Welcome to Munchen, Mom & Dad! Now, let's leave! With my parents arriving after we had already explored Munich for a few days, our first adventure together actually took us on our first day trip into Bavaria.
Now, my Dad isn't the only person to rave about their love of Bavaria. Our good friends Mike & Amy also speak highly of the region, and Amy has stressed that she has never seen a prettier city than Garmisch in Bavaria. The train ride itself was breathtaking, and our excitement was building as we marveled at the landscape.
From the train station, we made our way to the Zugspitze, the highest peak of the German Alps. The cable car ride to the top was incredible and terrifying. Sandwiched in like sardines, the somewhat rickety door I standing beside was secured with 1-flimsy hook and featured a large open window. The breeze was nice, and the view was nothing short of stunning unless you looked down. There was a small dog on board that was shaking in terror as the cable car climbed to the top. I was only mildly calmer!
Surprisingly, my mom with her claustrophobia seemed issue free. I guess the window worked to her advantage!
As amazing as the view was from the cable car, it didn't hold a candle to the 360-degree sweeping panoramic views at the top. We were giddy with excitement!
Giddiness gave way to insanity when Kelly & I decided to climb to the true summit.
There is a path up the face of the mountain complete with metal stakes to help you ascend to the summit, but the real danger is actually from your fellow inexperienced climbers. Only once in the process of climbing would many realize that maybe they weren't dressed appropriately. Yeah, those cute heeled boots probably weren't the best choice for mountain climbing. Tourists!
The warning signs did little to convince people that they should reconsider.
Just a few steps into our ascent, Kelly & I decided to turn back. There was a massive bottle-neck of climbers that had stalled traffic. They had changed their minds mid-climb and couldn't figure out how to get down. Rather than have our time on the mountain wasted by their indecision, we decided to stay on the proper side of the safety railing. No real loss, the views were the same!
I challenge you to find a biergarten with a better view!
As I already mentioned, the Zugspitze is the highest peak in Germany, but that doesn't mean the all the thrills are confined to it. You can actually cross over into Austria at the top! So cool! We were even able to stamp our passports although the weren't required for the crossing.
Standing in this spot with my family, I truly felt like we were on top of the world!
That much excitement helps you build up quite an appetite, and again, I challenge you to find a restaurant with a better view!
By late afternoon, it was time to begin our descent. There's a lower stop on the cable car where you can go sledding. We passed on the experience since they were a little light on the snow in early October. It's good to save some excitement for a return visit.
We decided not to wait for hours in a line to descend on the cable car. Instead, we boarded a trolley. There's no view because you're descending in tunnels burrowed through the mountain, but that doesn't mean it's not a cool experience. The track is so steep, you can stand at a 45 degree angle comfortably. Well, until the trolley jerks to a stop!
We weren't able to truly explore much of the town of Garmisch because it was a national holiday, and everything was closed. Again, just something to lure us back on a future trip.
On the train ride into Garmisch, I couldn't imagine a more beautiful setting. Well, add the warm glow of an afternoon setting sun, and you've got complete perfection. This was a day that will be etched in my mind forever!
