Nature, Outdoors, Trends, Adventure, Microadventure
New Adventures On Your Doorstep
Off to the woods with Manuel Larbig
You don’t have to head to Mongolia or embark on an exotic hike around the world to find adventure. Sometimes all it takes is a trip to the nearest forest or park. One example of an area that offers many exciting and inspiring experiences is Berlin and its surroundings. Anyone who doesn’t dare to venture alone into the wilds of Brandenburg, can, for example, book a multi-day survival course with Manuel Larbig.
The biologist and survival trainer is on a mission to take people back to nature and to teach them about local biodiversity. Remember the dry, theoretical material from biology class? Manuel presents it in exciting seminars and workshops.
While his wild herb events focus on the culinary side of “weeds”, his multi- day survival courses are where you learn wilderness adventure survivaltactics. Manuel doesn’t just train participants to handle dangerous situations properly. He also teaches fire-drilling techniques, as well as how to build a tarp and how to distinguish edible from poisonous plants.
By the way, Manuel didn’t just test his skills and knowledge in Brandenburg. In 2015, he went on a 1,100-kilometer hike through Germany – from west to east. Without a tent, sleeping bag or sleeping pad, the only things he took were a backpack and his dog. The hike from Saarbrücken to Eberswalde took over two months. If you’d like to see what it was like, we recommend viewing “Der Waldwanderer,” a documentary film (in German) made by Spiegel.
At the Berlin Travel Festival, you can get an idea of what Manuel’s practical excursions are like, since he will offer two workshops: “Fire-drilling techniques” and “Emergency food”.
DO IT YOURSELF: MICROADVENTURES IN BRANDENBURG
Are you in the mood to simply pack your backpack and set off a little adventure now? We understand how you feel. To put you on the right track, we asked Manuel to share his most important tips and tricks with us.
1. Discover Brandenburg
Brandenburg is one of the few federal states in Germany, where you are allowed to camp in the open countryside for one night. Take advantage of this! Of course, there are a few places where camping is prohibited – for example, farmed land and protected areas. Learn the facts before you depart and don’t forget: When you’re on a wild camping trip, always treat the environment with respect.
2. Better safe than sorry
Fire is a tricky issue, especially in dry Brandenburg where the risk of forest fire is a reality. Smoke-detector cameras are set up above the treetops in some areas. Get the facts before you go camping. Information is available on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Environment and Climate Protection (currently only available in German). Not knowing the rules can quickly make the trip very expensive!
3. Life is better at the lake
You don’t have to head straight to Sweden to find a cozy spot on a secluded forest lake. With over 3,000 lakes, Brandenburg has a lot to offer, especially in sparsely populated areas!
4. Digital Detox
Leave your smartphone at home. I know it isn’t easy, but a few days of digital detox are great. Navigation? With a map and compass! Photos? A digital camera or an old smartphone without a SIM card. For emergencies? Bring an old push-button cell phone with you – the battery lasts ten times longer anyway.
5. Less is more
Make a conscious effort to reduce the amount of equipment you bring with you. Think about whether you really need each item or if something else can compensate for it. Do you really need a tent – or can you make do with a tarp? And maybe your sweater suffices as a pillow?