TRAVEL. HIKING. THE ALPS.
Reaching Our Cottage High up in the Mountains
The start of a new hiking adventure
The air was warm but clear. As we were watching the clouds build up behind the peak ahead of us, the thunder started. With a soft rolling, it began and then got louder and louder. Each sound echoed countless times back and forth between the massive mountain ranges of the Alps.
We just finished eating dinner when the storm was approaching the mountain cabin we were staying in for the night. Sitting on the terrace we could watch the dark clouds rain on the snow-covered peaks in the distance. Time to head inside.
Earlier today, together with a friend and his dog, we drove to the southeasternmost point in Germany. Where the Königssee is attracting tourists from all around the country, we chose a mountain cottage on a ridge at the border between Germany and Austria.
While we intended on doing a hike from one hut to the next one, having to find a few mountain huts in reach of each other which all allow dogs overnight was quite a challenge. Plus in mid-June, many cottages were still closed for the season. Therefore we ended up deciding on staying all three nights in the same mountain hut from where we could do day trips from.
Enough talking. Enough planning. Let's get going. Just before 11 am, we left the parking lot and our car behind. The trail started in the forest and went steep uphill for the first few hundred meters in altitude.
Listening to ringing cowbells, we crossed some alpine pastures with blooming flowers in all colors. Stopping now and then turning around not to forget why we were here in the first place. The heavy breathing and backpack weighing you down can easily make you forget why we chose to go hiking.
But once you stop, turn around, and take in those views - then you know again. Why you're here.
Just past the halfway mark, we got back onto a gravel path where many casual walkers crossed our path. Walking down or across from the gondola station, these people were just here for the views. And a light Sunday walk. I can't blame them.
The views are everything.
While the valley down below is already far into summer with withered spring flowers and temperatures close to the thirties (Celsius), the mountain range behind is still showing wintery scenes with snow-covered mountain peaks.
Not long after we reached the highest point of the day and had just a few more meters along the ridge. There she was. The mountain cottage.
Nestled between two rocky mountain peaks, our home for the next few nights was overlooking two beautiful valleys to each side of the border. No signs of civilization from up here. Except for one more hut, we could just a few hundred meters lower, we couldn’t see another settlement or village, nor a road with cars on it.
What a relief. After 2,5 hours of walking uphill, we could put down our bags and place them in the mattress room. For the upcoming hikes, we would only carry one bag between the two of us carrying not more than our rain jackets, water and some snacks.
After some rest, we decided we still had some energy in us and looked for a close-ish destination. A few wooden mountain huts under an hour away from us sounded like a reasonable destination and off we went.
Light in weight, we hopped down the path toward the mountain pasture. Recognizing signs of marmot activity, I was looking out for the animals especially since our friend had never seen one before.
The sharp and shrill calls were the first thing we noticed. Then my senses were awake and I searched. Eventually, I spotted the marmot standing guard on a large boulder. Just where I expected one to be.
The marmot disappeared soon but when we got a lot closer, stopping at a natural water fountain just below the boulder, the marmot crawled back up staring at us.
What a moment to embrace. Even if I've seen many marmots over the years, I always enjoy spotting these quirky mountain creatures.
We soon headed further to the cute cottages, drank some water and turned around again. Now walking uphill again I was turning my eyes toward the edge of the cliffs and the few snow fields left.
I was sure there must be some chamois up there and not long after I spotted two in the lower fields and another herd further up. I counted eight but it could have been more. Two young ones were in between playing in the snow chasing each other.
Another reason to smile.
And even if I don’t have a great picture for you as I decided to save another 1,2 kgs by not carrying the zoom lens with me, I don’t regret my decision. I’m not up here for the photos. I’m here for the moment. And the memories.
Soon after we found ourselves sitting on the terrace enjoying a hearty dinner when we watched the storm clouds approaching. That was when the above mentioned scene happened.
This was day one of the hiking adventure. Read about our week in the Alps down below:
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