For a view of the spectacular Bavarian and Austrian Alps we traveled to the top of the Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain.  From Garmisch we boarded the Zugspitzbahn, a cog train, then transferred to the Gletscherbahn, the cable car, for a four minute ride to the summit.   Riding past giant boulders and through the mountain, it’s amazing to think of workers blasting through all that rock with the tools and technology of the 1800’s.

It’s difficult to put into words or capture in photos just how beautiful it is at the top of Germany.  Extraordinary panoramas.  As far and wide as you can see there are mountains – some snowcapped, some with layers of green, others jagged and rocky.  We had a pure blue sky – again – and 2 degrees Celcius (35 degrees F).  We sloshed around in the snow as we walked around the hotel built in 1931, accessible only to mountain climbers at first.  We walked through the small church, took tons of pictures, and enjoyed a local beer soaking up some sun on the open patio of one of the restaurants before descending back to Garmisch.

Each village we saw in Germany was more charming than the next and I think Garmisch was the best of the best.  I marveled at the murals and scroll work decorating each building – around the doors, windows, anywhere there was a blank slate. 

Enjoying the quiet village atmosphere we strolled with no particular destination except it was time to eat again.  Following a cobblestone street we moved away from main street and towards some music. There was an accordion and sax duo playing on the sidewalk, perfectly situated across from a classic Bavarian café, Restaurant Alpenhof. We enjoyed a delicious and authentic meal sitting in the outdoor cafe,  listening to music and watching passersby.  Fresh yellow flowers on every table, red and orange cushions on wooden chairs, locals mixed with tourists, it could not be a better scene for a relaxing dinner.