12.6 miles ascent 2088′ descent 857′
Breakfast at the O’Sterne Hotel was a jolly time. Roberto and his crew engaged everyone in enjoyable conversation as they prepared whatever we requested for our meal. Meanwhile there was a bountiful array of fresh rolls, cheese, fruit, meats and the like.
The walk was a gentle flat path through the Leutasch Valley. And if there was any doubt as to where we were, this sign made it quite clear!
What a marvelous way to begin the day, enjoying the beautiful Austrian scenery here in Leutasch.
Very friendly goats and a donkey came to the fence to greet me as we walked by.
Now this bull was another story. Thankfully, he all but ignored our presence!
As we crested a small hill, we were met with the impressive sight of Hohe Munde, a mountain on the eastern end of the Mieming Chain.
Why not turn one’s winter supply of firewood into an attractive garden wall in the summertime! Very creative!
Our trail soon lead to the Leutasch Ache river which we followed for a number of miles through the Gaistal Valley.
The path joined another gravel road, a well-traveled mountain bike route. The river provided ample opportunity to cool our feet as the day warmed. For lunch we stopped at the very pleasant Gaistalalm and its lovely views overlooking mountain meadows.
Continuing on, we had amazing views of the Wettersteingebirge Range, containing the well-known Zugspitze.
Always a reassuring indicator, a trail marker appeared with our destination clearly stated. Just a note, trail markers state the amount of time to reach a destination, not mileage, and if food is available (crossed knife and fork).
Ehrwald Alm was located in a wide bowl, the site of several ski areas. Hiking trails from all directions merged on this area.
During the summers, Ehrwald Alm is a hub of activity abounding with hikers, mountain bikers, climbers and day-trippers who could easily access this high mountain bowl via the cable car. During the winters, skiers converge here due to the several Alpine ski areas. We took the cable car down to Ehrwald, catching a bus to the village center where there were many opportunities for any resupply necessary. We stayed at the very pleasant Sporthotel Schönruh. The view from our room was stunning!
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