Besides Outside: B&B Haidl-Madl in the Bavarian Forest

Far from the mainstream package holidays and wellness hype, you will instead find a farmhouse with 300 years of history and a whole lot of soul – and which is now in its 7th generation of family ownership. Surrounded by a natural garden with an orchard and farmer’s vegetable patch, as well as meadows rich in beautiful flower varieties. And all around quiet, majestic forests, fields, and moors.

The hospitality here is as calm and reassuring as the majestic trees of the neighbouring Bohemian Forest, which you can explore on foot right from the front door. Ingrid herself has a wonderfully down to earth, grounded presence, and has a keen awareness of this place, its traditions and its history. There are roots here you can’t see, but will quickly feel. It’s not surprising then that in 2019, as in previous years, the house was once again one of the destinations on our list that enjoyed the most effusive guest feedback. And that has a lot to do with the soul of the house.

Wilderness not wellness, boundless relaxation

In spring, summer and autumn you can go on wonderful hikes from here. The “Goldene Steig”, a more than thousand-year-old trade route between Passau and Bohemia, leads directly past the house. If you follow the path, you will reach the “Steinerne Säumerbrücke” (“Stone Mule Bridge”) directly below the house, which spans the Harlandbach river and leads you along historic paths right into the middle of the Bohemian Forest. Of course, you can also explore the area by bike – just borrow one of the B&B’s own. Nearby you can take a bath in the forest. Or simply find a nice spot amidst the green, tree-lined gardens surrounding the house and indulge in your own idleness – and from there you can look up at the clouds, dream, think, read, watch the chickens, and then refresh yourself at the little water fountain that pours into a granite trough right outside the front door. Less is more. Or rather: with a clear view for the simplest, most important things in life, it often only takes a few steps to make the next discovery.

One completely new feature of the house is the large wooden terrace on several levels, which creates a further island of peace on the property. With its views of the surrounding meadows, it will invite out to relax, sunbathe or meditate. And you can also have an outdoor barbecue here, in a cosy atmosphere. As evening approaches, step outside the door, breathe in the wonderfully clean air before going to bed, and look up at a starry night sky – the sight of which many city dwellers have long since forgotten. In winter you can ski around Machhäuser, the nearest ski lift is within walking distance from the house. You can also go cross-country skiing directly from the front door; snowshoe hiking too. Or just enjoy the quiet time and come to inner peace. Farewell to endless activities, finally time to take a deep breath!

Here on the Bavarian-Bohemian border, just a stone’s throw from the house, you are right in the heart of the European Green Belt. For almost 40 years, nature was able to recuperate in these border areas, which were once separated by the Iron Curtain. Floodplains, ponds, heaths and moors have been created or preserved, which no longer exist in large parts of the cultivated and developed landscapes of Europe. Silent treasures waiting to be discovered!

Species conservation

Your hostess herself tirelessly strives to ensure that nature conservation doesn’t just begin outside the property’s boundaries. Both the extensive natural garden and the six hectares of land belonging to the property are cultivated extensively and in a manner consistent with nature. Traditional farming methods are very labour-intensive, but it is a matter close to their hearts. And it brings plenty of rewards: more than 400 different plant and animal species, including many protected species, still find perfect habitat conditions here. The views of the rich flora and fauna in these mountain meadows will make your heart sing. Ingrid Haidl-Madl’s unwavering commitment to sustainability does not follow a cost-benefit system, but her very own conviction for true beauty. Here, species protection is not only promoted, but directly put into practice. The rather diffuse slogan “Think global, act local” becomes a reality here. Bravo. They exemplify a quiet, deep affection for this credo. You could even say that the Haidl-Madl is a protected zone for rare plants, and an oasis for guests in need of rest and love.

Holidays like in the 70s, with the comfort of today

There is also that question which invariably comes up after a certain length of time spent here: why do all Bavarians – and many non-Bavarians – constantly and exclusively travel to the Alps? (Author’s note: Of course you can go to the Alps, absolutely! There are a lot of wonderful spots there.) You do start to wonder why our gaze is almost always directed “southward”, once you’ve spent a few days at the German-Czech border. Clearly, the Bavarian Forest is and remains one of the tourism’s forgotten children – it is, quite literally, remote. But isn’t that exactly what we are so often desperately seeking these days? A wonderful landscape, lots of peace, and unspoilt tranquillity – simply beautiful. And a level of tourism that is comparatively very low – even when it comes to weddings. Très bien. The effect: settle in quicker and dive in. And at the same time, take the time to discover yourself and get in touch with the space, the surroundings – animate as well as inanimate. And at the same time feel the power that emanates from the region’s stillness and ancient beauty. Simple, yet profound happiness. Magical. Because why do we go on holiday in the first place – to experience the kind of rejuvenation that will give us fresh inspiration and strength for everyday life.

Farmstead holidays – in the past and today

Holidaymakers have been coming here since the 1970s. At that time, holidays here still meant a rather modest vacation on a farm, operating under the name “Wiesental”.

When her parents had to give up farming, Ingrid returned to Marchhäuser after many years of work elsewhere. She took over the holiday apartments and began to furnish them with high-quality materials. Not unrelated was the fact that her husband Lothar is also professionally involved in interior design. The final step into modernity was taken after the death of the mother. In 2014, the apartment “Alte Liebe” was built in her former living quarters, the heart of the farm, in collaboration with Passau architect Bernd Vordermeier . In the course of this renovation, the two existing apartments, the “Nest” and the apartment “Hermann Lenz”, were also redesigned. The high standard of the conversion can be seen both in the quality of the furnishings and in the deliberately reduced design. Folklore and kitsch are nowhere to be seen. Instead, you will find subtle references to the history of the house, its past inhabitants, and the farming traditions of earlier times. And a healthy living climate. Lime plasters and natural colours define the space. The wooden fixtures are made of local woods that have not been sealed. And the high-quality bedding is made of the finest linen. In addition, all the apartments have been upgraded with a few, but expertly selected design classics – mainly of Danish origin.

Alte Liebe – recalling old values