The Almabtrieb is complete – and now it’s time to celebrate! The alpine season comes to an end, and with it this series about the natural paradise of South Tyrol, which bids us farewell with a breathtaking sunset.

Late autumn is a busy time in the mountains — and a time of change. The grazing cattle must be driven back to the valley. But if there is a violent and unexpected onset of winter, it can be life-threatening for humans and animals alike...

Tourists love romantic mountain worlds, such as those that can be found at Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park — but for the alpine dairymen who cultivate the pastures, life in the mountains is hard work.

The Dolomites are a magnificent mountain range in northeastern Italy. They hold a wealth of treasures: the remains of 120,000-year-old cave bears, cairns initiated by shepherds from the Bronze Age, and local lore featuring marmots.

In this segment, we visit the Völser Weiher lake, a popular retreat for humans and animals alike. Daredevil types are more attracted to the high mountains, where tens of thousands of them climb among the abundant flora and fauna.

The Ladins live in traditional settlements in South Tyrol. While their unique religious customs are still practiced throughout the region, mass tourism and intensive agriculture have changed the surrounding landscape.

From the Texel Group to the Scandinavia-like areas with the magnificent Spronser Lakes, we continue to the Riesenferner-Ahrn Nature Park. Here, too, ice and snow have helped shape the landscape, sometimes creating mysterious sculptures.

The Texel Group Nature Park in South Tyrol is a region of contrasts. Here, we get to know some of this diverse area’s flora and fauna, including owls, houseleek, steppe vegetation, and emerald lizards.

The change from winter to spring in the Alps presents challenges for the local animal species. When the snow starts to melt, the water that is released flows with such great force that it can loosen boulders. But once spring has arrived, grouses, squirrels, black woodpeckers, and more begin their courtship displays and get to work building nests and burrows.

South Tyrol, the northernmost province of Italy, is known around the world for its beauty — and attracts countless visitors every year. Fascinating treasures are also hidden among the mountain ranges there, including the millennia-old mummy "Ötzi," also known as the Iceman.

Lisa's last stop in Freiburg is a very special cocktail bar that has invented all of its own cocktails and even some of the ingredients that they require. The bartender shows Lisa the menu and explains how to make their signature cocktail.

Part II of our Freiburg tour takes us to a concept store on the Gerberau. At the shop, everything is for sale – and you can even order champagne for almost 100,000 euros! Next, it's off to a beer garden to enjoy the house-brewed beer and bread with the local specialty cheese, Bibeleskäs.

Lisa takes us on a tour of the vibrant and sunny city of Freiburg, which is located in the Black Forest in southwest Germany. In Part I, you'll learn about the local legends, visit the markets, and taste the signature sausages and cakes!

Andrea is a woman of German-French heritage who lives in Forbach, a French community very close to the border between France and Germany. Here, she takes us on a tour of this historically rich place, introducing us to some of the important monuments as well as remnants of the wars.

Today, Cettina and Sabine are making "Pfälzer Fläschknepp,” a regional dish from the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate. “Fläschknepp” means “meatballs” in the local dialect. These flavorful, savory meatballs are made from fresh ingredients, and are served with a pungent horseradish sauce. Enjoy!