 |
| View from our room on Wednesday - sun and blue sky for the first time since our arrival! |
 |
Our guide was the hotel owner‘s husband, a very pleasant young local man, with plenty of knowledge and experience. The tour started at 10:00 straight from the hotel, which gave us ample time for a good breakfast.
I had been a bit worried about walking as a group, something I am not keen on and not used to, but only two other couples had signed up, and so the group was small enough for everything to go smoothly.
We had only a few unchallenging ups and downs, nothing too strenuous, and although the sun had retreated behind clouds again, it was dry almost all day, with only a light sprinkle towards the end of the walk.
Our guide took us on a path O.K. and I had partly done on the Monday, but in the opposite direction, on our way back from Nesselwängle. This time, we did not actually enter the village but remained on a path that swings around it in a wide loop to the end of the valley.
 |
| Looking back towards Haller |
 |
| Very ornate modern-traditional wooden house |
We crossed the road there and soon had the last uphill bit ahead, which took us to a mountain hut by the name of Klein Meran. Of course our guide had told them that we were coming, and we had a large enough table near the woodburning stove. Only our guide had something to eat, while the rest of us were thirsty and enjoyed our shandies or beers.
Surprisingly, one of the men in our group settled the bill for all of us, which was generous of him (his wife was part of the group, as were his brother- and sister-in-law).
 |
| The hut Klein Meran is right behind this chapel (which was locked). |
 |
| Another tiny chapel shortly after our break. This one was open. |
 |
| Gentian - there was lots of it on a slope along the path. |
After the break, our guide had two options for us: Get the bus back to Haller after a short descent of 15 minutes, or walk back all the way, which would take about 1 hour 15 minutes on the quickest, easiest path (not the same one we had taken in the morning).
O.K. and I opted for the walk, while the rest of the group preferred the bus.
We had absolutely no trouble getting back and enjoyed the walk much more than a bus ride, in spite of a bit of rain along the way.
 |
| Yet another chapel |
 |
| Looking back to the end of the valley, where we had come from |
 |
| Coming up towards Haller |
By 2:00 pm, we were already back at the hotel, and spent the rest of the afternoon in the spa until it was time to dress for dinner, which was particularly sumptuous and delicious that evening, announced as a Gala Dinner by the hotel.
Sounds like a great hike, Meike! Glad the weather has improved. I am surprised that there are so many chapels all over the place.
ReplyDeleteThe Alpine regions have a long history of its people being deeply religious. I can imagine that it comes with the area and the way of life, largely depending on the weather and harsh conditions, things they had no control over and so always sought divine support.
DeleteLovely scenery.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed many walks in groups of people I know because of being able to chat with different people, but it does make it a different kind of experience.
I was thinking about the Switzerland post I did recently. If I could still go it would be to the area above Interlaken, but nothing as strenuous as 50 years ago, and definitely not in a tent.
I am far behind with reading blogs and have not yet seen your Switzerland post.
DeleteEven with people I know I prefer there to be just one other person, such as my sister or O.K. or (when she was still able to) my Mum, but our small group of seven was alright, and I chatted a little to each of them in turns.
Some dramatic skies there, but glad you didn't have rain on your guided walk.
ReplyDeleteYes, it often looked as if rain could start at any moment, but we escaped most of it.
DeleteIt sounds like a wonderful walk! Your photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. We enjoyed it.
DeleteHow beautiful! Of course, it reminds me of "The Sound of Music"! LOL! Actually, I saw a program that showed us that the film was really filmed just over the border in Germany. Honestly, my knowledge of movie trivia! I can't remember passwords but I remember that.
ReplyDeleteYes, you mentioned that before when I posted photos of holidays in Austria or elsewhere in the Alpine region 😊
DeleteI love the many different wildflowers along the way and on the meadows.
The scene of Julie Andrews on top of the mountain, where the helicopter filming her almost blowing her down- that was the part filmed in Germany! Of course, the rest was all in Austria, which has always made me to visit Austria my entire life!
DeleteIt's well worth visiting, Kay. Not too late yet, and only a short flight away from England, should you plan a visit there.
DeleteLooks as though you had a wonderful and relaxing holiday. So refreshing to get off the beaten track.
ReplyDeleteHello Linda, yes, we are having a good, relaxing time here (going back home on Monday). This area is popular with tourists from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands; not really off the beaten track, but the chilly weather and grey skies made for long stretches without seeing other people.
Delete