• Search
  • Saved Recipes
  • About
  • Browse Recipes
  • Recipe Index

Main Navigation

  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Saved Recipes

The Forked Spoon

Eat Healthy • Adventure Often

  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Salads
  • Soups
  • Sides
  • Dinners
  • Desserts
  • By Diet

Home » International Travel » Europe » Germany » One Reason Why I Miss Living in Bavaria, Germany

One Reason Why I Miss Living in Bavaria, Germany

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa
August 20, 2015


Last Updated November 19, 2018 | 0 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

0 shares

A tree in a forest

I didn’t always love nature or the outdoors.  Before meeting my husband I was somewhere inbetween a city-girl and a nature-girl.  I loved to shop and wear makeup and dreamed of the day that I would live on a beautiful property with lots of trees and land.   But the outdoors, the actual outdoors? Not for me.  I loved to look at nature, but I didn’t enjoy being a part of nature.  I didn’t enjoy getting dirty, doing work, or sleeping anywhere other than my own bed.  On the other hand, cities have always overwhelmed me.  I love light and trees and silence when I go to sleep at night.

Now, nearly a decade since meeting my husband, my opinion of the outdoors has changed a little.  I have camped, trekked in nearly every climate and terrain, traveled using every mode of transportation, lasted two weeks without washing my hair, love freeze dried food and have pushed myself further than I ever thought I could go.  Opening myself up to nature makes my heart feel full (would I like some wine with this cheese? yes, please).  Unlike before, I need nature in my life. Being outdoors reminds me that there is so much more to living than all the little things I find myself complaining about.  Nature keeps me grounded.

So, why am I rambling about nature?  Let me explain…

A blue sign sitting in the grass

A tree next to a body of water

Bavaria is paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors (me me me!).  For 5 months, I lived in Benediktbeuern, a small village of about 3500 people.  Located at the foot of the Alps, living in this tiny German village was like living in a postcard.  Everywhere you turn, you can see towering mountains, bike and hiking trails, rivers and lakes and ponds.  But, more than the nature itself, Bavarian’s celebrate and appreciate nature. They respect nature.  It is normal for families to go on walks, ride their bikes and spend time outdoors.  People don’t spend their evenings or weekends in front of the television- they just don’t.  They go outside and hike up a mountain to a little mountain hut that serves drinks and food.  Time moves slows as they enjoy the mountain views, sip refreshing shandy and eat fresh baked pretzels.

I know this because this is exactly what I did when I had free time; and although even the best outdoor spots were never crowded, I never felt alone.  The trails were always alive with other Bavarian outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.  Young, old, singles, families, Bavarian’s just know they hit the outdoor jackpot.

A tree in a forest

A man jumping in the forest

A person standing next to a forest

A man jumping in the air

A person in a wooded area

One afternoon, the husband (then fiance) and I were out riding bikes with no destination in mind.  Sunny with some scattered clouds, the day was beautiful.  We packed a little lunch of pretzels and cheese (very German) and were on our way.  While I was off in some bushes taking photos, Aaron stumbled upon a blue sign that read, Hochmoorpfad. Thankfully my photo break gave him a moment to notice the sign, otherwise we would have passed right by this hidden “Bog Path”.  Neither of us could read German, but we decided to go explore anyway.

Tucked away in the trees was an adventure area for both kids AND adults!  There was a raft with a pully, swings, a little zipline, and other less photo-friendly obstacles.  Nature was not destroyed or obstructed to make this “bog path”.  Nature was respected and everyone was happy.

This outdoor find was one of my favorite German surprises.  To some people, it would seem so little and insignificant, perhaps even silly. However, to me, it was the best thing ever.  Such a beautiful way to teach children to enjoy and have fun outdoors, while also respecting nature.

A tree in a forest

A man standing next to a river

A man standing next to a body of water

About Jessica

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

0 shares
Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

About Jessica Randhawa

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

I’m Jessica! Aka mom, wife, chef, and travel-obsessed photographer. Welcome to The Forked Spoon. Here you can browse hundreds of incredible family-friendly recipes covering dozens of diets, courses, and cuisines. Learn more about me.

Reader Favorites

  • Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip Cheese Pull with a tortilla chip. The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (+ Video)
  • A close up of a bowl Chimichurri Chimichurri Recipe (How to Make Chimichurri Sauce)
  • Perfect, clear, beef bone broth in a large stockpot. Bone Broth Recipe (How to Make Bone Broth)
  • Bok Choy being cooked in a wok with a spoonful of garlic sauce 10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe
  • White bowl filled with homemade chicken soup. The Best Chicken Soup Recipe
  • A bowl of Vietnamese Pho with a spoonful of bone broth Pho Recipe (How to Make Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
The Forked Spoon has been featured on Yahoo, CountryLiving, MSN, Cosmopolitan, USA Today, and Parade
  • About
  • Browse Recipes
  • Contact
  • Accessibility Statement

Copyright © 2023 · The Forked Spoon LLC • Disclosure