Sisters in Europe

December 22, 2016- January 3, 2017,

Louree visits Germany and Europe!!! Louree arrives Thursday December 22 into Nuremberg where Jeremy and the boys plan to pick her up and head to the Austria Alps for a day of skiing. This is her first time in Germany and Europe and she is excited. I am working thursday and Friday so will not be able to see her until Saturday when they return from Austria. We are able to talk on the phone at least.. plus they have an exciting weekend planned skiing in the Alps. Luckily they have great weather for the day on the slopes.

Saturday, Christmas Eve Jeremy and Louree arrive back early afternoon to Amberg. We show Louree around our quaint town, pointing out landmarks and our favorite places. We have a great brisk, winter walk all bundled up. The town looks magical with the snow covered medieval buildings and walls. We enjoy Christmas Eve dinner at Amanda's house with Hanna and friends from the USA. Amanda has prepared an amazing ham and we have each contributed side dishes. We had a wonderful meal with great friends. Then we all walked to midnight mass, which starts at 10:30 pm and ends by midnight here. It was raining and cold but we all attempted to stay awake during mass especially since it was in a language that we do not completely understand, German. We headed home after and awoke Christmas morning with our beautiful tree, mimosas, and presents. We took multiple pictures, attempting to capture the three of us and our very wide Christmas tree to share with our friends and family. Christmas dinner was unique, using the Raclette that Jeremy bought me for Christmas! This is a European traditional meal shared by families during special holidays. Basically you prepare your favorite raw vegetables, canned or fresh fruit, and cooked potatoes at the table and then place Raclette cheese on top and watch it cook. When it bubbles it is ready to eat. Really fun way to eat and share stories together. We all really enjoyed it and plan to continue to use it. We were able to skype with both my family and Jeremy's family on Christmas day. Our nephews, Maddux and Nolan were so cute and hyped up that it was Christmas. It was so nice to see everyone.

Our road trip started the day after Christmas, we packed up the car to head back down to Austria to all ski another day at Solden.  The town was beautiful and the resort was nice but the slopes were extremely icy, windy, and cold. They closed the lift up to the Solden iconic site where the James Bond 007 movie was filmed. We were able to make it to the top of one of the Big 3 but it was so windy you could not even see or stand to look out for too long. We made the most of it, especially since that was the only day we had to ski. We drove back to Amberg and spent one night at home before heading out on our next adventure.

Prague, Czech Republic is so close to us and on the way towards Budapest where we planned to ring in the New Year. So of course we made a stop for one night. We had a great day, cold but blue skies. We toured the Prague Castle and the downtown Market Square both having their Christmas market stands still up!! As we walked around the town we also stumbled across smaller Christmas markets with homemade decorations, gluwine, and bratwurst. What a great time of year!

Next stop which is a new place for me and Jeremy too- Bratislava, Slovakia. We stayed in the cutest Air bnb with parking and walking distance to the city center. We loved this city with its winding roads and historic landmarks. Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and the country's largest city. The city skyline is compromised of Medieval towers and grandiose 20th Century buildings. Most of the historical buildings are in the Old Town. Bratislava's town hall dates back to the 14-15th Centuries, which now comprises of Michael's Gate and the city museum. We did go in the city museum and climbed the stairs to top of the tower with incredible panoramic views of the city on all sides. Luckily the weather was great too! Then we walked to the Bratislava Castle. This is one of the most prominent buildings in the city. The sun was setting as we climbed the stairs to the castle. The sunset was stunning, surrounding us from all angles. We arrived at the perfect timing to see the castle at dusk and then the lights turned on as nightfall set in. This white castle gleamed in the night, lighting up the entire sky. The castle hill has been inhabited since the Stone/ Bronze ages and has been an acropolis to this Celtic town. A stone castle was first built in the 10th Century, at that time still part of the Kingdom of Hungary. On our walk home we stopped by the "Blue Church" St. Elizabeth's Church. It was baby blue inside and outside, very unique. Devin Castle we visited the next day on our way out of town. This castle is not far out of town but not walking distance. This castle ruin is set on top of a rock where the Morava River enters the Danube River. Due to its strategic location the castle was important to the Great Moravia and early Hungarian state.

Budapest, Hungary for New Years' 2017!! Budapest became a single city occupying the banks of the Danube River with the unification of Buda and Obuda on the West banks, with Pest on the East bank on November 17, 1873. Budapest is claimed to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and I definitely agree. It has more than 80 geothermal springs, the world's largest thermal water cave system, the second largest Jewish synagogue, and the third largest Parliament building. This is such a great city, so much to see and do we really wish we had more time. We decided the best way to see this spread out city in the next 48 hours would be the hop-on, hop-off bus. We highly suggest with the additional vehicular and boat cruise to go with one of these many companies. We then were only a 2 hour drive to home. We will definitely be back this summer. Excellent trip, highly suggest visiting all locations. We can't wait to have Louree visit us again! Love you.

After the New Year festivities we arrive back in Germany! We explore a cute town in Lower Bavaria, Passau. It is also known as, Dreiflussestadt or City of Three Rivers, because the Danube River connects at Passau with the Inn by the South and the Ilz by the North. This is a University city, the University of Passau makes up the majority of the cities population. This University is an extension of the Institute for Catholic Studies founded in 1622. We stayed in the heart of the city center in an old historic building, newly renovated. We had an excellent traditional German dinner at the old brewhouse, Altes Brauhaus. The next day we explore the city despite the fog that set in. We still had a great day and our pictures turned out mysterious. Especially from the Veste Oberhaus, which is a fortress that was founded in 1219. In 1219, the fortress was built by Ulrich II, the first Bishop of Passau. We continued to walk around the town to the point where the three rivers meet. Through the fog you could see each river as they converge.

Labor day hut hike Berchtesgaden- Konigsee

September 2-5, 2016-

This Labor day weekend we are off on a challenging, thrilling, and exciting weekend ahead. John, the ski club president, planned a hut hike trip and opened it up to the ski club. He tries to do a hike in the Berchtesgaden area each year. There are so many trails and multiple huts to stay at along the way, so you never have to repeat a trail which is great. Sometimes the unknown is much more thrilling.

Jeremy and I are in and have our backpacks ready with everything that we will need for the next three day adventure! Our group includes our friends, Chris and Liz, Lo and Judy, with a total of 14. Good size, with an interesting variety of people.

Friday is our travel day to Berchtesgaden and we all plan on meeting at the Gasthaus that we will be staying at for one night before the hike begins. We have dinner reservations at Augustiner Brau that night in Salzburg, Austria. This is an old brew house with a cool feel the minute you walk in, you have to grab your mug and wash it out on with tap water on your own before filling it up with beer. Then they have cafeteria style food options, with different varieties of meats, cheeses, breads, and desserts. We all enjoyed each other company in the large beer hall style tables.

The next morning we are all up early to breakfast, before our planned start time as a group- 0900. We had approximately 3km walk to the Konigssee Lake where we take the boat across the lake to Salten. There the real hiking begins.

Day 1 started with the boat ride along the gorgeous Konigssee Lake with a guided tour. The Konigssee Lake is the deepest and cleanest Alpine lakes in all of Germany. The lake is about 5 miles, 8 km, long and rather narrow. It was carved by glaciers. In fact the boat that we rode on is electric powered, to not pollute the water with gas. There is no swimming in the lake. The tour guide on the boat ride over spoke both German and English, pointing out important sites and history of the lake. Approximately, halfway across the lake we approached the very steep alps to either sides of the lake, at this point the guide played his trumpet since the Alps resonated the sound, echoing each note back to us from the mountain walls. Amazing, Jeremy loved it! We did make a stop at the picturesque St. Bartholoma church, letting off passengers as we continued further to Salet. St. Bartholoma Church was originally built in the 12th Century, then remolded in the 16th Century using a domed style influenced by Ottoman architecture. The hunting lodge is now a restaurant and we did eat there after our hike was complete on day 3 before riding the boat back to Berchtesgaden. The trout and whitefish, is served fresh from the lake during the summer months. No other fishing is allowed on the lake. Once we crossed the lake, we walked along the trail until we reached the steep uphill climb, with multiple switch backs and approximately 12 miles of hiking that day. The climb up was tough but definitely worth the incredible views from the top. We were above the pine trees, looking down at Konigssee Lake, and the Alps high above in every direction you look. We arrived at our first destination- Wasseralm hut at around 1600 that day. There were no showers that night but hot soup, and cold drinks. We played bocce ball and cards until bed. 

Day 2 surrounded by the mountains, pine trees, nature, and sunshine we ate breakfast outside and packed up to start hiking again. This day started at a gradual uphill pace to the highest summit, 1790 meters that we would reach this weekend. At this point with sunshine again today we could see for miles. Gorgeous panoramic views. After the tallest summit we thought it would be a nice downhill coast to our hut but it was a lot of uphill, downhill. We passed by two crystal clear lakes, pretty wildflowers, and of course the mountains in each direction. The hike continued until we came to a clearing to see this amazing hut, the Karlingerhaus, where we will stay the second night. There were smaller separate rooms and hot showers at this hut. 

Day 3- Rain, rain, and more rain! At least this is our last day of hiking, the easiest day by far, and all downhill. Again we have breakfast, pack up, and get our rain gear on for a slippery, wet, steep hike down. This day was shorter, the total hike took us 3 hours and we finished hiking at St. Bartholoma Church where we would get on the boat back to Berchtesgaden after lunch. We passed by some amazing rock formations, crazy fog, rushing waterfalls, and high waters.

Such a great weekend, rewarding once we completed this! We would love to do this again next year, the weather was wonderful despite the rain we had beautiful days before that. Even with the rain it was magical and mysterious. A little sore the next day but well worth the challenge. We love the outdoors, hiking, and exploring new areas. Plus with the huts we did not have to backpack with our tent and sleeping bags. We had the luxury of someone else cooking a hot meal for us and cold beer. What more can you ask for. I highly suggest the hut hike, book ahead though it does fill up fast!

Easter weekend in Innsbruck, Austria

March 25-28, 2016-

As the Bock beer fest in Germany and the Lenten season comes to an end the much anticipated Easter weekend is upon us. Jeremy and I awoke early on Good Friday and drove south, 3.5 hours from home, great easy drive through Regensburg and Munich. The town of Amberg was quiet when we left, rainy and desolate. We arrived to sunshine and beautiful scenery in Innsbruck. The town is set in a valley surrounded by the Northern Karwendel Alps, highest peak in the range reaching 2,334 meters or 7,657 feet Hafelekarspitze and the Patscherkofel and Serles to the south. Innsbruck is known for its winter sports, hosting the Winter Olympics in 1964, 1976, and 2012 as well as the Paralympics in 1984 and 1988.

Friday we settled in, had a wonderful quick Italian meal at Vapianos- one of our favorites in DC too! Then walked around the city sightseeing. We checked out the Dom St. Jakob. Saturday we woke up early, headed to the tourist information point and purchased the Innsbruck Card for 48 hours for 41 Euro, which is the best and cheapest way to see the city. With the card you have access to the hop on and hop off Sightseer bus, museum and sights entrance, city walking tour, Swarovski Kristallwelten and Crystal woods shuttle, and Up and downhill ride on any of Innsbruck's lifts. We started the day at the Breakfast club, excellent food, english menu, helpful and attentive staff, and fast service. I recommend the french toast or waffles! http://www.breakfast-club.at 

Then we hopped on the Sightseer bus to Ambras Castle, Schloss Ambras Innsbruck. A magnificent Renaissance castle surrounded by beautiful well maintained english gardens. It houses the world's oldest museum with armories, chamber of arts and curiosities, Spanish hall, Habsburg portrait gallery, and the Strasser collection of glass. The Archduke Ferdinand II, son of the Emperor Ferdinand I, converted Ambras Castle into a Renaissance palace, with its' famous collections. The Armories contain very rare examples of Emperor Maxmilian I's 15th Century tournament armour, famous 16th Century commanders' armour, and the Archduke's personal armour and weapons from the 30 Years' War. The important Habsburg patron collected valuable, rare, and unique pieces of nature and works of art in the Kunst and Wunderkammer room. The Spanish hall is one of the most important free standing halls of the Renaissance. www.schlossambras-innsbruck.at Although it was not Spring or summer to the outside gardens will still a sight to see and there were four peacocks roaming freely around the park- two males and two females, stunning. The property is massive and outside the garden gates there are many hiking trails with running streams and covered bridges along the winding paths.

Back on the hop on and hop off to the city center, they offer headphones and a tour guide as you travel. We did stop at the Tirol Panoramic and had 15 minute stop to take in the gorgeous panoramic view over the city. We did not have enough time to go into the museum which holds the famous Innsbruck Reisenrundgemalde, giant panoramic painting. This is the base of the Bergisel- Sprungstadion "Cobra" 50 meter high ski jump tower with restaurant with viewing platform, also with many hiking trails from this point.

Once in the city center we walked towards Congress to get on the Innsbrucker Nordkettenbahnen. Gondola, cable car ride to the top of the Alps- Hafelekar, with stops along the way at Seegrube, Hungerburg, Alpine Zoo, Lowerhaus. We first went all the way to the top since the weather was perfect with sunshine and the clouds have lifted above the Alps. We stepped off the gondola feeling the cold breeze in our faces, we bundled up and walked along the snowy path to the stunning lookout points along the icy, slippery, packed down trail. The snow peaked mountains in the distance were breathtaking.

After enough cold and wind we headed down to the next stop- Seegrube, still snow covered at 6,250 feet. The famous Cloud 9 Igloo bar with outdoor DJ and lounge chairs lined up along the terrace. The Seegrube restraunt with indoor/ outdoor setting and gorgeous panoramic views. We grabbed a chair and a beer taking in this moment and enjoying each others' company among many others enjoying the same day. Last stop for us was the Hungerburg located at 2,820 feet the snow was gone and we were able to hike down the paved trail from there. Passing the Alpine Zoo on the way, exotic animals and great setting but it was closed by the time we were headed down.

Dinner date at Ottoburg Restaurant in Old town. Romantic candlelit dinner, excellent food- German/ Austrian. Great historic setting near the Golden Roof. Excellent service, the staff were dressed in Dirndls. I had the deer stew and Jeremy ordered the steak, both delicious. We did try and find live music after dinner- stopping in the Piano Bar and the Pine. No live music, just one drink and then home. Another big day being tourist tomorrow!

Sunday we started by heading on the shuttle towards the Swarovski Crystal located in Wattens, Austria. The chamber of wonders and art in the garden were our highlights. We wished we would have gone through quicker and caught the shuttle back to Innsbruck instead of relaxing for 2 hours while basking in the sunshine waiting for the next shuttle. Definitely worth the trip just do not plan on staying 3 hours, 1 hour would be just fine so plan on the shuttle times.

Heading back to the City center we caught the 1400 City walking tour, which was so crowded and the tour guide does not talk the entire walk just at a few points. We branched off and did our own thing, headed first to the Golden Roof museum- Goldenes Dachl, we could have spent all day in this one museum. We were given audiotour guide and could walk around the museum at your own pace. Exhibitions about Emperor Maxmillian I during his reign and history of the Innsbruck emblem. Right next door the Stadtturm, which was closed over the winter months due to renovations. Normally you can go up the tower with unique views of the city and the mountains. The 15th century tower used to house a prison.

 

Next stop- Kaiserliche Hofburg. the Imperial palace with 25 imperial rooms from the 18th and 19th centuries with the Giant's Hall. The hall is the most magnificent festival and ceremony hall in the Alpine region. Very classy and elaborate palace with colorful rooms. The furniture and walls are both silk, showing stature and superiority.

Hofkirche, the Court Church houses the tomb of Emperor Maxmillian I and is lined with 28 bronze statues. Very unique church with the tomb right in the center of the church. Worth a visit. Next stop for Jeremy's love of art- Galerie im Taxispalais- Modern Art, international and local contemporary art. After a full day of sightseeing we stopped in for a beer at Tribaun, with a wide variety of local and European craft beers on tap. Very unique setting in a cellar with rustic tables and barstools. Highly suggest stopping in for a drink. We tried #4 Mountain Pale Ale local, #6 Brauschneider IPA local, #10 Framboise Lambik, sweet/ sour beer from Belgium and #15 XXX Weisse from Germany. Address- Museumstrasse 15, 6020 Innsbruck. http://www.tribaun.com/ Dinner that night we had excellent Mexican food and margaritas at La Taqueria. On our way to the restaurant, we stumbled upon the Jesuitenkirche, the Jesuit Church, so sacred and unique indoors.

Monday we had an hour left on our Innsbruck cards so we walked to Stift Wilten, seeing the Kloster Wilten Monastery and hopped on the #6 tram to Igls. 10 minutes from Innsbruck this small ski town has everything one would need for an outdoor adventure weekend. Again, surrounded by Alps. This time a clear view of the Patcherkofel Olympic Alps. During the summer months of July and August you can take the cable car up to the top of the Olympic Alps and hike from hut to hut along the stone pine circuit. Since this was closed we hiked from Igls back to Innsbruck which was amazing in itself. 5.7 km roughly if headed in a straight line but we ventured off the course and took a path back towards the Ambras Castle since we did not have time to walk around the surrounding gardens. We then ate a late lunch at L'Osteria before heading back to Germany.

Incredible weekend getaway with drastic changes in scenery only a few hours away. We loved it and hope to come back, but we do have a long list of other places to visit first. When we are back we hope to check out Ludwig, burger restaurant, it was closed on the holiday weekend and the Olympic Alps up to Patscherkofelbahnen in the summertime.