Of course one can't go to Austria without seeing the Alps. Well, maybe some people can, but we couldn't. We rented a car and set out for the "hills". What a feeling of freedom it was! We caught our first glimpse of the gorgeous mountains at the entrance to Grossglockner National Park. We then followed the very windy, narrow road (while watching out for swerving motorcycles and crazy cyclists) and climbed to an elevation of about 9000 feet. We found it amazing that even after we reached the summit and continued onward, we would come out the other side of a mountain tunnel, and find yet another layer of mountains. The purple jagged peaks seemed to appear around ever corner, both far in the distance, and so near it felt like we could reach out and touch them. Certainly it was the most impressive mountain range I've seen.
Once within view of Austria's highest peak, Mt. Grossglockner, we stopped for a quick hike amongst the stunning scenery. We weren't alone though, as we managed to upset many resident marmots. Their warning cry was unique and very loud. Burrows were everywhere and quite large. We had to step carefully to avoid turning our ankles!
Grossglockner National Park
Alpine flowers
John at Edelweisspitz summit
Zoom in to see the marmots
Mt. Grossglockner- Austria's highest peak
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