So far we’ve uncovered many of the gems that make the Bavarian Alps a uniquely pleasing destination. From its magical castles to its cultural celebrations, perhaps you’re overwhelmed by the number of things to see and do. Maybe you’re worried about missing something truly special. You need not be troubled as there are several driving … Read more
Last time we visited the lavish halls and homes tied to King Ludwig II and his royal family. Today we will explore another type of dwelling commonly found in the Bavarian Alps. Although belonging to another sector of the region’s historical population, the noteworthy structures are no less sophisticated. “A surprising feature of the Bavarian … Read more
Füssen, the Allgäu’s romantic soul We have indulged – at least in our fantasies – in tasty ‘Weisswursts’, scrumptious cheese, rustic dumplings and divine desserts. Now it’s time to leave the dinner table or beer garden stall and start exploring some of the Bavarian Alps’ spectacular mise-en-scènes. Today we will discover the Anziehungskraft of some … Read more
Last time we dug down into the rich traditions and culture characteristic of the Bavarian Alps. It is only natural now to delve more deeply into the delicious world of the region’s cuisine. To culinary gurus, Bavaria is referred to as the Weisswurst Equator. Weisswurst is a veal and pork sausage, flavoured with onions, parsley, … Read more
Many visitors come to the Bavarian Alps to see some of Germany’s tallest mountains or to tour numerous fairytale castles. What people realize once they arrive is that they are immersed in a rich, inviting history still celebrated today. Last time we began our series of Bavarian Alps blogs with a description of Munich, a … Read more
Frommer’s describes the Bavarian Alps as Germany’s “best mountainous landscape”. This beautiful area of culture, natural excursions and castles worthy of storybook illustrations, is located in Germany’s southwest corner along the Austrian border. Opportunities abound for every season, from skiing in the winter and hiking or cycling in the summer to palace and castle visits … Read more
Monte Rosa (“Dufourspitze”) on the border between Switzerland and Italy,elevation 4,634 m (15,203 feet) Now for our final journey through the Via Alpina, we’ll traverse the Blue Trail, the fifth of the international trails. It passes through Italy, Switzerland and France, and consists of 61 costal and inland stages ranging between 7.3km and 25.3km in … Read more
The Eiger (3,970m/3,025ft), Bernese Alps, Switzerland Via Alpina’s Green Trail Offers the Best Hike in the World! We’ve tested our endurance on the Red Trail, explored historical landmarks on the Purple Trail and marvelled at geological wonders on the Yellow Trail. Now it’s time to trek through Liechtenstein and Switzerland on Via Alpina’s shortest of the five … Read more
Discover the Dolomites and Ötzi the Iceman in Bolzano (Bozen) Last week we walked through Slovenia, Austria and Germany by way of The Via Alpina. Today we’ll include a large portion of Italian Alps and explore The Yellow Trail, which connects with the previously discussed Purple and Red Trails. The Yellow Trail begins in Trieste, … Read more
Last week we introduced the Via Alpina, a series of long distance footpaths that connect the eight European countries that surround the Alps. The network of walking and hiking opportunities consists of five international trails. The longest of the tracks, The Red Trail, was described in our first blog post, An Alpine Walker’s Dream. Today … Read more
The Via Alpina, once discovered, is not only a hiker’s dream – it is also symbolic of a treaty formed between the eight countries that communally share the Alps mountain range. Just over a decade ago, a vision to formally unite Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Monaco, Slovenia, Liechtenstein and France via a transalpine hiking and … Read more
When it comes to enjoying your walking adventures, choosing the best hiking socks will often mean the difference between a wonderful walk or a terrible test of endurance. That’s because your socks play an important role in not keeping your feet dry and at the right temperature, they can help make sure your feet remain … Read more
