Berchtesgaden

Back in 1986, when I was finishing up my SCA program here in Germany, our group did a last hike in the region of Berchtesgaden, right outside of Salzburg, Austria.  I don't remember many of the details, but I do remember it being a hut-to-hut hike and that it was straight out of "The Sound of Music" in terms of mountain scenery.  I've always wanted to go back, so as a wish fulfillment, Uli drove down from Nurnberg and met me at the Salzburg airport.  We camped overnight and then the next morning drove to Berchtesgaden to do a day hike.

At the north end of the Konigsee, we hopped out a boat.

The view looking south down the Konigsee.  Since it is only fed by rainwater and snowmelt, the water is STILL drinkable!

If you ever take this boat ride, there is this amazing place along the lake where you can hear a PERFECT echo.  The boat driver played his trumpet and we heard his song twice.  And, that tree lined ridge on the right side.....we climbed that.

Approaching St. Bartolomea, right at the base of the Watzmann, the 3rd highest peak in Germany.

The view as we climbed, and yes, it did seem sometimes like we were walking off the edge of the mountain.

At the top, a hut for rest and refreshments.

"Come, Stay, Eat, Drink, Sleep or Do Nothing"

Uli with a beer, myself with a fanta/coke concoction and both of us with....

Fresh buttermilk with fresh raspberries.  PHENOMENAL.

And the descent, down to the boat launch.

Man, I am SHORT compared to Uli.