Moving day, straight to Avis, on time ready to collect car. Group of 4 individuals in front us, this will be quick said Dave.. somehow an hour later we were still sans car, coffee and progress. Some time later, car keys in hand we exited Munchen via the autobahn and a lazy 155kph with people flying past us.
We stopped at Kochel Am See, a lovely lake as a half way point to break up the drive and were greeted with splendid views of crystal clear water and the mountains beyond. A brief stroll around the lake and we were back on the move to Grainau, our home for the next two nights.
Eibsee
After dumping our bags and putting on much needed loads of washing we jumped back in the car and scooted up to Eibsee, a lake at the foot of Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain. The lake was stunning and clear and still and had these amazing gradients of blue. Unfortunately the day was overcast but we had amazing breaks in the cloud giving us patches of golden light on the mountain beyond and the lake below. We walked the circuit track stopping for photos here and there but mostly just enjoying the loveliness of the place.
The onsite bier garden was closed so we ambled back to Grainau where we found ourselves a bier and a plate of chips and contemplated how lucky we were to be able to do these things.
Neuschwanstein Castle
One of the stranger places we’ve ever been was priority one today, the unpronounceable castle Neuschwanstein (noosh-wahn-stein) was built as an escape by a king who was obsessed with medieval chivalry and built himself a castle on a mountain full of gold to hide himself away. He was later declared mad and committed “suicide”. As a side note, the castles at Disney land are based on this insane edifice. Unfortunately the best viewing bridge was closed for maintenance so we clambered up some moderately unsafe rock-faces to gain a better view.
The only way to see inside the castle was to do a guided tour (no photos allowed). Needless to say, the interior was just as obscene as the exterior - every room so over-the-top and excessive, to be enjoyed only by the king, how lonely! We then enjoyed a slice of cake and a beer (because why not?) in the on-site cafe before walking back down the mountain to the car.
We are finding that the drone laws have tightened significantly since we last travelled. It is disheartening to not be able to capture the unique perspective that only the drone allows, but at the same time we understand how intrusive it is.
After leaving the Disney castle, we stopped in Füssen for a bite of lunch. It was an adorable town, painted in pastels with a soft blue river to match.
Lermoos, Austria
We had driven through Lermoos on our way to the Disney castle and had been blown away by its location, so we stopped on our way back to wander through the streets and take in the views. We found a stunning little playground filled with ponds and bridges with more insane views, also the most remarkably clean public toilets? Anyway back to Grainau to fold our washing and pack for another travel day. Onto Berchtesgaden.
