Expectations were high as we left the picturesque city of Salzburg, Austria to drive to Bavarian village towns in Germany. Earlier that week, on a bicycle tour to see the Sound of Music filming sights, we were informed that the opening sequence of the film – a famous scene in movie history filled with striking images of tall mountains, green meadows and shimmering lakes where the actress Julie Andrews sings – was actually filmed in the German Alps.
Our journey began in Berchtesgaden, a German town near the Austrian border surrounded by high mountains. We had three days to explore. Here’s my personal highlights…
Cable cars & unforgettable hikes
#1: Jennerbahn
We managed to take part in two different cable car experiences during our time in the German Alps. Jennerbahn was the first, a two-person gondola that whisked us up to a height of 6,150 feet (1,874 meters).
from the Jennerbahn gondola looking down
As the gondola inched further and further up in the mountains, I got chills as I gazed at the breathtaking natural beauty around me. About halfway up, I was surprised when we looked down on a solitary house built in the middle of those mountains, where cows grazed nearby. I used to complain about feeling isolated in the small Pennsylvania town I grew up in, but that’s nothing compared to this! I imagine for the people that live there, it’s their heaven – exactly how they chose to live. I’d love to try it out for a few weeks and experience it if I ever had the opportunity.
Kegs of beer waiting to be loaded on the Jennerbahn
At the gondola departure point, there was a restaurant serving traditional food and Bavarian Weisse beer. Jim and I were both mesmerized by the daily process involved of getting fresh food and beer up that mountain. Earlier on, we noticed kegs next to the base of the Jennerbahn, waiting to be loaded onto the cable. Those kegs have to journey 6,000 feet up on a mountain to get to their destination, but well worth it for the people who spend hours on tough physical hikes with the reward of a Weisse beer and hearty German meal!
Jim and I were not one of those hikers…
We did, however, venture on a twenty-minute walk uphill from the Jennerbahn departure point to a viewing point. Easy in the sense of total distance, but difficult due to the quite precarious rocky climb.
#2: Predigtstuhlbahn – Bad Reichenhall
Famous as the “oldest surviving original, year round circulating, a cable car in the world” (Predigtstuhlbahn website), the Predigtstuhlbahn cable car began operating in 1928. Approximately 25 passengers can squeeze in to the car, and in nine minutes you travel up to a height of about 5,300 feet (1612 meters).
Navigation at the top of the mountain pointing to various paths
From the top, there are various hiking trails (average of 3-5 hour walks).
Our hike was only about 35 minutes in total – to the mountain top restaurant for beer and back to the cable car. Next time, ideally when we’re carrying our own ski poles and wearing a thick pair of hiking boots, I’d consider the four or five hour hike along the ranges.
The beauty of Lake Konigsee
St. Bartholomew’s Church
At first glance, I worried I stepped into a bad tourist trap. Our journey began at an overcrowded parking lot jammed with buses and rows of cars, and continued as we walked down a street bordered by souvenir shops to get to the lake.But, the moment we boarded the electric boat on Lake Konigsee and sailed out into the middle of the lake, I was in awe!
A quiet lull replaced the conversation noise as the boat set off and people marveled on the views around them. The environment seemed to stimulate a sense of peace.
On the electric boat
As we arrived at St. Bartholomew’s port, the church’s white and red colors reflected off the green water. It’s hard to find the words to describe the beauty.
I can honestly say it’s the most spectacular lake I’ve ever seen!
Overlooking Lake Konigsee
Berchtesgaden salt mine tour
On arrival at the Salzbergwerk, I half expected a lecture and informational diagrams due to my memories of boring educational school trips as a child. Too bad I didn’t live closer to a tour like this growing up!
Salt Mine near Berchtesgaden, Germany
Both educational and fascinating, the tour consumed an hour and a half of our time and breezed by in a flash.
My favorite moments were:
Wearing the miners’ clothes. Customers are expected to put a one piece overall on over their clothes at the tour’s start. Perfect for future blackmail pictures (sorry Jim!)
A journey on the miniature train. At the start of the tour, a miniature train transported us into the mines through an incredibly narrow entrance in which you literally had to keep your hands and feet inside the car at all times for fear of getting caught between the walls. I even kept my head tucked down in order to avoid a collision with the ceiling a few inches above me.
A ride across the water. Deep within the mine, we boarded a type of raft and sailed across the water as special effects, including a visual light show and music, encouraged the visitor to witness the underground world of the mines.
A slide for both kids and adults. Twice during the tours we jumped on slides that whisked us down further into the mines. Our speed increased when another couple from Canada linked on to our backs before we slid down, making it a very fast ride.
It really was mesmerizing to see how they abstract salt from these mines and to have gained a glimpse of the surreal, dangerous world of mining.
Serenity at Hotel-Pension Seeblick
After two nights based in the town of Berchtesgaden, we needed a change. Our Berchtesgaden accommodation was unfortunately way too close to the town’s all night dance club, so we opted to spend our last night in a quieter location. Hotel-Pension Seeblick was the perfect choice (credit to Jim here for this booking!).
Hotel-pension Seeblick
Overlooking Lake Thumsee, and only a few miles from the quaint, scenic town of Bad Reichenhall, Hotel Seeblick was a close drive, walk or bicycle ride to the town but also secluded and peaceful.
During our stay, it appeared that the majority of the customers were German-speaking, leaving us with the feeling that this hotel is still largely undiscovered by other English-speaking tourists. It made us happy to know we scouted out a unique spot.
We were immediately greeted by one of the owners, Martha, who, from the moment our short stay started, was incredibly helpful and spoke very good English. We asked about bicycle rentals and Martha led us to the bicycles they provided for their guests, free of charge. She even made sure the tires were filled with air and in good shape before we used them.
With the bicycles, we ventured into the town Bad Reichenhall for lunch and a beer at Unser Burgerbrau, a private brewery in town established in 1633.
Unser Burgerbrau in Bad Reichenhall
After lunch, Lake Thumsee next to our hotel was a great way to enjoy the afternoon sun.
Lake Thumsee near Bad Reichenhall
Back at Hotel Seeblick, the wellness center at the hotel was the perfect way to spend the late afternoon hours. We had our choice of 2 saunas, a steam room and an indoor pool!
At night, we spent 4 hours outside on the patio, overlooking the lake while enjoying some drinks and an impressive selection and quality of food at the dinner buffet.
Outdoor patio at Hotel-pension Seeblick
It was a beautiful, romantic spot and the best way to spend our last night of vacation.
The German Alps…
have an array of wonderful attractions for tourists in both summer and winter.
I’d love to go back in the winter for the skiing, ice skating and the many other winter options, then come back to a place like Hotel Pension Seeblick at night to relax, get cosy and have a warm drink by the fire.
I highly recommend exploring these areas of Germany. A truly memorable vacation experience!
July 19, 2013
Germany, Travel