Pension Draxlerhof in Waldhauser offers a place to stay for those seeking either tranquility with a loved one, an adventure holiday for those with or without children and for those who like to have independent holidays who can provide their own transport. This part of the world is paradise, with very few English visiting, it remains unspoilt. Every local town offers eateries but be warned, Monday is the day where most places close as their rest day or "ruhrtag". This will be advertised on the door or a sign outside. A cosy and comfortable place to stay with family host, Henrietta Braumandle, who runs not only the pension but also the adjacent working farm with her husband. All bedrooms come with satelite t.v. wardrobes, a writing table with paper and pen provided and ensuite shower rooms. Sadly, German law won't allow tea making facilities in the bedrooms. The pension offers a solarium, a large outdoor garden for all with stunning views overlooking the mountain and valley. Sunsets are truely beautiful as One can see the sun setting behind the mountains leaving a rising mist in the valley and a glorious warm coloured glow. A great opportunity for the enthusiastic photographer. A continental style buffet breakfast is available in the breakfast room which also doubles up for evening meals can that can be booked in advance. One can help themselves during the day to drinks from the fridge, the bill can be paid at the end of the stay. There are plenty of things to do within an hours proximity of the pension. With choices ranging for those who love outdoor adventure by climbing up the Lusen (straight out the front door at Draxlehof and up the hill - all good German mountains come equipped with a bar to quence the thirst of a walker), to strolling around the Tiergarten (an outside zoo with natural habitat for wildlife - also with an eaterie). A locally electric powered bus provider, provides walkers with pick up and put down points at any part of their journey with either a "park and ride" or smaller carparks dotted around the area. Places to visit include family run and owned Perlhof sheep farm in Rinchnach, approximately 30 minutes drive from the pension. A working farm for sheep breeding and a large shop selling sheep based products from toys, clothing, bedding and scented toileteries etc. Coach parties are welcomed with prior booking. Children and adults are welcome to feed the sheep with a small payment for a bag of feed. This I can assure you offers hours of fun for children and adults alike with the sheep being timid and loveable and sometimes funny. The farm offers hot and cold food with alcoholic/non alchoholic drinks available and clean toilet facilities. A great place to visit no matter what the weather. The owner Elizabeth, who speaks English, and her husband Ernst will give a warm welcome to all who visit. There is no obligation to purchase anything. Indoor opportunities can be found at the local Penninger Schnapps Museum in Spiegelau offering a different take on schnapps and liqueurs which are locally made, Crystal museums are dotted around the area and some will show the art of glass blowing. Clean lakes offer safe swimming for all, espicially at Neuschonau which comes equipped with childrens' outdoor activites and clean toilets and separate changing areas. Free parking available. The local town of Grafenau hosts a Volksfest week at the beginning of July offering plenty of entertainment for children and adults, including shows, a very large beer tent, side stalls, frightening rides, and a fantastic fireworks evening - most definately the highlight of the week as the firework show can last up to 25 minutes and with the valley offering an amazing acoustical background. Cashpoints in the town offer multilingual options for foreigners Cities within driving distance from Waldhauser include Passau with its three rivers and cathedral containing the biggest organ in Europe, Deggendorf and Regensburg are accessible via the A3 motorway, the latter with its famous sausage kitchen on one of the bridges. Vilshofen aerodrome provides flights to larger airports. Grafenau airfield offers flights in a Cesna ranging in 30 mins to a 2 hour return flight over the Alps -the pilot can be contacted by phone and times can be arranged to suit. One place which is worth a visit is Neideralteich, junction 111 on the A3 near Hengersberg. This place has a beautiful old monastry with some fine art work. The crypts now houre a restaurant offering superb food and ale. Definately one for a rainy day and take a camera. Austria and Czech Republic are within driving distances and with no border controls in operation makes the journey quicker (remember to keep the passport with you and law requires the car headlights to be on.) The Zugspitze, tallest mountain in Germany at 10,000 ft approximately, south of Munich is definately well worth a trip. However, it's a long drive followed by a train journey and a cable car to the top of the mountain (included in the price). Once up there the views are truely biblical and on a clear day can be very warm. Views overlook Austria and Switzerland. And of course, being Germany, there are pleny of place to get fed and watered. But don't leave it to the last cable car or train down as this gets very busy and sadly there is a lot of jostling to be had. Take warm clothing as you may need it and sunblock as you will need this too! For those who really want to venture into the world of engineering then Jochenstein and locks are wellworth a visit. This is situated on the German/Austrian boarder along the Danau east of Passau. Hours of fun can be had watching the small, large and extremely large vessels manoveur themselves into the locks and wait for them to be able to continue their journey up or down river. Some are so large One does wonder how they fit into the space provided. The dam also gives the visitor the opportunity to walk across to the other side of the river and cross into Austria, where there is a museum providing insight as to how the structure was built. You can also see the large turbines situated in the building that straddles the river and if lucky enough can see the locks being lowered to allow excess water to make its way down river, normally happens if there has been a heavy downpour. Naturally there is an eaterie and an eco friendly toilet facilities. So, I hope those who get the chance to visit do enjoy their stay and have a relaxing time.…