Boss' Day out

Looking up towards the summit

Decided that I needed a change from the gym so decided to stretch my legs by walking up the Rauschberg (1645m) which is one of the alpine peaks within a reasonable distance from Ruhpolding. If the thought of walking causes you to break out in a sweat, there is the option of taking a cable car to the summit instead. I used the local bus service to get me to the Rauschbergbahn which is the start point for the various paths that will take you to the top. All the paths are well sign posted and (for Bavaria) the normal mix of metalled roads and gravel tracks. I'd bought a local 'wanderkarte' or 'walking map' from the local Tourist Office so was clear on the path I was going to take; route 2 was my choice because it looked the most interesting, zigzagging across the face of the Rauschberg, over some challenging scree slopes and going under the cable car route.

Ruhpolding from the path

I was not disappointed in my choice, the path meandered across the face through the mixed woodland that cloaked the face. Periodically I would break free of the trees to experience breathtaking views over the valley, seeing Ruhpolding laid out like a model village with Cheimsee Lake in the distance. 

A memorial to local climbers

At times the going could be a little treacherous, I was comfortable and took my time working steadily upwards. The path was extremely narrow for a lot of the way and on a couple of occasions disappeared completely into sheer rock faces which had sections of 'klettersteig' to bridge the gap. I was constantly aware of the exposure which concentrated my mind wonderfully when choosing my footing!!!

The Summit Cross

 The final stretch to the summit was across alpine fields occupied by the local cattle who eyed me without interest as they mechanically chewed their cud accompanied by the tinkling of their cow bells. All too soon my solitude was disturbed by the the chatter of families descending as I worked my way up to the main path. Quickly the cafe and cable car station came into view as well as the congestion of people enjoying the view of hang gliders and paragliders launching off the summit. What threw me was the large metal sculpture, Adam's Hand slightly below the summit cross. I could not imagine such a sight on any of the hills and mountains that I enjoy back in the UK.

Adam's Hand

For me it was too busy, I come to the mountains for peace and solitude which I wasn't going to get. After taking a couple of photos, I quietly made my way to the cable car and the start of my journey back to the house.