When I’m in Berlin I often miss the Mediterranean and the Tramuntana mountains. Sure, I love the city and its vibes, its energy and cultural diversity. And if you need an outdoor escape there are plenty of trips you can take from here. But far and wide there is hardly anything that even remotely resembles a mountain. This week though I discovered a tour in the Berlin hinterland where I definitely gained some altitude while enjoying autumns’s grand finale.  

Mild sun light filters through the trees while the branches move in the gentle wind. Leaves are falling slowly, sparkling like golden coins. The forest floor is already covered with a soft carpet of leaves that rustle with every step. Eventually we get to a clearing with a brick tower, the Bismarckturm. During the day it is usually open to the public, and so 112 steps further up I enjoy a stunning view across the countryside with all shades of green, yellow, red and brown. 

A few minutes later we reach the summit cross of the Watzmann. No kidding. However, I have to admit that I am not talking about the famous Watzmann here (which is located in Austria) but a miniature version that goes by the same name. Following our path through the wood we slowly descend to the Teufelssee (Devil’s Lake). The name must be a trick to distract visitors – why else would you call such a peaceful place that name? After a long break in the sun we pass its adjoining waters where beavers did a great job felling trees and building lodges.

Up again in the woods I’m searching for mushrooms, most of them impressive but not edible. When I was a child I loved to pick berries and mushrooms on our hikes and have them for dinner later at home. This weekend though there must have been other collectors before me. So I took along memories instead – and a couple of pictures to share with you.