Camping in Germany broke my American Brain | Staffelsee Island Bavaria

Notable moments

1. 03:21 Kneipp hydrotherapy basin in Seehausen

   The hosts walk past a public Kneipp hydrotherapy foot bath along the walking path in Seehausen am Staffelsee. Cold natural water flows into a wooden-framed wading pool with handrails designed for traditional German leg-treading wellness.

   Seehausen, Germany
2. 04:09 Ferry boat ride across Lake Staffelsee

   Passengers board the solar-electric passenger ferry Staffelseein to cross the lake from the Seehausen dock to the island campsite. Tickets are purchased on board directly from the boat crew during the short scenic transit across the water.

   Staffelsee, Germany
3. 08:32 Local beer tasting at campsite beer garden

   Ben and Camille sit under the shaded terrace of the island beer garden enjoying local Bavarian beers brewed nearby in Murnau. Camille drinks a Russ, which is wheat beer mixed with lemonade, while Ben enjoys a traditional local Helles beer in a heavy glass stein.

   Campinginsel Buchenau, Germany
4. 10:56 Outdoor cooking on wood pellet stove

   Ben grills a veggie burger patty and a pre-cooked Schnitzel over a compact BioLite wood-pellet camping stove on the grass next to their tent. The thermoelectric stove generates an intense flame from small biofuel wood pellets to cook their dinner outdoors.

5. 13:27 Sunset views over Lake Staffelsee

   A twilight view shows the calm surface of Lake Staffelsee surrounded by green forest canopy and the distant Bavarian Alps. The evening sky reflects soft hues across the calm water as ducks float near the shore.

   Staffelsee, Germany
6. 15:26 Inspection of island campsite washrooms

   Camille provides a detailed walkthrough of the campsite's modern indoor bathroom facilities on Buchenau island. The tiled washroom features flush toilets, spacious hot-water shower stalls, and individual ceramic sinks with running hot and cold tap water.

   Campinginsel Buchenau, Germany
7. 22:09 Kaffee und Kuchen at Cafe Krönner

   Ben and Camille indulge in traditional German afternoon coffee and cake at an outdoor table at Cafe Krönner in Murnau am Staffelsee. Ben tries a rich, multi-layered chocolate rum Pralinentorte, while Camille enjoys a vertical-layered berry cake alongside a fresh glass bowl of seasonal German strawberries.

   Murnau am Staffelsee, Germany
8. 25:13 Swimming in Lake Staffelsee

   Camille wades into the shallow, pebbled waters of Lake Staffelsee from the island shore against a backdrop of sailboats and mountains. Despite the alpine lake water feeling crisp in May, the warm 30°C sunny weather makes for a refreshing dip.

   Staffelsee, Germany
9. 27:01 Freshly baked Flammkuchen at beer garden

   Ben orders a freshly baked Alsatian-style Flammkuchen at the island's hilltop beer garden for dinner. The thin, crispy flatbread crust is covered with crème fraîche, thin sliced onions, and savory bacon bits, served hot on a wooden platter.

   Campinginsel Buchenau, Germany