Österreich’s final hikes

Over the weekend the weather was much improved – so we could get out properly.

Saturday: ascent of Glungezer from Tulfes –

We were attracted to this one by the promise of a blazing bonfire on the mountain, a free cable car ( included on our visitor pass) , and the fact Max had not been there yet. Well, we had to fork out €60 for the lift, there was no sign of a bonfire, but Max still enjoyed it ( as did we).

The stone pine is an impressive tree – grows incredibly slowly, but lives for centuries, and found at much higher altitude ( 1500-2400m) than your normal tree line. This one was reclining nonchalantly on a rock outcrop – “look mum – no roots !”

Sunday : lift up Oberperfuss to Rosskogelhütte for lunch

Rather different views of the Innsbruck area,  looking East along the valley rather than across it. We had a pilot’s-eye view of the airport  landing strip , and an appreciation of just how wide and flat the valley floor is.

After an energetic hike up for the first hour, came out of the woods into Alpine meadows, and a bowl / plateau area near the top gave easier walking. Flocks of oddly-familiar long-eared sheep clustered together for shade by the cable car pylons.

And – that’s it for Austria on this trip .  Though , as one of its most famous sons said –

” I’ll be back “

And why not ? Beautiful scenery, great walking, easy to get around…..oh, and good dumplings !

So I picked up a souvenir to stick on top of the van –