GERMANY
Friday 1st June
Our first camp selection was closed as the Gasthaus had had a serious fire and was cordoned off.
Took another hour and another border crossing to our next stop. Straight through the border with only a sign to indicate we were back in Germany. No vignettes in Germany which is a treat.
Our campsite for tonight: Gotschenalm, Bischofswiesen – GPS 47.648312N 12.936930E
Plan was to find a place close enough to visit The Eagles Nest – Hitlers Summer House.
A great location right next to the ski lifts and a restaurant. The views across and down the valley were fabulous but we were in need of water so spent only one night here. There are no services here except the use of the restaurant and the WC.
The chairs from the ski lift had been taken down and were neatly stacked in the carpark ready to reassemble for the winter months. Brought back memories of our skiing days at Saalbach, Hinterglemm, Hopfgarten, Soll, and Obertauren as we looked at the big trail maps and talked for hours about past ski trips. Such wonderful memories.
Not a great day weather wise with light drizzle and a storm threatening so bunkered down until dinner time. There is a €10 cost plus local mountain tax of €2.60 each to stay here but you do get a voucher for €10 to spend in the restaurant within 24 hours. The driver had an upset tummy but still we ate what was a fabulous meal on the deck overlooking the ski runs.
Saturday – Wednesday – 2nd – 6th June
Set off early next morning with my driver still unwell.
Our campsite for several nights: Reisemobilplatz Rasp, Oberau – GPS 47.651711N. 13.070550E
Another highly recommended spot for those wanting to visit the Eagles Nest.
The Stellplatz is high up in the mountains, again with a fabulous mountain and valley view. It has all the services and we quickly filled the water tanks and then spent the next few days waiting for the weather to clear enough to visit the Eagles Nest.
Met some Swedish Australians (Gunnar and Anna) who were eager to engage in lots of conversation. So interesting to hear their story. They live permanently in two motorhomes – one in Sydney and another which is Swedish registered but they leave in storage in Spain whilst they are in Australia. They spend six months in Australia and six months in Europe with much of their overseas travel spent in Germany – one of their favourite countries.
They have many more Aussie stickers, kangaroos, harbour bridges etc then we have which made us feel a little inadequate, Aussie wise.
Took a few days for the upset tummy to clear (not sure what he ate or drank to cause this) but with the weather predicting lots of storms and bad weather over the coming days, we took advantage of a reasonable day to head off to the Eagles Nest.
Drove Ziggy to the carpark in Obersaltsburg only about 5kms away and then booked the ticket for the buses to take us up to the Eagles Nest. They run every 25 minutes and cost around €33 for the two of us return and cover entry to the Eagles Nest. One cannot go up by car to the top but the very fit can walk it – not for these two little old ducks!
The scenery was more than spectacular as we climbed higher and higher until we were way above the clouds. Think this must be the top of the world, you could see forever in all directions.
On arrival at the entrance, we headed into a foot tunnel through the mountain (so cold) to an amphitheatre where a lift took us for a 42 second ride to the top.
Another tick in the “bucket list” box as we explored the Eagles Nest which is now predominately a massive indoor and outdoor restaurant with a few rooms still in their original state.
Given it is still not peak season, it was really crowded with people looking like ants scattered in and around the house and hillside adjoining.
Enjoyed a great lunch on the deck overlooking the world!
Headed back to Oberau for the night.
Thursday – Sunday 7th – 10th June
From a tree change to a lake change as we headed for the Chiemsee which is one of the largest lakes in the district.
Our campsite for several nights: Wohnmobilstellplatz Bernau am Chiemsee
It is a new mobile home park that takes around 25 mobile homes only with no caravans or tents allowed. Only 6€ for 24 hours and all services provided with a small cost for showers. No internet unfortunately and don’t need electricity as the solar panels work exceptionally well and fully top up the batteries each day.
Such an excellent location only metres away from the lake where there are sailing boats, paddle boats, and everything that floats on water available for rental. Even have a ferry that does half and full day trips around the lake – it is huge.
Spent 4 fabulous hot days here just relaxing, reading and taking off on the bikes and exploring for a good part of each day. The bike trails go forever and the only thing that brings us back is a large thirst and the need to mingle with the locals. Both were satisfied at one or more of lakefront bars and restaurants.
Have felt like being in the tropics over the last couple of weeks as about 4pm everyday the dark clouds come over the mountains followed by thunder and then torrential rain and then back to sunshine – very odd but very refreshing. We believe we are experiencing a very early summer already.
The camp ground has filled up every night with many mobiles turned away to find somewhere else to park. Don’t think we will be “alone” again and soon will be fighting for a spot ourselves.
Strange also are the number of four footed residents – 90% of Mohos have at least one and most at least 2 or more – all shapes and sizes. Just beautiful to see how they are worshipped here and are taken to dinner in restaurants and even climb aboard buses for sightseeing tours with their owners.
The record for dogs in a motorhome was 5 at Bingen am Rhein.
Hi Chris and Rob, really great to read your adventures, good on you both and best of health. We have finally settled into our retirement village, what a job it was…to many things but we are nearly to the end of it. Quite a social group and they have quite a few social days and nights so we have enjoyed a few events with them. How will you ever settle down in Tweed Heads after all that adventure. Cheers, Ramsay & Barb
Hi Barbara and Ramsay – have responded directly to your private email address