Exploring Analogue Photography in Bad Tölz: A Walk with the Rollei 35 S

Nestled in the picturesque Isar Valley, Bad Tölz is a charming town just south of Munich, flanked by Lake Tegernsee and Lake Starnberg. Far from the name suggesting anything “bad,” in German, Bad refers to a town renowned for its therapeutic bathing facilities and as a health resort. For photography enthusiasts, it’s an idyllic location with its striking landscapes, rolling green meadows, and proximity to the Austrian Alps.

In this post, I’ll take you on a walk from my home in the heart of Bad Tölz to the town centre and back—a route brimming with opportunities to document the stunning scenery using analogue photography. My tool of choice this time is the classic Rollei 35 S camera, paired with Rollei 80 S black-and-white film. This timeless combination brings out the raw beauty of the surroundings, offering a unique perspective on the interplay of light and texture.

I live on the edge of town, where my backyard merges into a small forest. A narrow woodland path leads down to the Isar River, which flows from Austria through Bad Tölz and continues north toward Munich. Emerging from the forest, the trail opens onto lush green meadows, where cows and cattle graze peacefully, creating pastoral scenes straight out of a postcard. The soothing sound of the river accompanies you as you approach the Isar reservoir, a serene spot about a kilometre from the start.

Here, a pedestrian bridge offers a crossing into the Badeteil district on the opposite side of the river. This bridge is not only functional but also a charming photo subject, offering views of the water below and the surrounding greenery.

The return route takes you through the historic Market Street, a lively and colourful stretch flanked by traditional Bavarian houses with ornate façades. Climbing upwards, the path winds toward Kalvarienberg, home to the striking Calvary Church and Chapel. This elevated vantage point rewards you with breathtaking views of the Isar Valley, stretching southward toward the Austrian Alps.

Depending on the time of day, season, and weather conditions, this 30-minute circuit offers a multitude of photographic opportunities. The Rollei 35 S, a compact yet powerful camera, paired with Rollei 80 S film, excels at capturing the contrasts and textures of this route, from the play of shadows in the forest to the reflective glimmers on the river and the intricate details of the historic architecture.

This walk is just the beginning of a series documenting the beauty of Bad Tölz through the lens of various cameras and films. By revisiting the same locations with different equipment, I aim to explore how each setup captures the essence of this stunning landscape in its own distinctive way.

Stay tuned for more walks, experiments, and snapshots as I continue to rediscover the art of analogue photography.

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