alpacas and large lakes, the treasures of the Bavarian mountains

Alpacas, cousins ​​of llamas, give the mountains of Bavaria (Germany) the air of the Andes. Their strong points? Their fleece, very warm and very thick, actively sought after by blanket manufacturers. The animals are sheared once a year, and only need hay and access to water. “And in summer, we put them in a meadow”, indicates a breeder. Calm and docile, they attract many tourists passing through the region. In Germany, more than 400 farms breed alpacas. They are now well integrated into the landscape of the Alps, snow-capped peaks and vast lakes.

The largest lake in the region, the Chiemsee, covers 80 km2. There are several small islands, and a few boats. 300 inhabitants populate in particular “the island of women”, where each house has its own access to the lake. The nuns live here as recluses, and only the abbey church is accessible. The most spectacular monument can be found on “the island of men” : a castle built in the 19th century, with a gallery of mirrors longer than at Versailles (Yvelines).