Try as we may to hide from it, the signs are becoming obviously clear. The days are growing shorter, there’s a certain crispness to the air and the lush green that we’ve grown accustomed to is slowly turning to a brilliant rust orange. Autumn is arriving and close behind will be the start of winter. Our summer in Seefeld is coming to an end – but what a fantastic time we’ve had.
For the past four months we’ve experienced all Seefeld has to offer. We’ve travelled to magical Neuschwanstein, learning all about Mad King Ludwig II and fulfilling our fantasies of being Disney Princesses in a Disneyesque castle (even Nick, though he may attempt to deny it). We witnessed the Passion play at the theatre in Oberammergau, saw the delicate woodcarvings and tasted, without a doubt, the best ice cream we’ve had on our travels.
Annmarie and I explored Mediterranean climates, crossing the border into Italy to visit the impressive, award winning gardens of Trauttmansdorff castle in Merano. We’ve seen the sights in the neighbouring town of Bolzano and said “hello” to Ötzi the ice mummy in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.
Sticking closer to home, we travelled to Rattenburg, the smallest town in Austria and famous for its glass blowing. From Austria’s smallest town to its largest lake: Achensee. The lake impressed us with its startlingly clear waters. It is one of the coldest lakes in Austria, hardly ever rising above 20°C.
There were no half-measures on our visit to the Starkenberger brewery tour. We enjoyed our well-earned samples after an exhilarating experience on the world’s longest Alpine rollercoaster in Hoch-Imst.
Despite all our trips away from Seefeld, we had plenty of time to discover the wonderful walks around us. We climbed the Rosshütte, to the summit of Seefelder Spitz, walked around the Gschwandtkopf to the Mösern Peace Bell, wandered along the Isar river in the Karwendel valley, trekked through the Geisterklamm gorge looking for a very mischievous spirit (not to be confused with Hannah the rep) and out to Mittenwald to see the lakes and cascades.
When we weren’t evening-out our t-shirt tans at lake Wildsee, we’ve been giving yoga on paddle boards and roller skiing a go! There’s also been a fierce competition between Annmarie and Nick to see who could get their gold hiking badge first (Annmarie won for the record). And Hannah and I have been determined to show off our dirndls.
None of this would have been as enjoyable if it hadn’t been for our wonderful guests. Therefore, whilst we desperately refuse to accept home time is nearing, we’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has stayed with us this summer. We hope to see you next year!
Ciara, Hannah, Annmarie and Nick