Hiking in the German Bavarian countryside has become a favorite activity for us while living here. Especially if good food and drink are involved. This past weekend I was lucky enough to experience the sequel to last year's Pinnacle Tour. The plan this year was to start out in the small city of Kelheim located near the junction of the Danube and Altmühl rivers and continue on to the neighboring cities.
The beginning to our day-long hike: Gasthof Berzl in Kelheim. Home of a tasty drink and Ms. Denial.
Mike and Klaus suited up and ready for what the day brings.
Second stop of the day: Schneider Weisse.
A quick beverage later and we were on our way to the third stop of the day: the city of Essing. Of course on the way there, it is always a good idea to confirm the route on the local map.
Approaching the town of Essing......
The town of Essing is set just below the tall cliffs and offers some amazing views. Our next destination is easy to locate with the blue umbrella's on the deck...just waiting for our arrival.
The approach into Essing over the wood pedestrian bridge.....
Our view from the deck....quite a sight for a lunch break..
After lunch it was time to make the big hike onto the next destination: Kloster Weltenburg. The route involved going across the longest wooden bridge in Europe (according to the local signs). Regardless of the claim, it is a pretty unique design......
One of the best parts of the hike was walking along the former defensive mounds that were built by the Celtics around 500 B. C.
Arriving at our destination...the Kloster Weltenburg that sits on the shores of the Danube river.
The Kloster Weltenburg is not only located in the perfect spot, it is the world's oldest monastery brewery.....
....and home to one of the most beautiful churches I have seen.
The courtyard of the Kloster Weltenburg is a perfect spot to waste away a few hours.....
There is only one catch for visiting the Kloster: you can only get there by crossing the Danube river, which is easily done with the help of the local boat captains...such as this fun guy.
One last look at the Kloster Weltenburg......
Walking along the Danube river back to the city of Kelheim. The views were amazing and have officially become my "visual happy place".
Kelheim at sunset.....what a great place.
The last stop of the day....the patio of the Schneider Weisse. A perfect ending to a perfect day.
The next morning after a healthy breakfast we wanted to enjoy one last look of Kelheim before we headed home. Here Klaus and Mike are enjoying the morning sun on the infamous U-shaped bridge over the Altmühl river.
Klaus and I with the Befreiungshalle in the background.
Another perfect hike in the Bavarian countryside....and another perfect Pinnacle experience. With two very successful Pinnacle trips it seems natural to make this an annual tradition.....because after all, you can never really get enough of Bavaria.
