Mountain Magic

When I was younger I used to love lying on the beach. I could do it for hours, day after day. I had no care for SPF, much less so for changes in elevation. The sun, my towel, and a flat bit of sand by any body of water was all I needed. And then, in my early 20s, I moved to Ecuador where I discovered the majesty of The Andes. I was a changed woman. Ever since, I’ve had mountains on my mind.

This past year I was fortunate to spend a good chunk of time in the Bavarian and Austrian Alps, an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. While the more adventurous might opt for paragliding, whitewater kayaking, or canyoning, I tend to explore on foot. My hiking boots are my best friends. Together we reached the dazzling peak of Westliche Karwendelspitze, crossed the spectacular (yet splashy) Höllentalklamm and stopped off for a treat of Kaiserschmarrn, a type of sweet pancake, at the sunny Stepberg-Alm alpine chalet.

On the days I needed a break from walking, I drove some truly breathtaking routes. Zig-zagging my way across mountain roads, stopping to stretch my legs and take in the immense natural beauty, with the added exhilaration of almost running out of gas along the windy Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

At the end of each day awaited places to stay as unique as the peaks surrounding us: the charming alpine villages of Priesteregg and Almdorf Seinerzeit, cozy Werdenfelserei, handsome Schloss Elmau and Heiligenblut’s Nationalparklodge at the foothills of Austria’s tallest mountain. On some evenings I’d watch the sunset from my private hot tub with a glass of bubbly in hand, on others I’d stargaze whilst laying in bed listening to the sound of the wind. But mostly I plotted my return. The spell of the mountains continues its hold on me.

Claudia plans our trips from Slovenia up to Sweden, but her native Germany and neighbouring Austria still hold the strongest sway on her heart. Email her here to talk travel and trips.