Forggensee Washhouse

During my short stay at Lake Forggensee on the day of the summer solstice, muggy weather with clouds, veils of mist and thunderstorms promised special lighting moods. I had already been lucky the day before and was able to experience the colourful panorama with the royal castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau at sunset.

At today’s sunrise, swathes of mist hang over the lake or slowly rise up the hills on the steep banks of the former Illas Gorge. The air is damp and warm, the atmosphere seemed to be simmering – weather that is also known as a ‘washhouse’. However, the warm rays of the sun gradually dissolve the clouds and give us a sunny summer day. The morning still radiates a deep peace and serenity; the lake lies still before me.

Barely an hour later, only a few cumulus clouds can be seen in the otherwise brilliant blue sky. I use the beautiful weather for a bike ride around Lake Forggensee, which at around 30 km in length and with few climbs is more relaxed than sporty. As on the previous day, crashing thunderstorms with heavy showers brew up again in the afternoon, prompting a break from the rain. But as quickly as they moved in, it clears up again later, allowing for a cheesy, colourful sunset.