A Hiking Adventure to Austria: Views, Laughter, and a Dip in the Lake!
So, yesterday was one of those rare days when everything aligns perfectly — good weather, great company, and no work. My close friend and I decided to make the most of it with a spontaneous hiking trip to Austria. Living in Nuremberg, we’re lucky to have such amazing destinations just a train ride away. And trust me, this trip was one for the books (and the blog)!
Setting the Scene: Prepping for the Adventure
We kicked off our adventure by packing brunch the night before — because let’s be honest, buying food on trips can get pricey, and we’d rather save those euros for something more important (like ice cream). A couple of days before the trip, I sent out the itinerary to our group, making sure everyone was prepped and ready. Since it’s summer and the sun was going to be blazing, hydration was at the top of our list — right up there with sunscreen, of course 💁♀️. I told everyone, “Pack your stuff, people! This is going to be a day of fun, sweat, and probably a lot more sweat!” 🌞
The Early Morning Hustle: Train Adventures
Our day started bright and early, catching the 7:09 AM train (RE1) from Nuremberg. We rolled into Munich Hbf at 8:54 AM, just in time to grab our connection to Mittenwald at 9:13 AM. Mittenwald, for those who haven’t heard, is a charming market town nestled in the Bavarian Alps, right on the border with Austria. It’s Germany’s highest climatic health resort and home to the second-highest cable car in the country. Fancy, right?
Destination: Mittenwald and Crossing into Austria Like It’s NBD
By 10:45 AM, we arrived in Mittenwald, ready for action! Mittenwald is the most picturesque place, like something out of a fairytale, and it happens to be right on the border with Austria.
We grabbed a bus and headed to our first stop: Leutascher Geisterklamm (a.k.a. Ghost Gorge). And guess what? We officially crossed into Austria without even noticing — no passports needed for this spooky adventure! 👻
Exploring the Ghost Gorge
Welcome to Leutascher Geisterklamm, or as we started calling it, “Ghost Gorge: Home of the Goblins and Gobsmacked Tourists.” This 3.2 km stretch of pure, mystical madness winds its way through rocky ravines and dense forests like something straight out of a fairy tale.
As soon as we hit the trail, we found ourselves walking across steel walkways suspended like tightropes above the roaring Leutasch River. The gorge is famous for its ghost stories, and honestly, it was easy to see why. Legend has it that goblins and mischievous spirits once called this place home, and walking through it, you can practically hear them whispering.
And then there was the Panorama Bridge, This 75-meter-high metal marvel stretches across the gorge like a daredevil’s dream. Looking down from the Panorama Bridge to the waterfall below — breathtaking and beautiful!
Unfortunately, the waterfall trail was closed due to a fallen tree, but that didn’t stop us. We took the moderately challenging hike up to the Panorama Bridge instead, soaking in the stunning views from 40 meters above the ground. It felt like we were on top of the world, and honestly, we kind of were.
Rest and Refuel at Mittenwald
After exploring the gorge for about two hours, we headed back to Mittenwald for a quick rest in a park and finally unpacked our brunch. There’s something about sharing food with friends in the middle of a beautiful setting that makes everything taste better. We laughed, we ate, and we recharged for the next leg of our adventure.
A Fairytale Town and a Hidden Lake
After recharging with brunch, we wandered through Mittenwald’s storybook streets before setting our sights on the next adventure: Lautersee, a stunning mountain lake near Mittenwald.
There are two lakes near the town — Lautersee and Ferchensee. We chose Lautersee because, well, we’re all about those relaxing vibes. With no bus connections available, we decided to hike there, which turned out to be the best decision ever.
The Path Less Traveled
The hike to Lautersee was nothing short of magical. The path led us through the Laintal Valley, past the Mariengrotte and the Lainbach waterfall. As we reached the top, we were greeted by the serene Lautersee, nestled at 1,013 meters above sea level. The lake’s crystal-clear waters reflected the lush greenery around it, creating a scene straight out of a postcard.
Taking the Plunge (Literally)
After all that hiking, a dip in the lake was irresistible. The cool water was the perfect remedy for our tired muscles, and we spent some time just floating and soaking in the tranquility. Lautersee is one of those places that makes you forget all your worries — until you realize you need to catch the last train home!
The Race Back and Sweet, Sweet Ice Cream
After chilling by the lake (literally), we realized we had to hustle back to catch our last train home. We power-walked down the mountain, gave Lautersee one last wistful look (cue the “I’ll be back!” dramatic voice), and made our way back to the station. And what’s a successful day without celebrating with some ice cream? 🍦
A Perfect Day
As we finally rested our tired feet on the train ride back home, I couldn’t help but think — there’s something magical about days like this. Days filled with nature, laughter, and a bit of sweat that remind us why these adventures are worth every step. Not only did I get a bunch of pictures, but I also left with great memories and maybe a little more muscle from all the hiking. All in all, it was a day to remember.
