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Published: June 28th 2015
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Friday 26 June 2012
The village we are staying in (Weissbach) is only a thirty minute drive to Berchtesgaden National Park. The weather looked perfect for some mountaineering. The drive to our starting point was spectacular. A new alpine scene around every corner. Lush green alpine meadows and no animals to enjoy the freshness of the grass. All the cows are tucked away in their barns. The grass gets cut for feed, either as silage, hay or cut grass. The cows are not allowed to spoil the look of the fields by walking on them. Steep rugged rock faces soar skyward with pine trees hanging on for dear life. Every now and then there is the perfectly placed carpark for that perfect photo.
First stop on the tour was Berchtesgaden to visit the Tourist Office, which is nicely positioned by a carpark offering 20 minutes free parking. The visit was very short. With map in hand, some quick directions, and pricing information we departed for the Eagles Nest.
The drive up to the departure point for the buses winds its way up the foot of a very steep mountain to an altitude of about 1000 metres. This time
The Eagles Nest
Tunnel to the brass lift. the paid parking was 3€ for all day. There are two options to reach the Eagles Nest. Walk or catch a bus. We chose to catch a bus. We were lucky to get the front seats, or were we. The driver was so skilled at swinging the bus around sharp bends, through tunnels, and getting us safely to the top bus park. At one point there seemed to be nothing below us as we rounded one particularly sharp bend.
The last part of the journey is a walk through a rather chilly tunnel to the brass elevator which zips up the inside of the mountain covering the 124 metre distance in 41 seconds. We are all disgorged at the top with breathtaking views all around us. There was no question, we had to have some lunch. We ordered a goulash soup, drinks and a very nice slice of apple cake and cream. It all seems unreal. Here we are enjoying ourselves surrounded by tourists from many parts of the world eating and drinking, and enjoying unbelieveable sights.
It was a different story 75 years ago. A group of men sat in this same spot enjoying food and drink
The Eagles Nest
Entering the brass elevator while discussing the conquering and destruction of fellow mankind.
We had time to climb higher up the mountain and enjoy a 360 degree panorama. Below us is Salzburg on one side and Konigssee on the other. Small villages dot the landscape. A grey cloud hangs over us waiting to do its worst. We have a time to catch our bus back down the mountain so it is time to retrace our footsteps. The mountain air will do wonders for our sleep tonight.
Our second, and final, visit today was the very touristy, but delightful spot, Konigssee. If the stalls selling souvenirs such as trinkets and traditional clothes were positioned somewhere else then the atmosphere would be out of this world. There are a variety of boat rides available in the electric powered launches. At least they have got one thing right. At least the waters will be kept clear of contaminants from boat fuel. Back at the carpark two vigilant attendants were checking for expired parking tickets. This is the first time on this trip we have seen this happen.
Time to head back to Weissbach taking with us some wonderful memories. Tomorrow we head away from
The Eagles Nest
The restaurant. the mountains and continue our German adventure.
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