11) Let's Go to the North of Germany!
- O Peregrino
- May 15, 2024
- 9 min read
Christmas Traditions: Many Christmas traditions, like the Christmas tree (Tannenbaum) and Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte), originated in Germany. The country is known for its festive and charming Christmas markets.
Before we start the eight-hour journey of over 800 km up north, we first want to talk about a simplified stereotype of a German that is very common: Lederhosen, sauerkraut and Oktoberfest. All wrong? Not by a long shot - it's all right, but only in Bavaria. The rest of Germany is different, sometimes very different. That's why we're driving up north, where people live in tree houses, eat pigs' ears and shoe soles and ride Icelandic horses.
Stereotypical thoughts often arise from oversimplified and generalized perceptions of different cultures or groups. Stereotypes can lead to misunderstandings and perpetuate incorrect or overly simplistic views of different cultures. It's important to approach such generalizations with a critical mind and recognize the diversity within any group. Many stereotypes are deeply ingrained in societal structures and can have serious negative impacts. It's crucial to challenge these stereotypes and work towards a more equitable and just society where people are judged by their individual merits and not by harmful generalizations.
3:30 a.m. We get up - it is still pitch dark, not even the cheerful chirping of birds can be heard. We shoulder our fully packed backpacks and stroll leisurely towards the train station, which is still deserted at this time of day. The Intercity Express with its light grey paintwork and its typical red side stripe heading towards Hamburg-Harburg is already standing on platform one, snorting almost impatiently. We leisurely climb aboard and choose a comfortable window seat on the cozy bluish upholstered seats. With a jolt, the train slowly starts moving. And here begins our story from the far north:
In terms of the history of the earth, 24 years is less than the blink of an eye. In human existence, 24 years can be a long period of time that has brought many changes. In our story, our Nordic host Klaus and Jürgen have not seen each other for 24 years. They have actually known each other for five decades. Klaus lived at that time with his family in with around 6,000 inhabitants town called Immenstaad, only 10 kilometers far from Friedrichshafen, with its almost endless rows of apple trees and grape vines and with its breathtaking view over Lake Constance to the Swiss Alps.
During the somewhat monotonous eight-hour journey, which was only interrupted briefly by an unexpected 20-minute stop due to an air bomb from the Second World War that had been discovered, which had probably been uncovered during maintenance work, Jürgen nostalgically turned back the clock to when he and Klaus were still young and fit. Like endless backpacking trips at home and abroad, tough survival training, bathing in ice in frosty winters, diving in mud in the scorching heat of summers and countless youthful pranks that Jürgen prefers not to list here for reasons of youth law protection.
Finally they reached Hamburg-Harburg. Harburg is known for the renowned Technical University TUHH, a rich cultural life, entire streets in the Wilhelminian style - and for the largest connected urban development area in Hamburg after HafenCity by far. But that was of secondary importance to Huayna and Jürgen. With their fully packed backpacks they looked for the exit, climbed the stairs, where Klaus was probably waiting for them, just as excitedly as he was for his old friend. Warm hugs, the 24-year-old dust fell off and the two became young again. The Nordland adventure can now begin!
Branching Out: The Magic of Treehouse Living
In August 1912, in the October issue of the pulp magazine All-Story Magazine, a fictional character by the American author Edgar Rice Burroughs first appeared in the story "Tarzan and the Apes". Tarzan is the son of the British Lord Greystoke and his wife, who is still pregnant at the beginning. The two fall victim to a mutiny, are abandoned on the African coast and settle there. They build a small hut where they feel safer than in the wild jungle. The mother dies when the son is one year old; his father loses his life fighting a gang of apes. From then on, the orphan is called "Tarzan" and is raised by this group of apes. Tarzan is probably a world-famous character who experienced numerous dangerous but fictional adventures, recorded in countless comic books, books and films. As a child, Jürgen was fascinated by this strong, brave hero who could talk to wild animals and punch villains in the eye. The best thing was that Tarzan lived in the middle of the dense jungle, high up in the almost inaccessible treetops - in a tree house!
And, dear readers, you won't believe it: Klaus and his adorable wife Maika put a lot of effort, sweat and ingenuity into building three chic tree houses that are harmoniously embedded in the surroundings and that they now rent out to sophisticated guests seeking peace and quiet.
The history of modern tree houses reflects a blend of architectural innovation, ecological awareness, and a return to childhood fantasies of living among the treetops. Here’s a brief overview of their development:
Early Beginnings and Cultural Roots
Tree houses have been constructed by various cultures around the world for centuries, often as practical shelters or lookout points. Indigenous people in the South Pacific, such as the Korowai tribe in Papua New Guinea, have built tree houses for protection from wildlife and flooding. Similarly, in India, the Warli tribe used tree platforms for community gatherings and as a means of avoiding animals.
Mid-20th Century: The Rise of Recreational Tree Houses
The concept of tree houses as recreational spaces gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the Western world. During the 1950s and 1960s, suburban expansion and the post-war baby boom led to a surge in children's play structures, including tree houses. These structures were often simple and rudimentary, built by parents and children as DIY (do-it-yourself) projects in backyard trees.
Late 20th Century: Architectural Innovation
In the late 20th century, tree houses began to evolve from simple play structures into sophisticated architectural designs. The countercultural movement of the 1960s and 1970s, with its emphasis on nature and alternative lifestyles, contributed to a renewed interest in living in harmony with the environment. Tree houses started being seen as a way to reconnect with nature.
One of the pioneers in modern tree house architecture is Peter Nelson, who co-authored "Treehouses: The Art and Craft of Living Out on a Limb" in 1994 and later starred in the TV show "Treehouse Masters." Nelson's work emphasized tree houses as unique living spaces, incorporating sustainable building practices and creative design.
21st Century: Eco-tourism and Sustainable Living
In the 21st century, tree houses have gained prominence as eco-friendly accommodations in the tourism industry. Many eco-resorts and hotels offer treehouse accommodations, providing guests with an immersive natural experience. This trend has been fueled by a growing interest in sustainable tourism and a desire for unique, off-the-grid experiences.
Tree houses have also become a symbol of sustainable living, with architects and builders experimenting with eco-friendly materials and techniques. The use of recycled materials, solar power, and rainwater harvesting systems in tree house construction reflects a broader movement towards environmental consciousness.
Modern Tree Houses: Art, Luxury, and Innovation
Today, tree houses range from simple, rustic retreats to luxurious, architecturally stunning homes. They are featured in numerous design and architecture publications and have become popular as a form of escapism and a statement of individuality. Some modern tree houses are designed with cutting-edge technology, including smart home systems, while others emphasize minimalist, back-to-nature aesthetics.
The modern tree house movement has inspired a variety of projects, from tree house villages and community spaces to artist studios and meditation retreats. The versatility and appeal of tree houses continue to grow, offering a unique blend of adventure, nostalgia, and sustainable living.
In summary, the history of modern tree houses is a journey from practical shelters and children's play spaces to architectural masterpieces and eco-friendly retreats. They continue to captivate the imagination, embodying a desire for connection with nature and a simpler, more whimsical way of life.
Why People prefer to Rent a Treehouse?
Living in a treehouse is like residing in the realm of daydreams and fairy tales, where every morning starts with the rustling whispers of leaves and the sun playing peek-a-boo through a canopy of green. Your abode, perched among the branches, feels like a secret haven—a cozy nest nestled in the embrace of nature.
Imagine waking up to the chorus of birds greeting the dawn, the fresh scent of pine and earth wafting in through open windows. The world below seems distant, like a forgotten chapter in a book you're now writing anew from the treetops. Every step creaks with character, and the wood walls echo with stories of adventure and simplicity.
Your days are filled with the gentle sway of the house, like a cradle rocked by the wind. You may find yourself befriending squirrels, who scurry past like curious neighbors, or enjoying the playful chatter of unseen critters. The treehouse itself is a marvel—built with rustic charm, it’s a whimsical blend of nature and craftsmanship. There's a ladder or perhaps a rope bridge leading up to it, inviting a sense of childlike glee with every climb.
Inside, the decor is a patchwork of found treasures and handmade trinkets. Shelves carved into the walls hold books and knick-knacks, each telling a tale of past adventures or future dreams. Lanterns cast a warm, flickering glow at night, turning the treehouse into a glowing beacon in the dark, like a star perched among the branches.
On quiet nights, the sounds of the forest lull you to sleep—the gentle hoot of an owl, the rustle of leaves, the distant croak of frogs. It's a serenade that feels ancient and eternal, connecting you to a simpler, more natural world. And when storms roll in, the treehouse becomes a fortress, snug and safe, as you listen to the rain pattering on the roof and the wind whispering secrets through the trees.
Living in a treehouse is a daily adventure, a poetic journey where nature is both your home and your playground. It's a life above the ordinary, filled with the magic of the forest and the endless possibility of dreams. Would you like to life in a treehouse?
Curious as they were, Huayna and Jürgen asked Maika and Klaus how they came up with such a great idea to build tree houses. And here is their amazing story:
How the idea came about...
"Years ago there was a dream of finding peace and quiet on a remote pasture on the edge of a forest where the horses spent the summer, of being able to retreat and do all of this with as little effort as possible - in the form of a tree house. And then the dream was forgotten.
At Munich Airport it was suddenly there again, in a small bookshop at the gate in the form of a book called "Tree Houses" by Andreas Wenning. The book was great, but expensive, so it stayed there for a while. The next time I read "Munich Airport Accounting", the book was still as fascinating and I bought it. The first small step towards realizing the dream had been taken.
Coincidence or not, the architect and author of the book lives in Bremen. Almost a year later we were sitting in his office and the planning began!
In the summer I spent a few days with dear friends on Föhr. They really liked the idea of being able to escape from everyday life in a treehouse and slow down life in the fast lane for a moment. "Where something so beautiful is built towards the sky, something should also be built towards the earth," my friend thought, and that was the beginning of the planning of the earth house.
We had experienced a kind of "earth house" in Iceland, on the Hekla volcano - a small museum and a wonderful restaurant in an earth mound with a view of the mighty Hekla on Anders Hansen's farm at "Leirubakki".
Our earth house was to be built in an old mound. During the planning, however, it turned out that it was one of the oldest mounds on Krautsand from the 16th century and was therefore protected as an archaeological monument. We quickly decided to build a new mound next to it and the earth house inside it. The idea was to create a room that, in its simplicity and plainness, could be used as a meditation, yoga or seminar room.
Or: the best ideas come to you in isolation. So why not sit together in this wonderful place and develop new concepts and then relax in the tree house, looking out over the Elbe with a book and a good glass of wine in your hand?
It doesn't always have to be the conference room or the hotel room."
Has all this awakened your curiosity? Go to this link below:
Elbinselhof Krautsand (German only)
Video from October, 31 2015 (German only, but you can put subtitles in the settings)
Dear charming and creative readers of our imaginative, unique blog, maybe you don't have the opportunity to live, maybe you can't even visit a treehouse. So the Beyond Borders Team created with laborious effort the link below, to offer you the opportunity to see by yourself how inviting and loving the tree houses are from Maika and Klaus from inside:
Watch the video in full screen here!
Published: 01/15/2025
to be continued...
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