We had some pretty incredible privileges living in the shadow of the Untersberg mountain, part of the Austrian Alps. From the moment our bus came near our small town on our first day, I recall feeling a thrill of “we’re going to live here?!? Too incredible!” Every few mornings before the rest of the family woke, I would take a borrowed bicycle with side-mounted bags to the grocery store – a beautiful ~15 minute ride each way.
Biking
There were a couple days I got to venture out on my own, thanks to my supportive wife, to tackle some less kid-friendly challenges. The first was a bicycle ride along the mountains and streams. It isn’t that I took some amazing, famous route – this is just what the whole region looks like! I tried my hand at a more v-log format – I hope you enjoy!
Hiking
Since arriving, I’d been excited to climb the Untersberg. The trail head is walking distance from where we were staying, but due to being quite a dangerous trail, they don’t open it until a little later in the season. Only a few days before leaving Salzburg, the conditions were perfect and I ventured in!
It was a strenuous hike. Climbing 1311 meters (4300 feet) over approximately 4.5 km (2.8 miles) was challenging for me. But what amazed me was how many much older men breezed right by me on what they treated like nothing more than their morning walk!
I took my time, pausing to take photos and just breath in the beauty I was immersed in. There were waterfalls everywhere. There was a snail the size of my palm. Butterflies, wildflowers, and more panoramic views than I know what to do with…
Overall, both adventures were terrific experiences. Where should we go that could rival the Alps??
Phil,
Thanks for sharing think of you guys often!
Love
Aunt Kay