Ahornboden, Hinterriß, Karwendel, Tyrol/Bavaria

The Großer Ahornboden (Great Sycamore Maple Ground) is a flat plateau dotted with 2,200 ancient maple trees — some over 600 years old — at the foot of the Karwendel range. Getting there is part of the adventure: though the plateau belongs to Austria, you can only reach it from the German side via a toll road (open May to October). But the trip pays off: picture your blanket spread among majestic trees surrounded by dramatic peaks. Despite the crowds, you’ll find a quiet spot along the Rißbach, a clear creek running through this impressive Nature Park. At the Eng Alm, pick up snacks and locally made cheese from their own dairy.