The students at Steinmühle Boarding School took advantage of the weekend following their midyear report cards to enjoy one last taste of winter in the Bavarian Forest. Under perfect weather conditions in the Bavarian Forest National Park, the small group enjoyed two days of hiking filled with sunshine, snow, fun, and camaraderie.
First Summit: Climbing the Windy Lusen
On the first day of the hike, the students climbed the Lusen. They were able to hike toward the summit cross via the “Himmelsleiter” (Heaven’s Ladder). The sun was barely visible at that point, and the wind whistled loudly in their ears. But the unique landscape and the natural formations created by wind, snow, and ice inspired and motivated the students to continue their ascent. “I’m so fascinated by these formations! Everything here looks like something out of a movie!” panted student Niclas enthusiastically.
Upon reaching the icy summit cross on the Lusen, the group took a quick group photo at an elevation of 1,373 meters, very close to the Czech border, before taking shelter in the mountain hut for a lunch break. Right on cue, the sun came out, and the successful hiking group was able to enjoy their well-deserved break in the sunshine.
Let’s head over to the crackling fireplace
The group’s descent was filled with laughter and the occasional snowball fight as they hiked back through the freshly snow-covered Bavarian Forest straight to the cabin. Once there, student Felix stoked the vacation home’s wood-burning stove nice and hot, and the group spent a relaxing evening together enjoying hot cocoa and a home-cooked meal.
Higher, Further: The March to the Great Rachel
The next day, the students climbed Großer Rachel. The hiking group made their way up to 1,452 meters, the second-highest peak in the national park. Together, the nine companions covered a total of 100 meters in elevation gain and over 20 kilometers.
“I had no idea Germany had such beautiful places!”
Francine Olschewski, the lead educator, heard this exclamation frequently over the weekend. “I only recently discovered the region myself, and I’m very happy to be able to share this wonderful experience of nature with the students.”
The unique natural surroundings inspire the hiking group
The hike was arduous; they sank deep into the deep snow, and the climb to the summit sapped their strength once again, but all the students were so captivated by nature that they could almost forget the pain in their legs.
“It’s so beautiful! I just can’t stop marveling at it!” beamed student Cosima as she made her way up the trail. Letian, another student who was hiking for the first time, was also thrilled: “I had underestimated the hikes, but I can do this! And I’m so glad I came along. Germany really is so beautiful!”
Solidarity Through Fun: Laughing Together, Supporting Each Other
And so the group took a break together at the summit cross of the Great Rachel in bright sunshine. Their joy at the snowy wonder endured even during the descent through deep snow. They made their way back to the car in a wide arc, passing by Lake Rachel and the little chapel.
It had grown dark by then, and the hiking group walked the remaining meters in the bright moonlight. Along the way, the students repeatedly encouraged one another, were considerate of each other’s pace, and helped one another. “Does anyone else have any water?”—Pulling together, the students reached the end of their hike.
Frozen to the bone and exhausted, the hiking group arrived at the vacation home. But once again, the fire in the fireplace and a warm cup of hot cocoa helped them forget the day’s hardships. “At one point, I really thought I couldn’t make it anymore. It was really exhausting today,” groaned student Jan, “But I’m really proud of myself—I did it! It was tough, but really great!”
That evening, the students sat together and reflected on their hiking experiences before falling into bed, exhausted.
Back to the Steinmühle via Regensburg
The short winter hiking weekend was rounded off with a stop in Regensburg on the way back. Crossing the Steinerne Brücke, built in 1135, the group crossed the Danube on their way to Regensburg’s Old Town. A visit to Regensburg Cathedral was a must. Along with Cologne Cathedral, Regensburg Cathedral is one of the most significant Gothic cathedrals in Germany.
“Regensburg is just so beautiful! All those old buildings, and the magnificent cathedral! I’m so glad I got to see it today, too!” said student Niclas enthusiastically.
“Can we do this again next year, please?”
After two exhausting but memorable days of hiking, the group from Regensburg finally set off for home again on Sunday. On the way back, they went over all their experiences together once more. There was plenty of laughter and singing, and one request in particular kept coming up: “Can we please do this again next year?”
With these thoughts in mind, Steinmühle Boarding School wishes you a pleasant rest of the winter and hopes everyone stays healthy.
