Bavarian Experiences
In June 2009 nine of the 15 members of our Salzkammergut Experience group continued for a second week in the Bavarian Alps of Germany, about a three hour drive from our base in Austria. It was great fun to spend a second week together, and having three young people in the group added a positive energy. Together we ascended mountains, explored magnificent castles, and enjoyed hearty German food. The highlight of the week was our trip by train and cable car to the top of the Zugspitze (9718 feet) where we lunched in the sunshine looking out on rocky mountain tops and lots of snow.
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Our guesthouse was in a very quaint and peaceful neighborhood, just a short walk from the pedestrian center of Garmisch. Garmisch is an interesting blend of the modern day and old architecture and tradition. We were especially fascinated by the twice-daily herding of cows down one the busiest streets of town.
Our group visited the nearby village of Oberammergau and had a behind-the-scenes tour of the famous Passion Play Theater. This Passion Play dates back to 1634, and is now performed every ten years, an incredible tradition in a small village. The next performance is in 2010… over 100 performances from mid-May to early-October. Some 500,000 people are expected to attend the play.
Because of the tourist crowds that are expected in this area next year, we’ve decided not to offer a Bavarian Experience in 2010. (Our family has booked tickets and we’re very excited to return for the Passion Play.) We plan to host our next Bavarian Experience in 2011 or 2012.