The Bavarian Alps

My wife and I have been on this trip many times before, so plainly we are very fond of the area and this trip. It has a good variety without very long travel to each day's study area. The itinerary was very pleasantly varied. The Klausbachtal is a splendid choice for the first day as it presents a full introduction to the area. We were very lucky with the timing and weather this year! Russ, our leader, is very knowledgeable, and quick to pick up on the details of organising a trip. Our highlight was the abundance and condition of the Lady's Slipper orchids, as well as the brightness and freshness of the flowers everywhere. A special mention should be made for the friendliness and "Gemütlichkeit" of the Alpenhotel Hundsreitlehen.  

H.W. Hampshire, May 23

Excellent accommodation in a beautifully located hotel with good food. A first rate selection of walks which gave a very good experience of the flora and fauna of the area. Group leaders were very knowledgeable and had researched the activities in advance so that everything ran like clockwork. Leaders also related well to all members of the group so that the overall experience was very enjoyable.

P.C. Dorset

We had three leaders - all experts on the local flora, birds and wildlife, as well as a mass of local information - who took us on day treks into the mountains. These were all in different valleys or onto different mountain tops, and all within reach of 30-40 minutes' travelling by minibuses. We also made use of electric boats (on the Königssee), cable cars (up the Jenner mountain), and special buses, to access Hitler's retreat, the Eagle's Nest. We spent time in the Austrian city of Salzburg and the nearby market town of Berchtesgaden. I said it was a specialist holiday; and all members were delighted with the mass of flowers, particularly orchids, which we saw, often carpeting the alpine pastures as if with a paintbrush. We identified many birds, including several varieties of woodpeckers and Golden Eagles, and passed Marmot nearby and espied Chamois frolicking in snow, through a telescope. But even more, the leaders ensured that everybody had a wonderful experience and a relaxing, stimulating time, whatever their interest. I thoroughly recommend this trip to anybody with an interest in beautiful, wild places, whatever their level of interest in flowers and birds! Oh - and the accommodation in an Alpenhotel was great too!

T.M. West Sussex

I used Naturetrek for the first time and was very impressed. The tour I went on was the 'Bavarian Alps'. The duration of my stay was one week and this was not long enough! The weather was great, as were the people, both on the tour and those who lived locally. I went on long walks everyday and it was just fantastic! The highlight was seeing a pair of Golden eagles.

T.N. Essex

Firstly, a most wonderful area for a holiday, think the most amazing scenery of all the places we've been to, possibly as the mountains are so close and accessible. We would definitely like to return, and I know two of our party have already booked for next year. ... Andy & Ingrid (Patmore) - lovely couple. Very welcoming and friendly, and their local knowledge was exceptional, and Andy's woodland expertise too. ... They worked very hard at ensuring everybody got the most from the holiday. We were very impressed with them both.

Mr & Mrs E. Manchester

This was one of the best holidays that I have ever had. Bavaria is stunningly beautiful and the range of plant and animal life which we saw was spectacular. The length of the walks and the mix of activities were just about right. Dawn Nelson was a most enthusiastic botanist who was very keen to share her extensive knowledge of plants with us all. Andy and Ingrid Patmore were the best guides I have ever met. They both had a wide knowledge of the local area, did all they could to make our stay enjoyable (including rearranging the itinerary to minimise the adverse effects of the wet start to the week), and were friendly and interested in all of us. It was a pleasure to be with them throughout the week. They, together with Dawn, are an absolute credit to Naturetrek.

C.W. Hertfordshire

This was a very enjoyable holiday in large part thanks to our three leaders who were cheerful, helpful, accommodating and very knowledgeable. I will have very happy memories of my trip to Bavaria and Austria as a result of their careful planning, flexibility and involvement. They always greeted us with a smile even when the weather conditions made it hard to be optimistic. As a result of this holiday, my knowledge of the wildlife of the Alps has increased thanks to Dawn, Andy and Ingrid's expertise.

J.W. Hertfordshire

The hotel was wonderful, and its owners couldn't have done more. Room, view, comfort - all fantastic.

P.S. Avon

Enjoyed the holiday very much, as we did the past two taken with you; a very nice group.

D.P. Hertfordshire

Andy and Ingrid did an excellent job of organising our programme to suit the prevailing conditions. They worked hard for us and were excellent company. The Alpen hotel Hundsreitlehen was the best accommodation I've stayed in on our Naturetrek holidays. The setting, the standard or our room, the food and attentive and friendly staff put this hotel in a class of its own. This trip exceeded expectation.

A.S. Kent

I enjoyed the entire trip. Andy and Ingrid were brilliant!! Very good tour leaders!

T.N. Essex

The two local guides were first class and very knowledgeable.

D.K. Devon

I have just arrived home again after another lovely holiday with Ingrid, Andy and Angelika at Alpenhotel Hundsreitlehen. Everything was perfect again, the leaders, the accommodation, the content of the trip, the organisation of the itinerary. The food and hospitality is always of the highest standard, but I must mention how good the gluten-free menu was. It was superb.

M.W. Hampshire

The idea to base a holiday in the Berchtesgadener Land region really was an inspired one. We had never been there before and are pleased to report that it has so much to offer for an unusually wide range of interests. The hotel was first class and it was a relief that they made a real effort to cater for vegetarians like ourselves. Angelica, Marcus and their staff were very friendly and helpful. We must say how impressed we were by Andy and Ingrid, the 'core leaders', as well as Dawn. They went out of their way to make everyone welcome and feel part of the group. Their planning was excellent and they sensibly tailored what was actually done according to the weather on the day and to the preferences of the group. There was a good division between a (well conceived) guided tour and 'private' time on the Salzberg visit. They were wise to make the last day a bit more relaxed than others. So thanks to Andy, Ingrid and Dawn. We hope Naturetrek will keep this holiday on their list and, indeed, add similar ones. Prior to the holiday the staff in the Naturetrek office were also very helpful too so thanks to them as well.

S.I. Tyne & Wear