The final stop on our Big Adventure was Berchtesgaden, Germany. Nestled in the heart of the Alps, this amazing place is located on the most southern tip of the Bavarian region near Austria. Stepping out of the train station and looking up to the surrounding mountains......wouldn't this be a great view to awake to each morning?
To some this scene may look familiar where the main character in the Sound of Music is "twirling around" in the middle of the hilltop field. No, this is not that hill. However, Berchtesgaden is very close to where that scene was filmed. Here Andrea and I opt for a less "twirling around" picture......
Who knew that my good friend Greg had a home in Berchtesgaden.....OK, maybe not, but this is the first time I have seen the family name in Germany.
The afternoon of the first day involved a visit to the local Salt Mine. This unique attraction allows visitors to dress up in miner's clothing and venture deep into mountain to learn about how they have been mining salt here since 1517. The long train ride to the center of the mountain was quite fun, I admit, but the down slide was something that alone would make the visit worth your time and money. The down slide is a simple slide made entirely out of wood and involves two rounded beams that you straddle which take you down to the next level at a very fast clip. Picture the drop on a major rollercoaster, only there is no braking method on this ride.....the track gradually flattens and you eventually come to a stop at the bottom.
The next morning the clouds gave way to perfect blue skies. Outstanding! If you ever make it to the Alps, hope for a cloudless day. The views that result, you will never forget. Here is a favorite from the center of town looking at the Watzmann. At over 2,713 meters it is the third highest mountain in Germany and highest peak standing entirely within Germany.
Our plans for the day began with a visit to the nearby lake, the Konigsee (or King's Lake). The lake itself is about 7.7 kilometers long (4.8 miles) and 1.7 kilometers wide (1.1 miles), is the third deepest lake in all of Germany, and the majority of it is located within the Berchtesgaden National Park. The lake is noted for its clear water and is advertised as the cleanest lake in Germany. For this reason, only electric driven passenger ships, rowing and pedal boats have been permitted on the lake since 1909.
Visiting the St. Bartholoma church located on a peninsula about halfway down the lake is highly recommended if you make it to the lake. The views alone during the 30 minute boat ride are fantastic!
The lake's position surrounded by sheer rock walls creates an echo that is known for its clarity. About half-way through the tour the captain cuts the electric motor and the guide, who is giving all sorts of good information auf Deutsch, stops speaking, grabs his trumpet, and showcases the clarity of the echo by playing a few notes (seen below). The echo is so clear that each note could be heard up to seven times.
The views at St. Bartholoma church were simply amazing. There are several different hiking trails and if we ever visit this paradise again, we will be sure to budget extra time to allow for more exploration of the neighboring mountains.
Unfortunately we were on somewhat of a time schedule so our visit was fairly brief and we took the next boat back to the main area. The slow speed of the electric boat provided ample opportunity for some great pictures......
Shortly after arriving back into town we headed over to the next stop for the day: a tour of the local mountain Hoher Göll. The mountain straddles the border between Bavaria, Germany and Salzburg, Austria, is over 2,500 meters high, and is probably best known for the sub-peak Kehlstein that is home to the Kehlsteinhaus, or 'Eagles Nest'. The tour is mainly a bus tour that provides a great history lesson of the mountain while at the same time providing some great views. Here we pass a small, local ski hill......
The tour includes stopping at one of the preserved tunnels that were created during the Second World War by the German forces. These networks of tunnels originally stretched over four miles in the mountain and connected a number of buildings together during their use in the 1930's and 40's. Today only a small section of the tunnel is safe to visit.....but it is certainly interesting nonetheless.
The next stop on the tour is the famous Kehlsteinhaus, or 'Eagles Nest' as it is referred to in most english-speaking countries. The chalet-style structure officially opened in 1938. When you ride the bus up to the chalet you realize there is only but one switchback and therefore the pitch of the road is over 20% grade. Once you arrive to the small parking area a few hundred meters below the Kehlsteinhaus, you are faced with a decision as to how to reach the summit. You can either hike up the short path that is rewarding in its views of the local mountains and valleys, or you can take the brass-lined elevator in the center of the mountain that delivers you to the main lobby of the chalet. Fortunately the tour makes the decision for you and you end up taking the elevator to the top.....which is quite something. After walking a few hundred meters in long tunnel you board this elevator lined with brass. Slightly impressive, given that not only did they build the elevator, but also the chalet and road in only 13 months.
Once you reach the Kehlsteinhaus and step outside you understand the attraction for millions of people that have come here for a visit. The views alone were fantastic, especially on a cloudless day. Here is the Kehlsteinhaus with Berchtesgaden in the background......
After hiking around the top we decided to take the more scenic route down: the switchback trail versus the elevator. More pictures would have been taken but during our journey but we were facing two obstacles: not falling down from the recent snow and ice forming on the trail, and the bus was leaving soon. Sorry. But I think the pictures posted here provide a great display of the views offered from the Kehlsteinhaus.
And just like that our time in Berchtesgaden and our Big Adventure came to an end. The following morning was all about a 7+ hour commute via trains back to our village. There are so many great memories of our trip and from our time with our good friends. When I think back to the trip, I believe this picture best captures the overall theme for the Big Adventure: relaxation and simply enjoying the moment.
To some this scene may look familiar where the main character in the Sound of Music is "twirling around" in the middle of the hilltop field. No, this is not that hill. However, Berchtesgaden is very close to where that scene was filmed. Here Andrea and I opt for a less "twirling around" picture......
Looking down on Berchtesgaden
Heading back into town and beginning the exploring phase of the visit.
Who knew that my good friend Greg had a home in Berchtesgaden.....OK, maybe not, but this is the first time I have seen the family name in Germany.
Loved the classic farming equipment serving as decorations....
Of course we are close to the skiing....a good use for a pair of old school sticks.
The afternoon of the first day involved a visit to the local Salt Mine. This unique attraction allows visitors to dress up in miner's clothing and venture deep into mountain to learn about how they have been mining salt here since 1517. The long train ride to the center of the mountain was quite fun, I admit, but the down slide was something that alone would make the visit worth your time and money. The down slide is a simple slide made entirely out of wood and involves two rounded beams that you straddle which take you down to the next level at a very fast clip. Picture the drop on a major rollercoaster, only there is no braking method on this ride.....the track gradually flattens and you eventually come to a stop at the bottom.
The next morning the clouds gave way to perfect blue skies. Outstanding! If you ever make it to the Alps, hope for a cloudless day. The views that result, you will never forget. Here is a favorite from the center of town looking at the Watzmann. At over 2,713 meters it is the third highest mountain in Germany and highest peak standing entirely within Germany.
Our plans for the day began with a visit to the nearby lake, the Konigsee (or King's Lake). The lake itself is about 7.7 kilometers long (4.8 miles) and 1.7 kilometers wide (1.1 miles), is the third deepest lake in all of Germany, and the majority of it is located within the Berchtesgaden National Park. The lake is noted for its clear water and is advertised as the cleanest lake in Germany. For this reason, only electric driven passenger ships, rowing and pedal boats have been permitted on the lake since 1909.
Visiting the St. Bartholoma church located on a peninsula about halfway down the lake is highly recommended if you make it to the lake. The views alone during the 30 minute boat ride are fantastic!
The lake's position surrounded by sheer rock walls creates an echo that is known for its clarity. About half-way through the tour the captain cuts the electric motor and the guide, who is giving all sorts of good information auf Deutsch, stops speaking, grabs his trumpet, and showcases the clarity of the echo by playing a few notes (seen below). The echo is so clear that each note could be heard up to seven times.
The rock walls creating the echo......
Approaching St. Bartholoma church......
....and arriving at St. Bartholoma church.
The views at St. Bartholoma church were simply amazing. There are several different hiking trails and if we ever visit this paradise again, we will be sure to budget extra time to allow for more exploration of the neighboring mountains.
Unfortunately we were on somewhat of a time schedule so our visit was fairly brief and we took the next boat back to the main area. The slow speed of the electric boat provided ample opportunity for some great pictures......
Shortly after arriving back into town we headed over to the next stop for the day: a tour of the local mountain Hoher Göll. The mountain straddles the border between Bavaria, Germany and Salzburg, Austria, is over 2,500 meters high, and is probably best known for the sub-peak Kehlstein that is home to the Kehlsteinhaus, or 'Eagles Nest'. The tour is mainly a bus tour that provides a great history lesson of the mountain while at the same time providing some great views. Here we pass a small, local ski hill......
Looking down on Berchtesgaden from mid-mountain.
The tour includes stopping at one of the preserved tunnels that were created during the Second World War by the German forces. These networks of tunnels originally stretched over four miles in the mountain and connected a number of buildings together during their use in the 1930's and 40's. Today only a small section of the tunnel is safe to visit.....but it is certainly interesting nonetheless.
A map showing the original labyrinth tunnel system
The next stop on the tour is the famous Kehlsteinhaus, or 'Eagles Nest' as it is referred to in most english-speaking countries. The chalet-style structure officially opened in 1938. When you ride the bus up to the chalet you realize there is only but one switchback and therefore the pitch of the road is over 20% grade. Once you arrive to the small parking area a few hundred meters below the Kehlsteinhaus, you are faced with a decision as to how to reach the summit. You can either hike up the short path that is rewarding in its views of the local mountains and valleys, or you can take the brass-lined elevator in the center of the mountain that delivers you to the main lobby of the chalet. Fortunately the tour makes the decision for you and you end up taking the elevator to the top.....which is quite something. After walking a few hundred meters in long tunnel you board this elevator lined with brass. Slightly impressive, given that not only did they build the elevator, but also the chalet and road in only 13 months.
Once you reach the Kehlsteinhaus and step outside you understand the attraction for millions of people that have come here for a visit. The views alone were fantastic, especially on a cloudless day. Here is the Kehlsteinhaus with Berchtesgaden in the background......
Andrea and I with Salzburg, Austria in the background....
After hiking around the top we decided to take the more scenic route down: the switchback trail versus the elevator. More pictures would have been taken but during our journey but we were facing two obstacles: not falling down from the recent snow and ice forming on the trail, and the bus was leaving soon. Sorry. But I think the pictures posted here provide a great display of the views offered from the Kehlsteinhaus.
And just like that our time in Berchtesgaden and our Big Adventure came to an end. The following morning was all about a 7+ hour commute via trains back to our village. There are so many great memories of our trip and from our time with our good friends. When I think back to the trip, I believe this picture best captures the overall theme for the Big Adventure: relaxation and simply enjoying the moment.
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