In Mittenwald.

August 7, 2024

Rest Day Hikes.

Our hike to the Lautersee and Ferchensee.

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Waking up this morning and not having to get on the bikes today was a wonderful feeling. We've covered lots of territory on this trip, and a day off of the bikes was needed.

A view from our room from yesterday evening.

It wasn't a total rest day, though. After breakfast, we got ready and headed out the door for an ambitious hike gaining about 700 steep vertical meters up to the refugio that sits at 1700m on the upper flanks of the Karwendel, a 2 300 meter peak that looms high over town. Along the way, we began to talk ourselves out of undertaking this challenging morning, and by the time we arrived at the base of the hike, we decided that we weren't into such punishment this morning. So, we turned back towards town and made another plan. This turned out to be a great choice.

We decided instead to hike and do a loop around the lakes of the Lautersee and Ferchensee just west of town. It was just enough exercise that we both wanted today, and the views were spectacular; so, we'll just let the photos and captions tell the story.

The sun just about to rise over the flank of Karwendel.

The Lautersee with Karwendel looming behind.

Heading around the east side of Lautersee. You can even get a hotel room up here.

Heading back along the shores of Fergensee.

At least there was a bit of "rest" in our rest day. When we returned from the hike, we ate our pilfered sandwiches from the morning breakfast and soon passed out for an afternoon nap, with the TV turned to the Olympics still on when we woke up two hours later . We clearly needed the nap.

I had only just rubbed the sleep from my eyes and patted down my hair as if the pillow had combed it when Sue suggested another walk out to see the famous The Leutasch "Ghost Gorge". I offered up a groan to express my feelings about this outing, but in the end, we both got ready and headed back out for a little more exploration of this beautiful region.

The Leutasch "Ghost Gorge" Hike.

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Once we were out, though, I brought us in the complete opposite direction and this time Sue was the one letting our groans. The day was getting humid, and backtracking under the afternoon sun made us both a little grumpy. But, we're glad we went and the gorge was quiet impressive. So, once again, I'll let the photos tell the story.

These suspended walking structures hung precipitously along the side of the cliffs of the gorge. I know one O'Hara that wouldn't walk this. It was pretty freaky to see a 100m vertical drop between your feet.

Susanna walking across the bridge that had a good sway when you strolled across.

Sue walking across the suspended walkway about 100 meters above the flowing river below.

So, Mittenwald was the perfect town to place ourselves for two nights, and if you're ever through here, I'd pick Mittenwald over Garmisch-Partenkirchen hands down. Mittenwald is quaint, just the right size, well kept, and in a spectacular setting. Tomorrow we're off the Bad Tolz, following the Isar River cycle route. We only have two more riding days of the trip left before reaching Munich.

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