Garmisch

April 2001

On April 9^th, we headed south to Garmisch, Germany on the Austrian border. The big (and we do mean BIG – 9,000+ feet high) attraction there is Zugspitz, a mountain on the Germany/Austria border. It was the site of the Winter Olympics several years ago, and is a skier’s dream come true. Getting to the top required quite an adventure, starting with a regular train, then a cogwheel train (with a big toothed gear underneath that pulled the train along a special center track) to Eibsee. From there, we rode a cable-car (about the size of a small van) up to the top. At one point, we were several thousand feet above the ground, looking down on snowy peaks and valleys. Mom did really well – she’s not one for heights, you know. On the top, the observation building is half in Austria and half in Germany. There’s even an official border crossing with customs and a guard! We were blessed with a remarkably clear day, and could look out over hundreds of square miles of southern Germany and northern Austria.

We were in Austria briefly as the road loops through the Alps.

A pretty view driving through northern Austria.

Our Hotel in Garmisch. The Alps (and Zugspitz) are in the background.

Zugspitz

For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zugspitze

The first leg to Zugspitz – the train!

On the second leg – the cog-wheel train – we went through Grainau, a quaint village.

Now for the scary part of the adventure – the cable car ride to the top!

And we mean the VERY top of the highest peak.

Going up, up, up…….

up, up, ….

Finally, the top! The Summit Complex. Half is in Germany, half is in Austria.

View from the top of Zugspitz. Looking down on Garmische and southern Germany.

Looking towards Austria from the summit.

Advice well taken.

A wooden bird feeder at the summit.

The ribs are filled with bird food.

Looking over the Austria side towards Triol.

A family picture at the summit of Zugspitz -- just over 9000 feet.

(Sorry about the glare)

Gee, Mom, it’s a LONG way down!

Spencer, the Master Photographer, at work on the summit.

The Summit weather station.

Let me guess – the forecast today is cold and snowy!

After exploring the summit, we decided to explore the town of Garmische.

Time for an ice-cream break!

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Garmische

The band traveled back to Garmische later that summer, and I took some pictures as I walked around town.

The Garmische area is frequently foggy in the mornings.

On the main street through town , you can find many old buildings like this.

The stonework and window frames are all painted on a smooth stucco exterior.

Another painted façade on a building entrance.

This man was busy in the shop behind his house.

Think he might have enough firewood for the winter?

With the narrow streets, the Deutsche Post Office delivers the mail with these special bicycles.

Hope you enjoyed

Garmische and Zugspitz Mountain.