Maximizing the Deutschlandticket. Part III: Let's go to the Alps!

Right by the border between Germany and Austria (and a mere 1,5h away from Munich) the hills and mountains of beautiful Salzburg can be found. Here is where I’d spend a couple of days before heading for a full week in Berchtesgaden, which is just as idyllic and only less than an hour’s drive away. What a great delight and a fresh change from the ‘flat’ North where I live!

Lovely as they are with all the novelty and plethora of places to discover, as expected, the ten days feel too short in the end. The blue, blissful sky, water and mountains undeniably leave me craving for more. The scenery is unfamiliar, yet calming and comforting.

Around the cities, at the squares, castles, churches or elsewhere, nobody seems to be in a rush to go anywhere or do anything. From the public audience spontaneously becoming pianists on Salzburg’s Mozart Square, to everyone struck silent, utterly in awe over the Fortress Hohensalzburg and the breathtaking view stretching as far as our eyes can see in all directions at the Untersberg, to people leisurely hiking around and having some snacks by Berchtesgaden’s Königssee.

P.S. Bonus tip for culture and nature lovers: Plan your visit to Salzburg and Berchtesgaden around July and August to catch the world famous and enjoy the warmest weather for a dip in the picturesque Königssee! Also, check your weather app(s) carefully before a hike, don’t make my mistake with the foggy Alps—more to that in another story…