Starry sky & storm lanterns

Hiking in Damüls Faschina is a special pleasure in both summer and winter. The perfectly groomed and extensive winter hiking trail network invites you to explore. On the night-time storm lantern hikes organized by the Damüls mountain rescue team, you are in the best of hands and will also learn lots of exciting information.

The Damüls Faschina snow area is a winter paradise. Here, the snow-covered mountain world presents itself in all its splendor for young and old. Couples, groups and families reach for the storm lantern here: Bernd Breuss (born 1989) is one of the Damüls mountain rescuers who lead the evening hikes in the winter season and also knows a lot of information about various stations. Instead of sinking into a cozy armchair in front of the TV after dinner, the storm lantern hikes offer you a healthy and informative change.

From January to April, the groups set off with their guide. Meeting points are at the Sport Madlener bus stop, the tourist office and the Oberdamüls parking lot. "A tour takes about 40 minutes, which is not physically demanding. We don't pass any ridges and don't undertake a classic high-altitude hike. Rather, the routes are suitable for families and groups as a nice evening walk," says Bernd Breuss, explaining the hike. Three guides accompany the night-time hikers, who may encounter hares and foxes along the way. Afterwards, guests are taken back to their accommodation by bus.

Those who wish are given a storm lantern at the start and use it to light up the well-paved and prepared paths. Others grab sticks or hold their children by the hand. From what age are children allowed to join the hike? "We take children with us as soon as they can walk - if they get tired then dad or mom will step in to play a supporting role anyway," explains the sporty mountain rescuer. The groups consist of up to 30 people and include different nationalities. The tours are therefore conducted in German and English. The guides tell a lot about the villages and the impressive mountain world.

Depending on the route chosen, the upper loop in Oberdamüls, for example, takes you to Lake Stofelsee by moonlight and under a starry sky. "When you look over to the Uga from the Oberdamüls side and see the whole sea of lights, it makes your heart beat faster" is how even the most seasoned mountain expert describes the Monday hike. Sometimes you can hear the sonorous humming of snow cannons and snow groomers in the distance. Other routes include stops such as the forest ropes course, the biomass heating plant or the game feeding station. Participants learn lots of new things along the way.

The mountain rescue team itself has also already been introduced by the guides. The small, fine Damüls mountain rescue team comprises 21 people. "We are a very active, young team," reports Bernd Breuss proudly. The chairman of the mountain rescue team works as a car technician in his civilian job and took part in the hikes almost every Monday last winter. It is a matter of honor that the hikes also take place in snow or rain. With the storm lanterns in hand and the three competent mountain rescuers at their side, the night walks are always an experience. The delicious mulled wine served at the end of the walk is also an incentive to join in. The mountain rescuers are already preparing for next winter: "We are already sitting down together to work out new themes for our guests".

Text: Andrea Fritz-Pinggera