The Bavarian Alps

The journey goes on!

We drove from Seefeld am Pilsensee to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in glorious sunshine and we were treated to some fantastic views of the Bavarian Alps. Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Gap) is the most famous resort in the German Alps, partly because it's at the foot of the highest mountain in Germany- The Zugspitze. Its location is marvellous, lying between the gentler Ammer mountains and the imposing peaks of the Wesserstein chain which form the frontier with Austria. The Stellplatz was easy to find and had an amazing backdrop.  It was relatively quiet and the best yet, providing showers, toilets, water etc and laundry facilities.

The cost of staying at the Stellplatz included a tourist tax of 2 Euros per person per day but for that we got a ticket which provided free bus travel in the area, free entry into the town's swimming pool and discounts on a whole host of other things. Highland Council could learn a thing or two on how to treat tourists!  We had planned to spend only 1 day in Gap but we were so charmed by the town we decided to stay for 2 days.. We have had hot  sultry days and  terrific thunderstorms at night and it really felt that we were in the Alps. Harry keeps looking at the Lederhosen - he is taking all this too seriously! We had planned to walk the Partach Gorge but the weather changed yet again and so we got the bus (free) into town and became tourists for the morning in the rain.

Italy is becomming more and more appealing - all we want is some nice settled weather but on checking the weather forecast it appears to be more settled here in Germany than where we are planning to go in Italy so we decided to move on to the town of Mittenwald which is only 20 km from Gap.

The campsite is about 5 km from Mittenwald but it is a lovely bike ride through the woods alongside the River Isar with only 1 or 2 hills so not too strenuous.

Mittenwald is a charming town and caters well for tourists.  It is an internationally reknown centre of violin making and everywhere you go you can see reference to this craft.

Whilst in Mittenwald we made the trek to Lautersee, which is a small lake and stands in the shadow of the mighty Wetterstein mountains and of course had the obligitory  Gasthaus which became a welcome retreat when the heavens opened (yet again). We did have a lovely morning though and at least it is warm rain now!

We have now decided to chase the sun so tomorrow (Monday) we are moving on to Italy. Neither of us can speak Italian but Harry assures me that German is widely spoken in Italy!  Maybe I should have left him in the stocks.

Speak to you all again soon.

Lots of love Kath and Harry xxx