From 13 to 15 June 2025, eight members of our tree circle met for an intensive three-day seminar in Obsteig on the Mieminger Plateau - an idyllic region south of the Zugspitze and west of Innsbruck. Under the guidance of Susanne Patzleiner-Rieser and her colleagues Laura and Gabriele, we immersed ourselves in the local forest and herb world and experienced a weekend full of sensory experiences, community and practical craftsmanship.
Arrival and first discoveries - Day 1
We met Susanne in her cosy house in Obsteig. After a short introduction to the local wild herbs and trees, we went to a nearby forest where we did a tree meditation together. As we leaned against the spruce and larch trees, we watched the horses, ponies and cows passing by, who took less or more interest in us. Susanne showed us some simple ways to process the plants we found and explained their traditional uses.
Rituals, music and culinary delights - Day 2
Together with Laura, we explored other areas of the forest and learnt about various forest rituals. These were accompanied by drumming, singing and Tim's guitar playing and created a special atmosphere. Further awareness exercises and tree meditations helped us to feel the presence of the „forest beings“. A special highlight was the ascent to a traditional inn up in the mountains, where we enjoyed lunch together and soaked up the marvellous view of the Mieminger Plateau. In the afternoon, we took advantage of the favourable weather to hurry back to the house before an impending thunderstorm. There we cooked resin ointment together and made elderberry oxime. Susanne explained the effects of each plant in detail and gave practical tips on how to use them.
The old oak forest - Day 3
Together with Susanne's colleague Gabriele, we hiked into the Stamser Eichenwald, an ancient oak forest, where she told us about its rich flora and fauna. We looked at impressive, centuries-old oaks, collected wild herbs and deepened our understanding of the forest's complex ecosystem. The weekend ended with a feeling of deep connection - both with each other and with nature. Not only did we gain new knowledge about trees, herbs and their processing, but we also bonded more as a group.
Outlook
We hope that this inspiring seminar can take place again in the coming years and that more members of the tree circle will have the opportunity to experience such intensive nature experiences. The costs for the seminar were borne by each participant. No association funds were used for the event.
On behalf of all the participants, we would like to thank Susanne, Laura, Gabriele and all the „helpers in the forest“ for an unforgettable weekend.
