Escaping the Norfolk heat wave of late July, our North Walsham delegation set off for Bavaria for our annual twinning exchange to Friesenried. Sitting roughly 600 metres above sea level, Friesenried offered a gentle, cooler respite from the scorching summer—though it was still warm enough that heavy bedding was strictly optional!

To avoid the dread of a 2:00 AM departure from Norfolk, we opted for a 7:00 AM flight out of Heathrow. Our German friends often refer to these early starts as "unfriendly flight times," but our travel went smoothly. Navigating airport security at both Heathrow and Munich proved entirely hassle-free—proving that arriving early and staying organized pays off.

By the time our coach transfer arrived in Friesenried, we were greeted with an abundance of warmth and food: savory platters, endless slices of German cake, and heartfelt reunions. One golden rule of visiting Friesenried quickly reminded itself to us all: you never go hungry! After plenty of hugs, kisses, and welcoming speeches, everyone headed home with their host families for a well-earned night’s rest.

What followed was a wonderfully packed itinerary. On Friday, we journeyed to Hohenpeißenberg, a 900-metre high hill housing Bavaria’s oldest mountain weather station—recording meteorological data uninterrupted since 1781. From there, we explored the picturesque town of Murnau and visited the spectacular Ettal Abbey (a true treat for anyone who appreciates grand church bells!).

Saturday took us to Munich by rail. Defying the old stereotype, German trains don't always run like clockwork, but we made it in good spirits! The group split up for the day—some set off for a guided cultural stroll through the city center, while the sports enthusiasts took a pilgrimage to see where Harry Kane plays. Sunday was left free for personal trips, allowing host families and guests to mingle, relax, and explore the region together.

Before we knew it, Monday arrived—our final full day. We tackled our obligatory attempt to "conquer an Alp." Taking cable cars up the 2,000-metre Alpspitze, a few intrepid members of our group hiked all the way to the summit. It was the only time during our six-day stay that we encountered rain—though what else can you expect when you stick your head right into the clouds? The shower passed in minutes, leaving us with truly breathtaking Alpine vistas. We capped off the journey that evening with a magnificent farewell meal, surrounded by great food, laughter, and brilliant company.

During our final committee meeting, we celebrated another successful year and set the vision for the future. Please mark your diaries: next year's exchange will take place from May 20th to May 25th, 2027.

If you’ve ever been curious about town twinning, now is the perfect time to get involved.