In the middle of an idyllic forest near Eberfing in the Upper Bavarian Alpine foothills lies a small wooden cottage that is home to Britta von Boguslawski. The Munich native, whom the people in the region almost exclusively call “Waldfrau” (Forest Woman), leads an unconventional and self-determined life there. After her family home in Munich was destroyed during World War II, the family fled to what was then their hunting lodge and weekend retreat. Since returning to the forest cottage, Britta has lived there alone for over 30 years. Today, the 91-year-old spends almost the entire day and night—usually about 22 hours—out in the open air and has no intention of turning her back on nature!
“Nothing can be as interesting as what I get to experience out here.”
Perhaps the most fascinating ritual of this elderly woman is where she sleeps. Summer and winter alike, the “Forest Woman” Britta sleeps outside on her patio. No matter whether it’s stormy, freezing, or snowing, an electric blanket and, if necessary, a protective tarp are all she needs to spend the night under the open sky, gazing up at the starry heavens. Not a trace of fear of the dark or wild forest animals! Instead , she enjoys the company of foxes, dormice, mice, and birds, which regularly stop by her patio or in her spacious garden. Even a grass snake helps her keep the mouse population in check around the house in a completely natural way.
A love of dachshunds, exercise, and strict routines for good health
Britta, the “Forest Woman,” attributes her remarkable energy and agility to her daily routines and the fresh air. In addition to tending to her roughly 27 bird feeders, she regularly feeds the local foxes in the morning and keeps herself extremely fit, both physically and mentally. For decades, she has led the weekly women’s gymnastics class in the village that she founded, taken English classes, and swum in the nearby lakes during the summer. But when Britta returns to her forest home, she enjoys the complete silence: “I’m so glad I have the peace and quiet out here —it’s simply a dream.”
She has also always had a huge passion for dachshunds. For over 30 years, this animal lover headed a chapter of the German Dachshund Club and was a co-founder of the Polling Fawn Rescue. Living in close companionship with her four-legged friends also played a special role in her daily life. For many years, her last dachshund, Shyla, never left her side and was even allowed to sleep with her in bed at night under the starry sky.
For this inspiring Munich native, the simple life in the forest is not a sacrifice, but the greatest happiness imaginable. With her unshakable zest for life, Britta shows how to enjoy the simple wonders of everyday life.
