Things are busy at the Brunnerwirt in Lansing: Joseph Brunner, head of the family and proprietor of the inn, is celebrating his 60th birthday.

Annalena's surprise visit triggers very different feelings. Joseph is just as happy as his son Max, who has barely seen his sister in all these years.

Annalena meets some old acquaintances in the village, among them Hubert Kirchleitner.

It seems to Annalena that an escape from Lansing would be the best way to avoid further disputes. Saskia, too, has a longing for Frankfurt, after Veronika tells her off. But, suddenly, even Veronika has no time to get upset about anything: Joseph and Max allowed themselves to be convinced by Mayor Schattenhofer to set up a feast in the neighboring Baierkofen, so everybody in the Brunnerwirt suddenly has their hands full. Before Saskia can protest, Grandmother Theresia ties an apron around her. Veronica calls the shots and enjoys putting her niece to work, even if her able and efficient approach quickly gets on her nerves. Joseph Brunner takes advantage of all of the activity to finally get some alone time with Annalena. For the first time father and daughter have a chance to talk about Annalena's reasons for fleeing Lansing 17 years ago, but they are interrupted again because all activity ceases suddenly in the Brunnerwirt kitchen.