Im Bann der Jahreszeiten

Biting cold gripped Central Europe at the beginning of January. Temperatures are now permanently below zero degrees Celsius. Bizarre sculptures of ice are forming on many lakes and streams. In the Ortler massif in the South Tyrolean Alps, mountain guide Kurt Ortler explores the imposing glaciers off the slopes together with his guests. Gamekeeper Lars Krempig takes care of the reindeer and the local lynx during this time. In addition, he uses the few hours of sunshine in wintry Norway to go traditional ice fishing with his children and the huskies. The thatcher Reinhold Junker hopes for as many frosty days as possible. Only then can he harvest enough thatch for the coming year, armed with his sickle, in the Alte Land region just outside Hamburg. Stefan Metzler, who grinds stones into jewelry in his ball mill in the Swabian Alb, also needs cold for his work. Only frosty temperatures ensure that the stream runs properly. Ski instructor Christian Reinstadler flies over erected snow ramps in Sulden, while piste policeman Maurizio Cavallaro warns overly brave skiers of the imminent danger of avalanches. For herb farmer Brigitte Niederkofler, South Tyrol is currently bustling with activity, as the healing properties of her herbs are in particularly high demand in winter. But despite freezing temperatures, life is awakening in January. People enjoy the winter fairy tale that the new year offers them.