Have you ever imagined hiking in between two countries ?

In German I call it “Grenzlos” or no borders.It´s only pure unlimited mountain experience and that´s what I´ve done last weekend when we decided spontaneously to go up in the Allgäuer Alps , with Riezlern in Oberstdorf as our base .

Being at the border between Germany and Austria and between the Allgäu and the Kleinwalsertal at the Fellhorn, with such high altitudes is such a cross-border experience and a highlight in my hiking experience itself!

My excited feet is walking in the ridges where Germany is on the other side and other side lies Austria. It is a wonderful feeling if I must say.It´s supposed to be an Autumn hike but the sceneries in front of my eyes seemed more like a preview of what lies ahead for us–a winter wonderland.Nevertheless, I don´t have the right to complain since the amazing views really pays it all off.

The whole week I was glued to my phone checking the weather in Oberstdorf. Actually I´ve planned to hike this place in Summer but due to hectic summer and work schedules, I couldn´t just have the time for it.So despite the fog and rain on Saturday, we left home at 4 am and drive to Oberstdorf to see this amazing mountain.As the saying goes ” the mountains are calling…and I must go…”

It´s a good thing that we didn´t procastinate because this place is just undeniably beautiful and even with the snow, it exceeded my expectations.The light coat of snow makes it look like a different place—a place I´ve seen somewhere in my Wanderlust and mountain daydreamings.Well I am not a professional hiker or a summit cross conqueror–I am just a curious nature adventurer.I´ve always felt like there´s still so much in the world that I wanted to see and once I have the chance to do it, i´ll go for it.

After a relaxing hike in Breitachklamm , the deepest Rocky Gorge in Bavarian Alps, I was eager to see more of what the Alps offer for.Our hotel is situated very near to Kanzelwand Bergbahn,phractically only around 5 minutes walk and we reached the station ,and took the Gondola up to Gipfelstation 1,967meters. We had an unlimited Bergbahn Card inclusive of the hotel booking so that was really a wise and practical choice considering the limited time that we had.The Gondola ride up in the middle station was a bit slow and I felt giddy. I am not really a fan of this tiny cable cars but then I brave myself to be in it. The views looking down were really beautiful, with waterfalls and the valley looked so small.

Once we reached the Mittelstation, I immediately looked for the Riezler Alpsee.I´ve seen many photos of it during summer days and in Autumn, it looks so idyllic, with dark blue waters ,practically in minus temps, surrounded with these beautiful slopes and ridges.It is just a pure paradise up in there.

The sun shines so bright and warmed our bodies immediately. My kid was super excited to see her first snow this year and she can´t get enough of playing and eating the snow.

We sat there for a moment and enjoy what´s in front of us.We had the place to ourselves and the tougt of reaching the summit cross sound so tempting.We took our time hiking up the ridge and enjoy the dynamic panoramic views of this 2 countries hiking experience!

The hiking paths are well set up and steps made it even more doable.Some parts uphill requires good stamina ,and good sturdy shoes are always good to have on.It had snowed for the last weeks so many parts were covered in snow and slippery.In Summer, there are many play fun opportunities for this place so this hike is actually suited for families and elderly as well.I am really amazed that there are many elderly people who are so active and hiking tenaciously in this area.Another good thing, there´s a cable to hold on for additional support so that really help me surviving this hike.

On the other side, I have seen hikers prefers to rock-climb to ascend the summit but of course that is for more experienced hikers and with proper safety gears.I am always fascinated by active people who do the Via Ferrata-Zwei Länder Klettersteig that is far more challenging.

There are so many hiking trails and unlimited fun factor up in the mountain so I think there is no shortage of what to do up here, only the strength and stamina to do all these fun!

The goal is to reach the summit cross and hug that Cross.Either way, rock climbing or hiking the normal way, reaching the top is what matters and we all did it.

Finally, my brave girl is the one who first crossed the summit and immediately asked for speculatius cookies to snack on. I was still busy taking photos ,catching my breath and thinking back how many whining she made during the entire hike and that just made me laugh.We´ve managed to create another milestone and special memories with this summit crossing.

In my hiking experience I´ve always noticed that most mountain peaks here in Bavaria and Austria have a cross erected on its summit.I was curious, wondering why is it so. I know that cross are somewhat religious symbol and at first it just doesn´t make sense.I´ve read that this crosses served as safeguards to protect one from lightning. hail and storms.It is also a symbolic marking of borders and territories which is quite practical.

It was time for us to descend and go on with our next hike in Nebelhorn. I would love to go back to this place once again in summer to hike, explore the little villages, and enjoy some delicious local delicacy and our favourite Kaisersmarrn in the Alpine Huts. Grabbing some food in the Alpine Huts is just a wonderful experience plus the wonderful views outside.Just thinking about it makes me feel excited and plan our next summer hiking trip in Allgäuer Alps.

Back in the valley as we walked back to the hotel, I feasted my eyes on these nature landscape paintings once more.I am just grateful and pleased that I have this chance to see this place.I do hope that in the near future, we can hike more mountains and give back to nature the gratitude it deserves.My feet hurts a bit but we went home happy from this trip!

Until then, Happy Hump Day dear Friends, Tschüß!