“Just like every year,” was the sentiment in May, when the experiential education trips were on the horizon. The boarding school students set off together with their teachers on a journey across Germany and even beyond the country’s borders. There really was something for everyone! In addition to a canoe trip through the beautiful Altmühl Valley, the itinerary included a hike through the Drachenschlucht gorge near Eisenach, a visit to the Klimahaus near Bremerhaven, and a camping trip at Lake Eder.

 

This year, there was a special place to stay in the scenic Odenwald, where a small group settled in comfortably at the Heuhotel am Lind’brunnen. Janna, one of the students, enthusiastically flung herself right into the freshly piled hay. “If we could sleep like this at boarding school, I’d do it every night,” she said with a laugh as she shook the hay out of her hair.

In addition to taking a break from everyday life, the weekend was also filled with action. We walked or drove to nearby Maubach Lake, where a few brave souls even ventured into the cool water. Next up was a trip to the climbing forest, which was just one of the weekend’s highlights. Well-secured, the students enthusiastically climbed across narrow beams or enjoyed rides on the zip lines. Together, they overcame challenges both big and small—and even a bit of a fear of heights. Of course, they also paid a visit to the summer toboggan run right next door. Despite the rain, the students didn’t let it spoil their fun and waved at the camera with big smiles. “It felt really good to just leave my phone behind for once,” noted student Saphira.

Before leaving the next morning, we couldn’t miss out on a fun cleanup party and one last game of hide-and-seek, of course. On the way back, we finally made a stop at the Felsenmeer. After the short hike, the ice cream tasted even better!

For those who wanted to burn off some energy, the trip to the Altmühltal was just the thing. From a cozy campground, they set out on the water in canoes, two to a canoe. After a few initial difficulties steering with the paddles, the students quickly got the hang of it. Still, one or two situations drew amused looks when they were recounted back at the boarding school. After a strenuous but very successful trip downstream, the group drove back to the campground, where—thanks to the good weather—they were able to round out the evening with a cozy campfire, delicious food from the grill, and good conversation. “The group really came together,” Marlon, who accompanied the students along with his colleague, later said enthusiastically.

The Steinmühle was also on the road in northern Germany. On the Wurster North Sea coast, the students were able to enjoy the sunshine right by the sea. In addition to walks on the beach, the group took a trip to the Klimahaus Bremerhaven, where the students embarked on an exciting journey around the world through Earth’s climate zones. In the interactive exhibition, they were able to experience the effects of climate change firsthand in a truly impressive way.

Another group of students headed toward Eisenach. In the Thuringian Forest, the itinerary included a hike through the impressive Dragon Gorge, which is sure to set nature lovers’ hearts racing. Wide at first, the moss-covered rock walls gradually narrow into a gorge that’s sometimes only shoulder-width wide. The group also visited the nearby Wartburg, which is likely one of Germany’s most famous castles. On the way back, they made a stop in Kassel to admire the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe.

 

In addition to new destinations, this year’s trip once again offered the opportunity to take part in the now-almost-traditional camping trip to Lake Eder, where the focus was entirely on unwinding. Without cell phone reception or other everyday conveniences like running water and electricity, the students were able to consciously take some time for themselves.

This time, a special educational trip took the students to neighboring Poland, where the group took part in a two-day guided study tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and also visited the city of Krakow.

One student described his experience on Instagram as follows: “Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the history of the Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. My feelings were very mixed—on the one hand, grief for the victims, and on the other, anger toward all those who still support this today.”

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at the memorial for the moving and empathetic tour!

 

In June, nearly 50 students and teachers took advantage of the holidays and, as is tradition, traveled to the beautiful Valais region. From the Augustinushütte in Randa, the hiking group set out on their treks into the high-alpine regions.

Group start across the suspension bridge on Europaweg

As they do every year, everyone set out together from the cabin. Their first destination was the cross above Randa, which has become a second home for many of the long-time participants.

Anyone who wanted more after that could walk across the Charles Kuonen suspension bridge, which spans nearly 500 meters at a height of 85 meters. “I’m afraid of heights, but I can do this!” student Jan muttered before crossing. Just like last year, Jan managed to overcome his fear thanks to the group’s calm and encouragement, and successfully completed the crossing.

For those who still hadn’t had enough, it was possible to extend their hike on the very first day to a total of 900 meters of elevation gain, hiking directly to the Europahütte at 2,265 meters and returning to the hut via the Europaweg.

“We’ll do everything together!”

The entire trip was centered on a strong sense of community. Every day, the students were offered three different hikes: manageable hikes for beginners, and more challenging hikes for intermediate and experienced hikers, led by the experienced instructors from the Steinmühle boarding school. The goal was not to complete the hike in the fastest time, but rather for everyone to reach their set destination together as a group.

Educator Nils Schwandt, who has been traveling to the Valais for about 30 years himself and organizes the trip anew every year, never fails to express his enthusiasm: “Randa is simply an incredibly beautiful spot. And I’m happy when we can pass on this fascination with nature and hiking to the young students.”

Meals were prepared and eaten together as well. In the rustic parlor, with its old wooden floorboards, tables, and benches, everyone refueled before and after the hikes. A special highlight: the evening dishwashing party. Washing dishes with joy—a unique experience that you’ll probably only find in this form in Randa.

The joy of reaching the summit and cooling off in the lake: Valais has it all for the people of Steinmühle

Top athletic performances, fantastic views, and relaxing together: Everything was possible for the students during the Swiss hiking week. Whether it was the 1,100-meter ascent to the summit of the Wannihorn or the view of the Matterhorn from over 3,000 meters above sea level, whether it was letting off steam at Lake Schalisee after the climb over the Rötiboden, or relaxing together by the cool waters at Jungen. The tunnel tour was a hit once again, with the hike along the water pipes and the visit to the Gletschertor. Slipped into the day off

Athletes know it: You’ve got to take a day off. The tour group spent theirs at the Briggerbad thermal springs. Those who still had enough energy let loose on the slide: Who can slide the fastest? Who can swing the highest? But anyone who wanted to could lean back and relax deeply in the grotto with a salt scrub and a sauna. “I just lay there all day,” reported student Viviana that evening, visibly refreshed. “That felt so good. Now I’ll be able to go hiking again tomorrow, fully recharged!” “Let’s do it again next year!”

That was probably the phrase the six educators heard most often that week. After five days of hiking, the group returned to the Steinmühle grounds. Although they were visibly exhausted from the hikes, their enthusiasm and the memories of their time together far outweighed the physical exertion. Randa 2023—hopefully we’ll see you again!

 

 

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.