, fishing, and boating. The area around the reservoir offers several well-maintained trails and viewpoints, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility in the Bavarian scenery. Said scenery though reminded us very much of Canada, and we sure got a little homesick with regards to our second home.

We found a dog friendly hotel for a change from camping and enjoyed the luxury of comfy beds and a private bathroom for a couple of days.

A quiet morning

Along the wild Isar River

Alas, the break is over. Now it's back to work again.

Cooling off in the Bavarian Alps

It has been uncomfortably hot in our region with up to 40°C (104°F), so we took a few days off work and ventured down south to Bavaria where we hoped for more agreeable temperatures. We went hiking every day, had some hearty food, did some reading and just relaxed. Not much happened but it was very enjoyable. Here a few impressions from the Allgäu region:

View on Inzell

St. Michael

Restaurant with only one dish: Kaiserschmarrn

On the bog trail:

On the Falkenstein trail:

Falkenstein mountain

Hike to the Schwarzachen Alm (Alm = mountain pasture)

The food was great and always had a doggy bag in store for Hilda.

The sunsets were nice, too!

Camping in "Bavarian Canada"

View from the campground

Finally we got some vacation days synchronised and took the opportunity to get away on a camper van trip. Roland hat booked a luxurious campground with a pool, a nice restaurant and brand-new facilities. Although a few miles away from the next village the infrastructure was well organised: We could get to town or trail heads, go shopping or buy groceries via bus transfer. So our VW Bulli could stay put while we were roaming, hiking and enjoying Bavarian cuisine and local brew.

1st day: A walk to the nearby village Bodenmais

Bodenmais

2nd day: A hike up to Silberberg (silver mountain)

Kaiserschmarrn & Schnitzel

3rd day: Sun and Rain and waterfalls

Rißloch falls

Hochfall

Typical Bavarian Cuisine

Rainbow by the pool

4th day: Arber Lake hike in the rain

Italian food for a change

5th day: Bavarian Canada nature reserve

6th day: A road trip from village to village

Regen

Weißenburg Castle

Roadside art

Village Zwiesel, famous for glass

Village Frauenau

Some more glass art

And more Bavarian food

Too soon our vacay came to its end but at least we had some quality time together in our little red and white camper van.