Austrian Alps in the Tirol Region

Though it was misty, we took a cable car up the mountain. We're glad we did!

The mist gave a unique atmosphere to the folk festival going on. Most were in folk clothes.

The mist and rain moved in so the dancing shut down. We walked to a barn where people came and went. Cow bells jingled while they moo-ed on the hillside. The barn had a milk bar. You could get beer or wine, but they also served fresh milk and buttermilk. I got a cup of the best milk I have ever tasted for 1 Euro. Since the bar was crowded with men and women in folk costumes, we stood in the mist under umbrellas and drank our cold, sweet milk with the cows.

Lake Plansee is only a few miles away. Pristine. Beautiful. Even in the rain.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ under the user name lahlumdiMiximilian Hotel webpage http://www.maxihotel.com/projekt02/index.php (click on the British Flag for English)

http://www.ausserfern-direct.at/austria/reutte.php Website for the city

The reason we stayed in Austria, in Ruette, for our visit to the castle Neuschwanstein, is because of Rick Steves' books on Germany/Austria. He gave the advice that this is a beautiful area, close by but much less crowded than the Fussen, Germany area. We are so glad we followed his advice! http://www.ricksteves.com/

Ruette, Austria: Ehrenberg Castle Ruin

The Ehrenberg Castle was built in 1296. It was destroyed in 1632 by the Sweedes. The ruin is only available by a 20 minute hike, but the view of the town of Ruette is worth it.

The path

to ruin.




Above is a lovely panorama looking over Ruette.

At the bottom of the mountain there is a museum and a play area. At the time we were there, a musical was running about knights. We did not take time to see the musical. Here is more information about all that is available there.

http://www.tiscover.at/at/guide/54953at,en,SCH1/objectId,IND866783at,curr,EUR,parentId,RGN193575at,season,at1,selBlk,RBLOCKBLK,selElem,BKE1Q8Zat/intern.html