Category: Sports & Outdoor

Mountain Fires at the Zugspitz Arena in Tyrol

Posted in Sports & OutdoorTagged ,

We spontaneously attended this year’s mountain fires at the Zugspitz Arena in Ehrwald, Tyrol, having a magical weekend. Most of you know that I always prefer the Austrian side of the Zugspitz Arena. The mountain ranges, endless trails and scenic views are just gorgeous and it is way more relaxing. I can easily escape the mass tourism and explore more difficult trails, if I like.

Mountain Fires in Tyrol

The tradition of lighting bonfires in the mountains around the 21 June dates all the way back to the Middle Ages. The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (second Sunday after Corpus Christi) is still celebrated in many parts of Tyrol. It reminds of the year 1796, when an oath was sworn with the Sacred Heart of Jesus to protect Tyrol from the invading French troops. As a sign of the oath, Sacred Heart fires were lit on mountain tops and slopes.

This tradition continues in parts of Tyrol today. Numerous local clubs and associations climb into the mountains each year to build mighty fires high above the valley floor. Shortly after nightfall these fires are set ablaze and illuminate the mountains to create a mystical atmosphere.

Last weekend these spectacular fiery scenes were created in the mountain ranges of the Zugspitz Arena. It was breathtakingly beautiful. But see for yourself.

Hotel Tip: Zugspitz Resort

We stayed in a Junior Suite at the Zugspitz Resort in Ehrwald and I gotta admit that it has immediately become a new favorite place in this region: excellent service, extremely cordial and helpful, uncomplicated, quiet & private – if you like -, great food, very good spa services; just a home away from home.

Thanks for the great hospitality. I will definitely come back.

xoxo

Photo credits: Ulf Fischer (DSLR shots of the Mountain Fires), Alexa Fischer, Munich Mountain Rebel

Gleirschklamm & Karwendel Mountains in Tyrol

Posted in Sports & OutdoorTagged , , , , ,

Since Austria is now considered a safe travel destination, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots in the regions of Scharnitz and Seefeld.

Gschwandtkopf in Seefeld

This is a nice, easy trail running route with amazing views of the Austrian Alps: Wetterstein Mountains, Karwendel, Γ–tztal & Stubai Alps. Just make sure to use the hiking / snowshoeing trail and not the forest road. Elevation gain: 400 m, 10k – depending on the route.

Isar Trails in the Karwendel Mountain Range

The source of the Isar is in the municipality of Scharnitz in Tyrol, surrounded by the mighty Karwendel mountain massif. Even today, the river is still part of the culture and history of the Alpine region. The source of the Isar, also known as “by the rivers”, can be reached from Scharnitz on foot, by bike or e-bike. The crystal clear, blue water accompanies visitors along the beautiful Hinterau valley.Β Here, you can basically pick ANY route. The views are breathtakingly beautiful.

However, make sure to carry along plenty of water during summer, since it gets incredibly hot in The Valley. Also, use sun protection and cover your head. When planning a tour, check the weather conditions. During a hot summer day, you might need longer than the given time frames on the signposts and in the afternoons, there is often a high risk of thunderstorms. Hence, I recommend to start early in the morning. I mostly do 6-7 hour tours in the Karwendel mountains, and it is always worth it.

Gleirschklamm

This is one of my favorite gorges in the area, starting directly at the train station of Scharnitz. Most of the time, I do the longer round tour via the Isar valley, roughly 20k, elevation gain: 600 m, ca. 4 hours.

A huge plus: it doesn’t get too crowded. But be aware that it does get extremely hot during the summer months. Though the water is pretty refreshing, make sure to cover your head and drink lots of water.

I hope, some of these spots inspire you and that you get to enjoy this beautiful mountain summer.

xoxo

Stargazing at Lake Tegernsee

Posted in Sports & OutdoorTagged , , , , , , ,

For lovers of the outdoors, there’s nothing better than sleeping under the beautiful night sky and really feeling that connection with nature. Here are two of my favorite tours.

Wallberg

You will experience one of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises on top of the Wallberg mountain. Especially during summer, this is a magical unforgettable experience. Just make sure to dress in layers and bring some warm clothes, since temperatures can drop to 4-5 degrees Celsius at night – even when it’s hot during the day. It is definitely a classic, which makes it pretty crowded during the day. But one hour before sunset or sunrise, you barely meet anyone and can enjoy these beautiful moments.

During perfect weather conditions you get to watch paragliders above you and have majestic views of the Karwendel mountains, Großglockner and the Zugspitze.

Riederstein

This a top tip. The Riederstein is a popular mountain peak among local trail runners. But right before sunset or sunrise, you will barely meet anyone – most of the time you get the chance to be by yourself.

During the Perseids meteor shower in August, this is my secret tip for you. Hike up at around 7 p.m. and enjoy a little picnic watching the sun go down. Afterwards, simply enjoy the changing colors of the sky, the mood, the atmosphere, watching the mountain town go to sleep. Between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. you will experience the most gorgeous night sky making it a secret spot for stargazing, spotting the milky way and countless shooting stars.

This summer we saw the most magical shooting stars so far, just got goosebumps from watching this incredibly beautiful sky, cherishing this moment. It is certainly one of the most unforgettable experiences and don’t forget to make a wish upon a shooting star.

It is moments like these that make life worth living and let you forget about anything else. My personal recommendation: After watching the sunrise hike down to Rottach Egern, enjoy a breakfast at cafΓ© Max I. Joseph at the Seeforum (reservation is recommended) and take the boat back to Tegernsee, enjoying a relaxing day at the lake.

Wild Camping is prohibited

One last thing, though. Wild camping is illegal in Bavaria. So, please be careful and appreciate mother nature when you are out there. No trespassing, no wild camping, no tent and don’t leave any trash.

For those of you who need a little rest after sunset and before sunrise, bivouacking is within a grey area and is allowed when taking a break or as protection from the weather. But the border from taking a break to camping is quite vague.

Bivouacking means staying in the open without a tent and is not regulated by law. You can sleep in your sleeping bag for one night and protect yourself from the weather with a tarpaulin. In both cases, fire, noise, or damage to property is still prohibited.

To avoid trespassing, you should ask the owner of the property if you can camp one night. Usually, it is not a problem to obtain permission from a private landowner. This is almost always possible, especially in rural areas.

Nevertheless, I hope you get to enjoy one of these magical moments. If you are interested in a guided tour with me, drop me a dm.

xoxo

photo credits: Munich Mountain Rebel

Mittenwald Lautersee

Posted in Sports & OutdoorTagged , , , ,

On the Laintal-Lautersee loop, hikers, joggers and trail runners will experience the idyllic Laintal valley and the immaculately maintained hiking trails around Lautersee lake, on an interesting round-trip against the unique backdrop of the Wetterstein mountains. Lautersee lake is also one of the most popular swimming lakes in the Alpenwelt Karwendel region, and is an inviting place to take a dip.

It is definitely worth a visit and less crowded during COVID-19 summer break.

xoxo

photo credits: Munich Mountain Rebel

Klosters Lake Schlappin

Posted in Sports & OutdoorTagged , , ,

I recently did the Klosters Circuit Tour Stage 6 – Russna – Schlappin. A beautiful tour leading to an even more beautiful destination: the small Walser settlement Schlappin and the Schlappin Lake in the middle of magnificent mountain scenery.

This section of the Klosters Circuit Trail leads past houses and stables, across meadows and through the forest until you reach the Walser settlement Schlappin. Schlappin was inhabited year-round up until the 17th century. And still today hikers have the possibility to stop and rest there or even stay overnight. If you would like to stay in Schlappin overnight, please click here for more information:Β http://www.schlappin.ch

At Hotel Alpina (opposite the train station) follow the signpost in the direction of “AlpenrΓΆsli”. At the church, cross the street and follow the road uphill right next to the bus stop “Kirchplatz”. Continue to follow the signposts in the direction of “AlpenrΓΆsli Berggasthaus”. Here you have the opportunity to combine the experience of the magnificent viewpoint with a refreshment in the Berggasthaus. From AlpenrΓΆsli follow the signs through the forest downhill towards “Klosters” and later towards “In da Mura”. The path, which is marked by signs, leads across a meadow and between houses. As soon as you reach the main road, follow the signs towards “Schlappintobel” and “Schlappin”. The path leads down to Schlappinstrasse. Follow the road for a while until you reach a signpost where “Schlappin” is written twice. To avoid having to follow the road all the time, take the Wiesenweg. This will lead you to Schlappin. As soon as you see the lake, cross the bridge and reach the Walser settlement Schlappin.

Definitely a nice little tour for a relaxing day out in the mountains.

xoxo

photo credits: Munich Mountain Rebel

Sertig Waterfall – Sertigpass – GrΓΌnsee – Scalettapass

Posted in Sports & OutdoorTagged , , , ,

There are so many awesome trail running routes in Davos, but this is currently my favorite. You start in the Sertig valley, make a little detour at the waterfall to inhale all the positive energy. Then you run up the Sertigpass, go skinny dipping at the GrΓΌnsee and then run all the way up to the Scalettapass.

You simply listen to the sound of the river, melting snow and these cute little marmots. The ultimate pursuit of freedom, of feeling alive. It doesn’t get much better than this.

xoxo

Rinerhorn Davos Klosters

Posted in Sports & OutdoorTagged , , , , ,

What I love about Davos is that there are so many different trails and mountain paths that you can actually be alone, if you feel like it. During any day of the week.

One of my favorite spots is the Rinerhorn because there are so many different routes up and down this local mountain. Although it has been attracting more and more tourists, it is still more popular among locals, which I love.

Whether you wanna go mountain biking, running or hiking, this one has it all and I always discover something new. If you are a trail runner or hiker, don’t take the cable car – walk or run up the mountain either via Davos Clavadel or Sertig; it is so worth it.

xoxo

Morteratsch Glacier in Pontresina

Posted in Sports & OutdoorTagged , , ,

I personally like Pontresina more than St. Moritz, but generally I am a huge fan of the Engadin mountains. It is a true paradise for bikers, climbers, hikers, trail runners, basically just anyone who loves the great outdoors.

Bike Tour from Pontresina to Morteratsch

If you are looking for a relaxing ride, I can recommend the route from Pontresina to the Morteratsch glacier. However, since this is a very popular tour, especially for Italian tourists, don’t do it on weekends. Start early in the morning during the week and simply enjoy the fresh air. Cherish the glaciers while you still can. No doubt, there is something magical about them. You feel it from the moment you ride towards the glacier tongue, it’s like stepping into another world.

The 10k-route is VERY easy, even suitable for kids. For mountain bikers, I would recommend the Bernina Pass tour, starting right at Morteratsch station. This one is breathtakingly beautiful and easily accessible via public transportation.

So, ride on and stay wild and free.

xoxo

Swiss National Park Zernez

Posted in Sports & OutdoorTagged , , ,

For those of you who are looking for peaceful, quiet tours with barely any tourists, I recommend a day trip to the Swiss National Park. I call it little Canada, a 90-minute train and bus ride from Davos Klosters. You simply take the train to Zernez and from there you just hop on the bus which will drop you off at all the different hiking stops.

Fuornbach

One of my favorite spots is the Fuornbach. There is just one spot right down at the river bank that reminds me of Canada and my great times in Alaska. I could just sit there for one or two hours, having a picnic, doing nothing. This is a place you just fall in love with.

I combined the walk along the river with a nice little hike near the Italian border. You can either hike to the Fuorntal or to Alp la Schera – both are very easy hikes for the whole family. No special requirements or difficulties, just beautiful nature.

So, if you are looking for a relaxing summer far from the crowds, this one should be on your list.

Just one little side note, if you decide to take your car. There are construction works on the road, which can be annoying if you are planning a road trip. Currently, public transportation is less stressful.

xoxo