Bavaria is the perfect travel destination for a truly restorative holiday, which creates space for self-reflection and self-discovery.

People in modern life often long to live at a slower pace. And yet this is the very thing that many of us struggle with day-to-day, and even on holiday. Time pressures, stress even during free time, and endless availability have become the norm. They cause internal tension or a lack of balance and lead to a growing desire for change. No wonder that even a small break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is often seen as a new form of luxury. The absence of a mobile phone, laptop or any of the other usual amenities that make it so hard for us to switch off can lead to a whole new level of experience, which puts people centre stage. Under the motto “silence.________live. feel.”, the “Time for Tranquility” brand offers a solution to the search for meaning in our increasingly hectic society. The focus is on offers of peace, tranquility, slowing down and relaxation in Bavaria.

Peaceful nights

The sense of being on holiday begins when you first enter your accommodation: Restful tranquility, comforting warmth and a cosy atmosphere are all you need for a long and deep night’s sleep. The anticipation of the morning ahead and breakfast in this wonderful location will make your slumber even more enjoyable. Whether you choose a mountain hotel, a tree house or a remote farmstead, Bavaria has a wide range of different holiday homes that will give you a complete break from your everyday life and allow you to find some inner peace – with no noise, no rush and none of your usual, everyday stress. One of these isolated destinations is the property of GutsAlm Harlachberg in the Bavarian Forest, which lies in a clearing at the foot of the Harlachberger Spitze Mountain. Here, the peaceful surroundings make guests feel at ease, freeing them to focus on nurturing inner tranquility. Comfortable rooms and suites are decorated to complement the natural simplicity of the award-winning architecture. The old mountain chapel on the estate invites you to indulge in some inner contemplation. Inspiration and inner peace are also to be found on a walk through the wood or a swim in the forest pool.

Moments of silence

The Bavarian landscapes bring us a sense of peace. Our hearts expand and our thoughts wander. And suddenly we are at one. With nature – and with ourselves. After a walk, we sit on a bench and let our thoughts wander, soaking up the beauty of the countryside and enjoying a comfortable silence. Peace spreads all around us – inside and out. Our everyday lives recede into the background. This calming experience is possible in the “Blue Land”, home to idyllic lakes, the majestic Murnauer Moos nature reserve with the Alps beyond and the Zugspitze Mountain in the background. The Meditation Trail in the Blue Land leads past this place of power. Surrounded by pristine nature, visitors soon find inner peace and rediscover themselves. These sensory impressions can also be associated with a visit to the Murnau Castle Museum, the Glentleiten Open-Air Museum or the Münter House. Right up in the north of Bavaria, well off the beaten tourist track, lies the Franconian Forest with its simple, soothing natural calm. Much of the region is a nature reserve, and was the first area in Bavaria to fall under the certification “Qualityregion wonderful hiking in Germany”. “Hear the silence”, “Breathe in the distance” and “Understand the forest” are the three essential walking experiences open to guests, all completely individual and – if you are open to them – wonderfully diverse.

Spiritual time-out

The churches and abbeys in Bavaria hold their own distinctive power: Their beauty, the wide spaces in their interiors, that certain stillness that is only found in places of worship. Places of serenity and life. Churches and abbeys have always been a calming influence in our restless and ever-changing history. They give us their most valuable treasure: Calmness, reflection, stillness – all in the heart of the most beautiful Bavarian countryside. Many monasteries in Bavaria run their own seminars on self-reflection, where you can find new strength. Benediktbeuern Abbey in Upper Bavaria, for example, which lies between the sublime Benediktenwand mountain ridge and the extensive Loisach-Kochelsee-Moos moorland, is the perfect place to find new inspiration for body, soul and spirit. Stay overnight in the Abbey, go to a concert in the Basilica or take part in a guided pilgrimage along the Jakobsweg trail – these are just a few of the activities on offer at Benediktbeuren Abbey.

Active downtime

Plants and animals take all the time that they need. It does us good to let ourselves relax and go with this rhythm. Just commit to being active in the great outdoors and experience its wealth: Drink in the fragrance of freshly picked apples, the rich colours of the vines during the grape harvest or the tickling sensation of freshly cut hay. The ease of effort that can come when the body is active and the spirit is at rest can be experienced by guests in the Ammergauer Alps, or in the Altmühltal region during a Meditation Trail or yoga session. Special techniques and styles are taught here, along with meditation, while the wonderful Bavarian nature does all the rest. A paradise for all those who want to relax and find themselves in nature, free themselves from their everyday cares and recharge their batteries. Time out for the soul is also possible on Tili’s Farm near Regen in Lower Bavaria. The seminar entitled “Live today as they did then” places its participants into a country existence from 1930. Immerse yourself in a bygone era, live life at a slower pace, become aware of how you live your own life and find yourself – all those who go on this journey back in time come away having learnt to value the “everyday” things in their lives.

You can find more information at www.bavaria.by/time-for-tranquility.

Text and photo: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH