We have driven south to Slovenia and the paradise of Lake Bled.The color of the lake does not look real. This was a steep hike up to the view point but worth the effort.All that effort calls for trying some of the local delicacies! The Bled cream cake is as good as it looks.We enjoy our balcony with a great view of the mountains. We are a 10 minute walk to the lake at Guest House Vera – a nice family home that has two apartments to rent.An early morning stroll around the lake.We enjoyed the reflections and the sunshine.The castle dates from 1100’s. I can’t imagine building it on this rock but it is very defensible.The scenery changes as you go around the lake but always spectacular.At the beach area, we stopped to try another Bled cream cake with cappuccino’s. A wonderful combination.We did some near by hikes including this one to Pokljuška soteska Gorgeand we did…A very unique hiking experience.We really enjoyed our balcony! We were able to use it every day as the weather was perfect.There is some beautiful mansions and stately architecture to enjoy on our walks around the lake. Here is a link to Bled tourism page.
St Stephen’s Cathedral in the center of Vienna is filled with tourists. Notice the amazing roof tiles!The interior is just as dazzling!The world famous Opera House on Ringstrasse boulevard – an architectural gem, dates from the era of Emperor Francis Joseph I.There are many architectural delights!We enjoyed walking around and really appreciated the good weather!Henry Moore’s Arched Hills in this pleasant reflecting pond.Otto Wagner’s Pavilion – an early modernist architectural example. He was on the fore front of transitioning styles and had much influence in Vienna in the early 1900’s.His Postsparkasse was another treat to see and we were able to peak into the atrium.The MAK museum will inform us about the development of applied arts. We especially enjoyed learning about the different influences that lead to styles changing.Like Gustav Klint and the Secessionist collaboration with Otto Wagner.We enjoyed the elegant pieces and the fine craftsmanship.A feast for the eyes!An exterior clock that moves to graphically show the time.Across the street we went underground to the Roman excavations to learn about the military presence that started Vienna.Of course we could not leave Vienna without visiting a coffee house. At Cafe Neu Wien we had delicious soup lunch with apple strudel for desert – a great choice! We enjoyed our day trip to Vienna.
The famous paleolithic Venus Of Willendorf (25,000+ years ago) was found here, overlooking the Danube River. This is in the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape containing some of Europe’s most enchanting river scenery.Unfortunately Storm Boris is an extreme weather event that is causing the flood barriers to be raised. The firefighters were extremely vigilant to keep all the communities informed and connected.A good way to spend a rainy day was inside the historic Sift Melk (Abby), established in 1089, another UNESCO world heritage site.Gorgeous Baroque architecture! We especially enjoyed the library with some of the first terrestrial and celestial globes created.Uh oh. It rained for 5 straight days! Nonstop for 4 of those and one for extra stress.This is the Weitenbach at the peak – the stream empties into the Danube, next to where we are staying. It is to the bottom of the bridge!The Danube Lake is part of the flood control for the river but it was still a bit disconcerting. This link shows the levels of the Danube while we were there.Parking? Here? Lower Austria manages the Danube very well but nature is not always controllable as Storm Boris caused much heartache and destruction in its path.The rain did stop and we got to use our balcony. Our owners had been through high water events before, lived below our apartment, kept us calm – which we really appreciated. They even had us down for yummy chicken soup dinner with homemade apple strudel . An enjoyable evening 😉Calmness returned to the lake. The waters receded so we could park the car in front again. A near-by town recorded 16″ of (torrential) rain in the 5 day period. Unprecedented!The sun shines! Castle ruins on the hill above our apartment dates to the 1100’s.This Wauchau valley is know as the wine region so we went on a Wine Wander……Beautiful rolling hills. Nice to be out exploring the roads, tho many are still closed.Very much enjoying the sunshine!And the local crops.
Follow-up: The severe four-day rainfall was “by far” the heaviest ever recorded in Central Europe and was caused by what’s known as a “Vb depression” that forms when cold polar air flows from the north over the Alps and meets warm air from Southern Europe. (Radar showed moisture coming up from the Baltic Sea, and it stalled over the area). We did not get hit as hard as other areas but Lower Austria was in the disaster area. This article explains Vienna’s preparations.
Prehistoric Pile Dwellings were found along Mondesee (on our drive between Salzburg and Vienna) as well as in many other locations around the Alps – a combined UNESCO World Heritage Site.This culture dates from 5000 to 500 BC.Well preserved pottery that reminded us of Mesa Verde – only this is much much older! We enjoyed our stop at Mondesee MuseumThis exhibit show how they document these archeology sites. The dwellings were built along lake shores but most are under water now, which has preserved the remains well.A video hows how difficult the documentation is. Thank you to all that are working to preserve this ancient culture. If you want to find out more, check out palafittes.org
The Hills are Alive! We are on the ‘SOM’ WanderWeg (hiking trail) to the alpine meadow above Werfen, Austria where one of the movie scenes was filmed.La – a note to follow so…”Do Re Mi… in case you forgot the lyrics!…a long long way to run…Could it be Maria singing “The hills fill my heart with the sound of music…”?And Clint Eastwood used the Hohenwerfen Castle in the background for his movie “Where Eagles Dare”.
We headed high above the morning clouds on a beautiful day.Breathtaking!Looking down on the valley of the Salzach river and the town of Werfen, Austria.We have hiked up, then taken a steep Gondola ride – still a bit more climbing to reach the Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave.Heading into the World’s Largest Ice Cave! A first for us.There is still a lot more climbing once inside – we carry gas lanterns to light the way.Ice formations! Some with special added lights at key locations.Scenic!Artistic!Mesmerizing — nature at it’s finest! Here is more geology science –After an hour and half or so, it is time to exit this special ice wonderland.To the historic Dr Oedl Schutzhaus restaurant at the top of the gondola.We enjoyed a delicious hot bowl of goulash soup.With the same view as the birds.
Not a place we would find Lewis Hamilton…Red Bull Hanger 7 – SalzburgEven if you are a Mercedes fan, there is plenty of glitter and glam to enjoy.Architecturally this is really a dynamic space.The Formula 1 beauty is in the details!And there is more! A fun interactive where we plunged to Earth from space.
In the hills south of Salzburg is Hellbrunn Palace.Built in 1615, it is a fun place to explore. Unicorns outside……and inside. Nature was promoted.Roman inspired amphitheater…. Augustus in the centerWhat are we watching?The trick fountains spurt to life.All the fountains are powered by engineered water ways to create this extraordinary garden.Neptune, the Roman god of water, would be very pleased. Abundant water makes for a vibrant dahlia garden.A perfect place for the gazebo, “I am sixteen going on seventeen…” – one of the Sound of Music iconic locations in Salzburg.The mountain views from the palace grounds.
