Arnhem. You probably only picture cute shops, cobblestone streets, and maybe a museum or two, right? Well, there is so much more! This city is bursting with natural beauty, perfect for a weekend escape that’s way more than just “city life.”
My recent trip was a total game-changer. Forget crowded shopping streets, I was all about exploring the stunning nature Arnhem has to offer. Think lush parks, hidden trails, and the most breathtaking views. Seriously, I felt like I’d stepped into a nature documentary! 🌳
Here’s the highlight: I stayed at Hotel Haarhuis and let me tell you, this place knows how to do relaxation right. Imagine this: your own private sauna on a terrace overlooking the city. Yep, you read that right. After a day of hiking, I was soaking in those steamy vibes with a view. Talk about the ultimate unwind! ✨
Ready to ditch the usual city break and embrace Arnhem’s wild side? Here’s what you need to know:
Explore the Veluwe: This national park is basically Arnhem’s backyard. Hike or bike through forests, heathlands, and sand dunes. Keep your eyes peeled for wild deer! 🦌
Stroll through Sonsbeek Park: This place is straight out of a fairytale. Wander past romantic ponds, hidden waterfalls, and even a 18th-century mansion.
Hike to the top of the Posbank: Okay, this one requires a bit of effort, but trust me, the panoramic views are SO worth it. Pro tip: Pack your hiking boots and your swimsuit (for that sauna action, obviously!).
Arnhem is calling for a weekend of nature, relaxation, and unexpected adventures. Who’s in?
Since Austria is now considered a safe travel destination, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots in the regions of Scharnitz and Seefeld.
Gschwandtkopf in Seefeld
This is a nice, easy trail running route with amazing views of the Austrian Alps: Wetterstein Mountains, Karwendel, Ötztal & Stubai Alps. Just make sure to use the hiking / snowshoeing trail and not the forest road. Elevation gain: 400 m, 10k – depending on the route.
Isar Trails in the Karwendel Mountain Range
The source of the Isar is in the municipality of Scharnitz in Tyrol, surrounded by the mighty Karwendel mountain massif. Even today, the river is still part of the culture and history of the Alpine region. The source of the Isar, also known as “by the rivers”, can be reached from Scharnitz on foot, by bike or e-bike. The crystal clear, blue water accompanies visitors along the beautiful Hinterau valley. Here, you can basically pick ANY route. The views are breathtakingly beautiful.
However, make sure to carry along plenty of water during summer, since it gets incredibly hot in The Valley. Also, use sun protection and cover your head. When planning a tour, check the weather conditions. During a hot summer day, you might need longer than the given time frames on the signposts and in the afternoons, there is often a high risk of thunderstorms. Hence, I recommend to start early in the morning. I mostly do 6-7 hour tours in the Karwendel mountains, and it is always worth it.
Gleirschklamm
This is one of my favorite gorges in the area, starting directly at the train station of Scharnitz. Most of the time, I do the longer round tour via the Isar valley, roughly 20k, elevation gain: 600 m, ca. 4 hours.
A huge plus: it doesn’t get too crowded. But be aware that it does get extremely hot during the summer months. Though the water is pretty refreshing, make sure to cover your head and drink lots of water.
I hope, some of these spots inspire you and that you get to enjoy this beautiful mountain summer.
One thing 2020 taught us is to you cherish the little things in life. Here I put together some of my favorite tours during the lockdown, exploring our home mountains near Munich 🏔
Sport Sessions at Lake Spitzingsee
Whether you take a little hike to the Obere Firstalm, go fatbiking or explore the cross-country trails, it is one of my favorite places for a short sports session.
Recovery Hike at Lake Tegernsee
After a tough workout I love to go for a little recovery hike at lake Tegernsee – especially the Hoehenweg from Gmund and to the Neureuth mountain hut.
Snowshoeing Kreuzwankl
For those who are fit, I recommend a snowshoeing tour in Garmisch. You start at the valley station of the Hausberg, take the hiking route up to the Kochelbergalm. There you check your mountaineering gear and put on your snowshoes hiking up to the Bayernhaus, then even further to the Kreuzwankl skiing slopes and to the Trögelhuette with majestic views of the Zugspitze.
During the lockdown all slopes and cable cars are closed so that you need to be fit enough to climb up in deep snow and also hike back down. Elevation gain with some very steep passages: 800 – 1,100 m, 17-21k.
Lake Eibsee
Once you are already in Garmisch and did a great snowshoeing tour, take a relaxing recovery walk along the lake Eibsee and just breathe: a nice 8k walk to refuel your energy.
Josefstal at Lake Schliersee
Another magic recovery tour is the hike from lake Schliersee to the Josefstal waterfalls. A calming route with beautiful views.
However, always make sure to check weather reports, bring the right equipment & safety gear, lots of fluids and always listen to your body. Only go on tours you can manage & remember that touring in snowy & icy conditions is more difficult & might take up more time as well. Stay safe and healthy!
During fall season, this area around the Kreuzeck is a secret tip: not crowded, endless trails for mountain bikers, climbers, trail runners and hikers. On my last tour I also discovered a magical spot for a snowshoeing tour in winter. As soon as the cable cars are up and running again after the winter COVID lockdown, I will share it with you.
But for now, I will leave you with my fall impressions.
I love the in-between season in Davos: gorgeous fall colors, blue skies, first snow – magic is in the air. Here are some day tour inspirations.
Sunrise Tour Strelapass
Get up early and hike up to the Strelapass where you start your day with a nice breakfast and beautiful views over the Davos mountain range.
Schatzalp Lunch
I could die for their Swiss „Rösti“. Although this place is a bit too touristy for me, every now and then I like to stop by for lunch.
Flüelapass
Ready for some magic? This is by far one of my favorite areas for sporting activities. In 2021 I will be back with an awesome bike & hike tour up to the Schwarzhorn.
Sertig Valley
Yes, I know, I have already published so many posts on it. But it is a classic and always worth a tour for everyone: mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers.
Dischma
During fall season this valley reminds me of Iceland: mystery & love is in the air.
Burger at Lokal Davos
After a great long day tour I often crave my favorite burger at Lokal Davos, best burger place in town, if you ask me.
For lovers of the outdoors, there’s nothing better than sleeping under the beautiful night sky and really feeling that connection with nature. Here are two of my favorite tours.
Wallberg
You will experience one of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises on top of the Wallberg mountain. Especially during summer, this is a magical unforgettable experience. Just make sure to dress in layers and bring some warm clothes, since temperatures can drop to 4-5 degrees Celsius at night – even when it’s hot during the day. It is definitely a classic, which makes it pretty crowded during the day. But one hour before sunset or sunrise, you barely meet anyone and can enjoy these beautiful moments.
During perfect weather conditions you get to watch paragliders above you and have majestic views of the Karwendel mountains, Großglockner and the Zugspitze.
Riederstein
This a top tip. The Riederstein is a popular mountain peak among local trail runners. But right before sunset or sunrise, you will barely meet anyone – most of the time you get the chance to be by yourself.
During the Perseids meteor shower in August, this is my secret tip for you. Hike up at around 7 p.m. and enjoy a little picnic watching the sun go down. Afterwards, simply enjoy the changing colors of the sky, the mood, the atmosphere, watching the mountain town go to sleep. Between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. you will experience the most gorgeous night sky making it a secret spot for stargazing, spotting the milky way and countless shooting stars.
This summer we saw the most magical shooting stars so far, just got goosebumps from watching this incredibly beautiful sky, cherishing this moment. It is certainly one of the most unforgettable experiences and don’t forget to make a wish upon a shooting star.
It is moments like these that make life worth living and let you forget about anything else. My personal recommendation: After watching the sunrise hike down to Rottach Egern, enjoy a breakfast at café Max I. Joseph at the Seeforum (reservation is recommended) and take the boat back to Tegernsee, enjoying a relaxing day at the lake.
Wild Camping is prohibited
One last thing, though. Wild camping is illegal in Bavaria. So, please be careful and appreciate mother nature when you are out there. No trespassing, no wild camping, no tent and don’t leave any trash.
For those of you who need a little rest after sunset and before sunrise, bivouacking is within a grey area and is allowed when taking a break or as protection from the weather. But the border from taking a break to camping is quite vague.
Bivouacking means staying in the open without a tent and is not regulated by law. You can sleep in your sleeping bag for one night and protect yourself from the weather with a tarpaulin. In both cases, fire, noise, or damage to property is still prohibited.
To avoid trespassing, you should ask the owner of the property if you can camp one night. Usually, it is not a problem to obtain permission from a private landowner. This is almost always possible, especially in rural areas.
Nevertheless, I hope you get to enjoy one of these magical moments. If you are interested in a guided tour with me, drop me a dm.
There are so many awesome trail running routes in Davos, but this is currently my favorite. You start in the Sertig valley, make a little detour at the waterfall to inhale all the positive energy. Then you run up the Sertigpass, go skinny dipping at the Grünsee and then run all the way up to the Scalettapass.
You simply listen to the sound of the river, melting snow and these cute little marmots. The ultimate pursuit of freedom, of feeling alive. It doesn’t get much better than this.
I started the new year with an awesome trail run at Lake Tegernsee, leading a coaching session for newbies.
We trained at Galaun, an ideal location to learn all about the different running techniques. Once you know the ropes and get down the technique, trail running is so much more than just a regular workout. You will actually have loads of fun playing on the trails.
550 stairs to trail running heaven
We did a three-hour training session, heading up to Galaun first, where I then gave an introduction on the different running techniques: saving energy when running up the stairs, how to prevent knee pain going downhill, how to run on snow & ice or on slippery terrain and how to jump over tree roots.
It was all about having fun, enjoying the great outdoors and getting to know your body and your inner strength. You are surprised what your body is capable of. So, we ran up all 550 stairs to the Riederstein where we enjoyed the beautiful views over Lake Tegernsee.
Afterwards, we took an easy route down and finished the run with some stretching and yoga exercises, leaving with a big smile on our faces.
Maybe next time, I will see you out there. Drop me a DM, when you are interested in joining one of our training sessions.
I hope you all had a magical start in 2020, wishing you lots of love, health and happiness. My plans or resolutions for 2020? NONE! I will simply go with the flow, focusing on my training.
So for now, I will just leave you with these beautiful impressions from Lake Tegernsee.
“It’s not where you take the trail… It’s where the trail takes you!”
Just breathe
I just had one of these unforgettable runs. It was an early Saturday morning in Davos, Switzerland – foggy, rainy and quiet.
Hence, I just put on my running gear and decided to go for a run. No plans, no special route, I just followed my gut and discovered one of the most magical trails.
From Davos Platz I took the route up to Clavadel and to the Clavadel Alp. The views and the atmosphere were just amazing. From there I took the trail to the Ischalp and went back down to the valley. This run definitely made my top 10 list.
If you are ever in Grisons, Switzerland, you should check it out.
