The group hardly enters the forest. As soon as the first branches crack under your shoes, the first of many surprises happens. “C-3PO” appears. The golden shimmering robot jumps out of the bushes. He introduces himself, articulating woodenly, but imparting countless pieces of wisdom. Just as he has been known as a loyal companion since the first Star Wars film adaptation in 1977 in many episodes of the space epic. From now on he will be available to advise the participants of the night hike in the forest adventure center Grünwald, where several challenges await and in the end a planet should be saved. There will be several of these missions in the coming weeks. And everyone can take part.
Bavaria’s proximity to extraterrestrial worlds has been well known since Markus Söder’s “Bavaria One” space mission. This space cluster is currently being built in Ottobrunn. But why should one take off and strive into the distance when distant worlds can be experienced here on earth? Christian Zimmermann makes it possible. The forest engineering student from Holzkirchen, who is also a whale educator, brings the planet “Kashyyyk”, the densely forested home of the Wookiees known from Star Wars, to the Grünwald forest in April and May. The homeland of the brown giants, who are covered all over with long, shaggy hair, is threatened, as can also be seen in the cinema. If you want, you can draw an analogy to the local forest in the gravel plain, which is threatened more than ever by climate change and the drought that we have just experienced in March.
A few other characters from the Star Wars cosmos also appear.
(Photo: Claus Schunk)
“I’ve been a big Star Wars fan since I was nine years old,” says Zimmermann on the way through the forest. He got the idea of combining the world of star warriors with a forest experience from his father: “The birthday I remember most vividly from my childhood is when my father went on a Star Wars scavenger hunt through the forest organized and disguised as Darth Vader jumping out of a bush.”
Many years later, when Zimmermann was looking for a topic for his bachelor thesis, he told his professor about this childhood experience. As befits forest educators, of course, this happened around the campfire. The lecturer was immediately enthusiastic, reports Zimmermann. And so he developed a concept for a forest experience that brings the adventures with extraterrestrials into the here and now. Laser swords now light up the twilight in the Grünwald forest adventure center.
Darth Vader stands in the forest. Years ago, Christian Zimmermann’s father wore the same costume on his birthday.
(Photo: Claus Schunk)
But the participants should not be taught anything with a raised index finger or lightsaber. “It’s more about creating an experience than conveying learning content,” says Zimmermann. Just like his father did on his children’s birthday party. This succeeds with a large group of actors, laser swords and elaborate costumes: The hike is intended to make the Star Wars world tangible and at the same time make the forest more familiar to the participants. And make the eyes of Star Wars fans shine brighter than an illuminated lightsaber.
Before the forest hike begins, the theme music from Star Wars sounds. Some surprises are also announced acoustically. Distant howls echoed through the forest. One wonders: Are those wolves, Wookiees – or is it just a dog? The senses of the hikers should be trained. Hear, smell, taste, see – all senses are used on the tour. Seven hikes are planned in the forest experience center in Grünwald, where not only the power will be, but also the night with Star Wars lovers. Because the deeper you go into the forest, the darker it gets, of course.
The hikes begin at dusk on the forecourt of the Grünwald forest adventure center. Flickering lanterns are then distributed to the participants.
Participation is free. Children and young people between the ages of eight and 18 can participate if accompanied by their parents. Registrations are already possible under 089/ 649 20 99 or [email protected]. The first hike will take place on Friday, April 8, at 7 p.m.