Easter in Bavaria - Visiting Erding & the Alps
Friday 03 April 2026 - Arriving in Erding
Travelling for me has always been about slowing things down a bit. Stepping away from routine, letting things unfold naturally, and actually noticing what’s around me. This Easter, that meant heading out solo to Bavaria to visit my sister and her husband, who are living out in Erding. It was lovely to be out of the country, to get some headspace, take some deep breath of fresh air and to put the world to right. They gave me a little guided tour of the area. I flew from Bristol into Munich, they picked picked me up VIP style in their car, and we made the short drive over to Erding. It was one of those journeys where you’re lightly chatting whilst gazing out of the window watching this newly-found world pass by. No stress, no rushing - just the quiet shift into being somewhere new.
When we arrived, shown to me room, shoes and socks off (the only really start to a holiday is when this happens.. there’s something about being grounded with my bare feet touching the floor that I just love!) Straight into it - nibbles out, rum and coke poured, and a few card games to get things going. The evening drifted along. We chatted about everything and nothing, putting the world to rights in that way you do when you’ve got nowhere else to be. Before I knew it, the night had gone.
A perfect start.
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Click the links below to view its gallery.
Pentre - Sylvania - The Seren Barn - Amongst The Habitat- Niche & The Forest Stage - Behind The Scenes
Saturday 04 April 2026
Exploring Erding
I woke up early and sat out on the balcony for a bit. It was quiet - fresh air, no distractions, just a slow start to the day. We skipped breakfast and headed out into Erding.
Erding felt neat, colourful, and quietly full of character. The buildings, the streets, the architecture, everything felt well looked after, a place people are proud of. We wandered without much of a plan and made our way down to Kronthaler Weiher, the nearby lake. There was a slight ripple across the lake from the wind, and a few wing-surfers out on the water from the nearby adventure centre. It was cold and quiet, but you could easily picture it in summer - busier, brighter, full of life. One of those places where you naturally slow down without really thinking about it.
On the walk back through town, we passed a structure filled with bells “Glocken”. It turns out they’ve been part of daily life here for centuries, rooted in Christian tradition but also in something practical - timekeeping. The bells act as a kind of voice for the town, marking the day as it moves along. Slightly random, but it added something to the place. We stopped off at Green Leaf Cafe for coffee and some food. Nothing over the top, just simple and really good - exactly what we needed.
Back at the house, we had a quick cuppa before heading out again, this time to a bowling alley that felt like it hadn’t changed in years. Old scoring screens, dim lighting, and UV artwork across the walls - including a glowing Gunpowder Plot scene that made no real sense, but somehow worked. There was the usual bit of competition, and as soon as we found our own rhythms, we were all getting strikes, spares and completely missing the pins!
That evening, we headed into town for a proper Bavarian meal; Pork Knuckle and veg, crispy on the outside, soft underneath. It was SO good! Big portions, warm atmosphere, and no rush to leave. Exactly what you’d want after a full day out. A couple of bottles of wine later, we were still there, just talking. Back at the house, it carried on in the same way; a few more drinks, more conversation — before eventually calling it a night.
We had an early start coming.
“Sylvania”
Creativity - Play - Dance - Storytelling
Sylvania is the family and children’s creative area.
There are a wide variety of fun, dance, drama and educational sessions for all ages, and it’s also the home of Between The Trees Forest School!
“The Seren Barn”
Talk – Debate – Listen
At Between The Trees, visitors are invited to wander among thinkers, dreamers, and storytellers in the Seren Barn; a space that celebrates words, ideas, and connection. Supported by Literature Wales and Seren Publishers, the barn hosts an inspiring mix of authors, poets, and speakers. Guests can listen to insightful talks from naturalists and academics, join thought-provoking discussions on conservation, sustainability, and permaculture, or simply sit back and enjoy a nature documentary on the big screen.
Now recognised as the festival’s third stage, the Seren Barn has its own distinct atmosphere and charm. Once a film set for productions like Gangs of London, it now provides a unique setting for creativity and conversation - a place where stories and ideas come alive beneath its rustic beams.
“Amongst The Habitat”
Makers, Artisans & Traders
Habitat is about getting creative and learning by doing - from pottery and printmaking to woodland crafts and ancient skills.
It features three unique spaces: Traders Lane, where artisans keep traditional crafts alive; the Artisan Tent, showcasing local Welsh makers and hands-on workshops; and the Change Makers area, home to inspiring environmental and community organisations sharing ideas and hosting talks.
“Niche & The Forest Stage”
Where Hearts Dance and Feet Stomp
The Niche is Between The Trees’ intimate acoustic and listening stage. By day, it offers serene solo and duo performances, perfect for soaking up music in a calm setting. As evening falls, it transforms into a lively space with energetic DJ sets.
The Main Stage sits within a horseshoe-shaped grove of trees, with a sycamore integrated into its design. Clad in waney-edged wood and draped with ivy, it blends into the woodland surroundings. Across the weekend, it hosts folk and indie-folk performances, finishing with upbeat dance sets that keep the festival energy flowing.
“Between The Trees Behind The Scenes”
When all of natures magical mythical creatures come out to play.
Between The Trees is the vision of educators Andrew Thomas and Dawn Wood, born from a desire to reconnect people with the natural world. In 2014, they noticed how modern life, screens, and stress were pulling people — including students — away from nature, community, and meaningful activities. The festival was created as a space to slow down, breathe, and rediscover those connections.
Set in Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve, a haven of woodland, sand dunes, and wildlife, the festival blends indie folk music, art, and spoken word within a welcoming, creative community. Each year, a new theme emerges from conversations with family, friends, and festival-goers, shaping the experience and keeping the festival alive and evolving.
Behind the scenes, setup day is a hive of activity. Fairy lights are strung between trees, stages are sound-checked, wooden bars are prepped, and people wander the site, bringing the festival to life. Every detail is carefully crafted to create an immersive space that feels magical, alive, and full of anticipation for the weekend ahead.
