A Father-Son Journey: From Friedrichshafen to Bad Waldsee

It was one of those perfect mornings when the world seems to invite you to slow down and savor its quieter corners. Father and son — Jürgen, 67, and Huayna, 25 — decided to step off the well-worn tracks of daily life and take a small detour by train from Friedrichshafen to Bad Waldsee, a town rich with charm and nestled in the gentle landscape of Upper Swabia.

The journey itself was a pleasure: the train hummed through rolling green fields and sleepy villages, giving them time to talk, share memories, and simply enjoy each other's company. Upon arriving at the station in Bad Waldsee, they were greeted by the inviting scent of blooming spring flowers and the soft buzz of a small town coming to life.

Their first stop was the town center. Bad Waldsee’s historic core — with its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and the striking twin towers of the St. Peter's Church — offered a postcard-perfect welcome. They strolled slowly, admiring the lovingly restored facades and pausing here and there to take photos or simply soak in the atmosphere. The calmness of the town was contagious; it felt like stepping into a slower, friendlier rhythm.

From the center, they made their way to the Stadtsee, the "city lake" that sits like a polished jewel in the heart of Bad Waldsee. The lake path was easy and beautifully laid out, winding through shaded spots and sunny clearings. Ducks and swans glided peacefully across the water, and children played on the grassy banks. Jürgen and Huayna took their time, enjoying the reflections of the houses and trees on the shimmering surface and the cheerful greetings of fellow walkers.

After completing the loop around the lake, their adventure continued toward Tannenbühl, a nearby forested park famous for its wildlife enclosure. The short walk there was filled with the fresh scent of pine and the songs of countless birds. At the wildlife enclosure, they found a small but wonderful world: red deer, mouflons, and wild boars living in large, natural spaces. Watching a herd of deer grazing quietly in the dappled light was a special moment, especially for Huayna, whose deep respect for nature mirrored his upbringing.

Father and son wandered through the Tannenbühl trails, talking little now, each immersed in

the calm presence of the forest. Sometimes the best conversations happen in silence — shared simply through smiles, a nod at a bird overhead, or a laugh when a curious wild boar peeked out from behind the undergrowth.

As the afternoon sun began to dip lower, they made their way back to Bad Waldsee, where they found a cozy café for coffee and a slice of fresh Apfelstrudel. Sitting by a window overlooking the lake, Jürgen and Huayna talked about everything and nothing — travels they'd like to take, memories from Huayna’s childhood, how good it felt to just be in a place without any rush.

Their detour was more than just a visit to a pretty town; it was a quiet reconnection between father and son, a small but precious memory to store away among the greater journeys of life.

And as the train carried them back toward Friedrichshafen in the soft evening light, both knew that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you never planned too tightly — just a detour, a lake, a forest, and the company of someone you love.

Published: 04/04/2025