“Well, Servus, Grüezi and Hello! Holleroihi, good vibes all around,
‘Cause music makes the world go ’round!
Servus, Grüezi and Hello –
Today we’re singing of beautiful places:
Austria, Germany and Switzerland,
Our homeland and our neighbors,
Sending warm greetings to everyone.”
Our catchy earworm – already stuck in our heads after just two days. Oh dear!
But no wonder, really. You hear “Servus” so often, it’s inevitable. Especially out on the hiking trails – it’s like a ritual, just like among motorcyclists. When two pass each other, there’s a quick greeting with the left hand – fingers stretched out from the grip.
It didn’t take long before we decided to adapt to local customs and respond with a heartfelt “Seeeeeerrrvuuuuussss” ourselves.
Because the emotionless German always gives themselves away when they respond to a “Servus” with a plain and simple “Hello.”
Anyway, that song up there… we just can’t get it out of our heads.
Yes, Servus! 🙂
But why did I choose the Alps as a travel destination?
Who would have thought that the Alps would end up fascinating me so much? On the one hand, it’s obviously because of the stunning attractions and landscapes that completely blew us away—but on the other hand, it was also because of my travel companion: Ramona from Berlin. She’s not only my best friend, she’s also kind of like the sister I never had. We can talk about anything, laugh about everything, and occasionally even argue a bit. That’s just what happens when both people are born under the Taurus star sign.
She’s followed all my past trips closely and one day asked me, “Why don’t we travel together sometime?” Since she’s a huge fan of hiking, the idea of an Alpine adventure together wasn’t far off. She was instantly thrilled—like a snow queen in her element—even though I hadn’t planned a single detail yet. That put a bit of pressure on me to create a really special 14-day itinerary. And looking back now, I have to say: nailed it! Everything worked out perfectly. 🙂
And now, here’s my review & some tips for the places and attractions we visited:
Berchtesgaden/Schönau
Kehlsteinhaus
Background: The Kehlsteinhaus is a representative building constructed by the Nazi Party between 1937 and 1938. It sits just below the Kehlstein summit at an altitude of 1,834 meters on a rocky outcrop. The site is accessed via a dramatic mountain road and a 124-meter elevator.
My Verdict: Regardless of the historical context, visiting the Kehlsteinhaus is absolutely worth it. The panoramic view from up here is simply breathtaking. And on a clear day with blue skies – it’s out of this world.
Tips: Definitely try to catch one of the first buses in the morning. The later it gets, the more crowded it becomes. If you’re among the first, you’ll have around 30 minutes to enjoy the viewpoint almost alone – perfect for peaceful moments and crowd-free photos.
Wimbachklamm
Background:
The Wimbachklamm is a gorge about 200 meters long, carved out by the wild Wimbach stream in Ramsau near Berchtesgaden. A visit costs €4.50.
My Conclusion:
If you’re already at Lake Königssee, you should definitely include the Wimbachklamm in your itinerary. It’s easily accessible on foot and offers a lovely change of scenery. Of course, it doesn’t quite compare to some of the more spectacular gorges in the Alps.
Tips:
Make sure to visit the gorge in the late afternoon — the light from the setting sun creates a mystical atmosphere. Bonus: the number of visitors usually decreases significantly around that time.
Königssee
Background:
Lake Königssee is a long, narrow mountain lake located in the Berchtesgadener Land district in the southeast of Bavaria and belongs to the municipality of Schönau am Königssee. It lies at the eastern foot of Mount Watzmann and is primarily fed by the Saletbach stream, which flows in from the southeast from Lake Obersee. Since the lake is nestled between steep mountain slopes, it is often described as fjord-like. It is considered one of the cleanest lakes in Germany in terms of water quality.
My Conclusion:
Lake Königssee and its surrounding mountain landscape are a truly beautiful corner of the world. Electric-powered boats not only take you to the world-famous pilgrimage chapel of St. Bartholomew, but also all the way to the southern end of the lake, from where you can hike into the rear valley and reach Lake Obersee. Especially on a clear day, a boat trip on the lake is an absolute must. The surrounding mountains are simply breathtaking. Just wow. I honestly didn’t realize that something so stunning existed in Germany. A round-trip boat ride to the end of the lake costs €18.50.
Tips:
Definitely try to catch a boat between 9 and 10 a.m., as you’ll usually glide through the morning mist that still hangs over the lake. The atmosphere during this time feels like something straight out of a fantasy movie.
Eiskapelle
Background:
Below the eastern face of the Watzmann mountain lies the lowest permanent icefield in the German Alps: the Eiskapelle! Even though the summer snow line is nearly 2,000 meters higher, this firn icefield persists throughout the entire year.
My conclusion:
You have to take a boat to St. Bartholomä and from there hike about 3 kilometers with an elevation gain of 250 meters. You should plan around 2 to 3 hours for the round trip. But it’s absolutely worth it. When we visited, the outside temperature was 28°C. As we stood directly in front of the entrance to the Eiskapelle, a freezing cold wind blew toward us. This contrast — which gave us literal goosebumps — was an unforgettable experience.
Tips:
Make sure to allow enough time. This destination can definitely be done in a morning, but don’t underestimate the elevation gain. The path stretches on a bit at the beginning, but the destination is well worth the effort.
Jenner (cable car)
Background: The Jenner is a 1,874-meter-high mountain that belongs to the Göll range in the Berchtesgaden Alps. It is one of the few mountains in the region accessible by cable car, making it a popular destination for visitors.
My conclusion: The cable car reaches the summit via a mid-station from the valley. Currently, the section from the mid-station to the summit is being rebuilt, so unfortunately, the summit was not accessible. That’s a pity, as the view from the top over Lake Königssee must be breathtaking. From spring 2019 onwards, the entire cable car should be fully operational again. The area around the Jenner is perfect for extensive hikes. We still took the cable car up to the mid-station and then hiked along Lake Königssee. Also worthwhile. A ride to the mid-station cost €8.
Tips: A visit to the nearby alpine pastures is always rewarding and very cozy. And I have to admit, the prices there are quite reasonable.
Wolfgangsee / St. Gilgen
Zwölferhorn Cable Car (“still” Austria’s oldest cable car)
Background:
The Zwölferhorn cable car is a bi-cable circulating gondola lift located in Sankt Gilgen on Lake Wolfgang. It was constructed between 1956 and 1957. Since its opening in 1957, around 8.5 million passengers have been transported. The legal operating permit for the cable car expired in 2017 after 60 years of service. As continued operation was no longer permitted, plans for a replacement facility were initiated. The original plan was to shut down the existing lift in autumn 2016 and to construct a new mono-cable gondola by spring 2017. Instead of the iconic red and yellow four-person gondolas, eight-person panoramic gondolas were intended to be used. The travel time was supposed to remain around 16 minutes, but the transport capacity was set to double to 500 people per hour. New station buildings and a parking garage at the valley station were also planned. Due to the lack of consent from some landowners, the construction permit was delayed, and the operating permit was extended twice, until 2018.
My conclusion:
The cable car was truly an experience and not necessarily one I would recommend for everyone. The cabins are small, and while the technology is certainly well maintained, it also somehow feels like something from a museum. But once you reach the top, the view over Lake Wolfgang and far beyond is absolutely breathtaking.
Tips:
This one’s tricky, as the old cable car apparently operated for the last time this year. So I can’t say it’s a must-do for a bit of a thrill anymore. But who knows — maybe the operating permit will be extended again.
Hallstatt/Obertraun
Dachstein Giant Ice Cave
Background: The Dachstein Ice Cave is located just a few minutes from the Schönbergalm near Obertraun, in the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut. It contains 13,000 cubic meters of ice spread over an area of 5,000 square meters. In some parts of the cave, such as the “Tristan Dome,” the ice reaches a thickness of 20 meters. Pollen analysis suggests that the ice is approximately 500 years old. On July 17, 1910, cave explorers Hanna and Hermann Bock from Brno, along with Georg Lahner from Linz, managed to penetrate deeper into the cave for the first time by overcoming the “Great Ice Abyss” — this day is therefore considered the official discovery date of the cave.
My conclusion: If you’re in the area and planning to visit Hallstatt, the detour to the Ice Cave isn’t far at all. The Dachstein cable car takes you up to the middle station, and from there, it’s a short but steep climb to the entrance. The tour through the mountain lasts about an hour and becomes truly spectacular once you reach the ice section. We found the visit absolutely worthwhile.
Price: €34.50 (Includes: Ascent & descent with the cable car (section I), plus entry and a guided tour in either the Ice Cave or the Mammoth Cave.)
Tips: It’s important to wear warm clothes and sturdy, non-slip shoes — after all, you’re entering a real cold chamber. It was 28°C outside when we visited, and we were glad we brought warm clothing.
Stans
Wolfsklamm
Background:
The Wolfsklamm is a gorge that begins just a few hundred meters downhill from the Georgenberg. It was carved into the dolomite rock of the Karwendel Mountains by the Stanser Bach stream. The gorge is said to have 324 steps and ends on the mountain side at a 12-meter-high weir.
My Conclusion:
Compared to the Wimbach Gorge, this one was definitely more attractive and the layout of the trail much more spectacular. If you enjoy visiting gorges, this one should definitely be included in your itinerary.
Tips:
Entrance fee: €4.50
Wolfsklamm parking lot, day fee: €3
Mayrhofen (Zillertal)
Penkenbahn
Background:
According to the Mayrhofen cable car operators, it’s currently “the most modern cable car system in the world.” Since December 19, 2015, when the new Penkenbahn in Mayrhofen officially opened, the Zillertal ski area has featured a state-of-the-art tricable gondola lift, transporting skiers directly from the center of Mayrhofen up to the Action Mountain Penken. The new Penkenbahn cost nearly 50 million euros.
My conclusion:
We were truly impressed by this cable car and the views you can enjoy from it. The height and the distance from the ground, especially as we crossed the second valley, were absolutely spectacular — though definitely not for those afraid of heights. Once at the top of Penken, the snow-free summer season reveals a vast plateau that’s perfect for hiking. And if the clouds happen to hang even lower than the plateau itself, the photo opportunities are just mind-blowing.
Penkenbahn, round-trip: €18.70.
Tips:
There are two cable cars in town (Penkenbahn and Ahornbahn). Unfortunately, we only had time to try one. But I’d say both mountain peaks are excellent for hiking.
Seefeld
Höllentalklamm
Background: The Höllentalklamm (Hell Valley Gorge). This is where you can witness the raw, unspoiled beauty of nature up close. Deeply carved into the high mountains, the Hammersbach river crashes over massive boulders, tumbling in milky-white torrents into rock pools, spraying mist and thundering through the gorge. Challenging sections lead through electrically lit tunnels filled with a dull, echoing roar. The air is crisp and fresh with every breath—especially welcome in the height of summer. The Höllentalklamm is easily accessible, around 1 km long, and has a completely unique charm compared to other gorges or ravines. The trail starts at the Höllentalklamm entrance hut and stretches for about 700 meters through the impressive gorge.
My conclusion: First and foremost—this gorge is an absolute must-see. It’s truly spectacular. It starts out gently enough, but the deeper you go, the more you feel the raw power of nature. Further inside, you might feel like you’ve stepped straight into The Lord of the Rings—specifically, Helm’s Deep. All that’s missing are the orcs. 🙂
But beware: before you even reach the gorge, there’s a 4.2 km uphill hike to tackle. It’s a steady climb—but totally worth it. Don’t let it discourage you.
Entry fee: €5.
Tip: Definitely bring waterproof clothing—the deeper you go, the wetter it gets!
Highline 179
Background: The highline179 is a pedestrian suspension bridge located above the B 179 Fern Pass road, south of Reutte in Tyrol, Austria. Suspended at a height of 113 to 114 meters above the Ehrenberg castle complex, it connects the ruins of Ehrenberg Castle with Fort Claudia. The location was chosen so that, with a span of 406 meters, it became one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world at the time of its completion.
My conclusion: I’m not sure if it’s worth making a big detour just for the bridge, but if you’re already in the area, it’s definitely a nice little adrenaline rush along the way. Be aware that, for now, you still have to hike up a mountain from the valley to reach the bridge’s entrance. I say “for now” on purpose—there are already plans for an elevator that will one day take visitors up to the bridge effortlessly.
Entrance fee: €8.
Tips: Try visiting the bridge later in the afternoon—you’ll likely have it almost to yourself. 🙂
Background:
The Gaislachkogel is a 3,056-meter-high mountain in the Ötztal Alps in Tyrol, Austria. The Gaislachkogel cable car runs from Sölden up to 3,041 meters, just below the summit, which can easily be reached from the mountain station. In 2015, several scenes for the James Bond film Spectre were shot on the Gaislachkogel at the summit restaurant Ice Q, designed by architect Johann Obermoser. On July 12, 2018, the James Bond adventure world “007 Elements” was opened there.
My conclusion:
We finally wanted to go on a long hike and decided to take the cable car to the summit and hike back down to Sölden. The weather was perfect, and the panoramic views were simply breathtaking. In total, we covered 17 km that day. Our legs and feet were aching, but it was an amazing experience filled with unforgettable impressions and images.
What surprised me, though, was the price of the cable car. If you just want to go up to the summit, it costs €30. If you also want to take the cable car back down, you pay €8 more – so €38 in total. But it does make sense, since most people only take the ride up anyway.
Tips:
This area is not only great for hiking, but also perfect for mountain biking. Next time, it’ll be a downhill ride from the summit by bike. 🙂
Mandarfen (Pitztal)
Pitztal Glacier / Café 3440
Background: In 2012, Austria’s highest-altitude café opened its doors on the Pitztal Glacier. While sipping a tiramisu latte and enjoying a slice of cake, guests are treated to a panoramic view of snow-covered peaks towering over 3,000 meters. Here, you experience Austria’s highest coffee break—with a direct view of the highest mountain in North Tyrol and the second-highest in all of Austria: the Wildspitze (3,768m). And if that’s not enough, you’re surrounded by 50 more peaks of the Pitztal mountains, all over 3,000 meters high.
My verdict: Café 3.440 – without exaggeration, one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Alps! First, you ride the Glacier Express, which tunnels 3.5 km through the mountain, then transfer to the Wildspitz cable car that whisks you all the way up to the café. And what awaited us up there was just incredible. That view? Absolutely gigantic. We felt as majestic as Leonardo DiCaprio at the bow of the Titanic. Honestly, we were this close to shouting: “We’re the kings of the world!” If you ever find yourself in Pitztal, this is a must. Totally worth it. Okay, the ride up and down costs €40, and a coffee and a slice of cake are €5 each—but honestly, how often do you get a chance like this?
Tips: Head up around midday—at that time, you’ll likely have the viewing platform almost to yourself. But be warned: the last ride down with the Wildspitz cable car is at 3:45 PM.
This trip was simply amazing for me because it also turned into a journey back in time. I was six years old when I first visited Austria with my parents—sometimes just passing through to Italy or Yugoslavia, sometimes as the main destination. I can’t remember everything in detail, but those were always wonderful trips I got to experience with them. And now, for the first time, I drove there myself—back to the place I last visited as a child. It was a trip filled with breathtaking impressions and subconscious memories I’ll never forget—or maybe I never really did forget.
And yes, it was right here where I first got to play with a teat and do some milking. On a cow, of course! Haha. And I’ve never forgotten the farmer’s instructions:
“Son, grab the teat properly, then slowly squeeze from top to bottom. If you do it right, milk will come out.”
At six years old, messing around with an udder was kinda wild!
Anyway, back to the trip—this adventure would never have been so beautiful and so much fun without Ramona. Thank you, Ramona—we were an awesome team.
Final thoughts: I can only recommend visiting this region. My expectations weren’t just met—they were blown away.
