The path leads through an earth-coloured cave in the heart of the village of Weitnau in the Upper Allgäu. Photographs of impressive plants hang on the walls. The fragrance of smoke-cured herbs floats through the corridors. People are laughing and chatting. This is a seminar led by Gerti Epple, the first President of the Allgäu Kräuterland e.V. The association was set up to propagate knowledge about traditional meadow and medicinal herbs and thus to preserve an ancient custom in the Allgäu.