I can't pronounce this word but it sure was fun to try on our way there.
Zugspitze, at 2,962 meters (9,718 feet) is the highest mountain in Germany. It is located by the border of Austria and Germany so we had to stop by. It took us about 2 hours to get there from Salzburg.
On the way there, we stopped by for lunch at a cute small town called Grainau in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district.
It was unexpected to find McDonald's in a small town. And a bit sad to think that maybe in 10 years we will find other US fast food chains along this strip.
Lunch is a mixed salad with some yogurt-type dressing.
And a local cuisine of brain meatballs with mashed potatoes, gravy, and sauerkraut.
And then, Zugspitze!
Going up to Zugspitze, we took a the Tyrolean Zugspitze Cable Car. It is a fancy cable car ride for two reasons. One, it traveled the distance of 1,725 meters (5,660 feet) in less than 10 minutes at 22 mph. Two, it costs 50 Euro per person round trip (about 85 bucks equivalent).
I did feel pretty broke after paying the fare.
The ride up was worth it though. We climbed so fast my ears kept popping. The ride down was even more exciting. We felt the elevation drop in several places and that dropping feeling in the stomach like what happened when you take a roller coaster ride. Everyone inside the cable car kept saying"whooa" in unison.
The view from the top!
Several brave souls climbed the Summit cross. Just looking at the path going there gave me goose-bumps!
The warning sign before you cross the gate to the path to climb the summit cross.
Lake Eibsee.
I was surprised to see birds flying up there. With the altitude and the wind sometimes it looks like they are suspended in mid-air.
I googled the birds when I got home and they are called Alpine Chough.
After Zugspitze, we drove back to the hotel and took a scenic route to see some castles.
For dinner, we found an Italian restaurant near our hotel.
And a very cute doggie sitting so quietly under the table next to us. She is so quiet that we sat there for 2 hours and didn't even notice her.
I ordered a yummy grilled prawn dish.
No it is not a lot and it definitely was not enough. But I compensated by the plate of salad behind it and bread. Lots of bread.
beautiful photos yet again, Jenn! Boy when I saw the sign with the Schweinshaxn and the Knoedel I got very excited. I sure do miss Bavaria.
ReplyDeleteECL, thanks! I love Bavaria too. What is Schweinshaxn and Knoedel?
ReplyDeleteKnoedel are big round potato dumplings that are, on their own, kind of gummy and bland. BUT! Let them soak up a tasty gravy and they become a thing of delicious starchy wonder. Schweinshaxn is a roasted ham hock. This is a good representation of the dish.
ReplyDeleteThanks ECL. I love starchy wonder. Now I'm craving for french fries! :)
ReplyDeleteBrain meatballs aside, was it difficult to eat almost vegetarian in the land of sausge and schnitzel?
ReplyDeleteIt was a challenge. I love fresh (and healthy) veggies and salad and it was amazing how hard it is to find. Veggies are usually really cooked with lots of oil or salad are swimming in oil. We later on found out that we can order salad with no oil/sauce - though we sometimes got weird facial response in return. I know you would understand this, as you have been living in Poland.
ReplyDeleteI had a waitress argue with me about having a salad for a starter. Here, it's soup. Crazy Americans!
ReplyDelete