Of all the star parties that are held each year in central Europe, the Bavarian Telescope Meeting is without a doubt my favorite. It's much smaller than all the others, there are barely any astronomy dealers, and the atmosphere is that of a big family. Especially since the location is in one "corner" of Germany, observers from the other corner think twice before driving so far, and thus only the really serious astronomers show up.
Unfortunately, the skies at this location are getting more and more light polluted, and an alternative site will eventually be found for the coming years. But that will not change the fact that when we congregate in this region, everyone knows everyone else, and when it's cloudy, groups of observers who have set up their tents together (as in this photo) will sit down and share a bottle of wine (or maybe several bottles!).
