The European Chronicles 2024.15 - To The Glaciers!
Kaunertal and, of course, Pitztal
That photo: the Pitztal Glacier, but first...
We head out from the Goldene Rose on a sunny Sunday, unusual on a transit day for us this trip, but always welcome!
Past Castelbello, built in the 12th century by the Lords of Montalban. Soon after, it passed into the possession of the Earls of Tyrol. In 1531, it passed to the Earls of Handl, and stayed in their possession until the 20th century. In 1949, it was taken over by the state and in 2008, conveyed to the Province of Bolzano. The castle has been restored, has tours, holds various events and, apparently, sits on a wine trail. Next time...
More vineyards and orchids...
When you know you're on the right road... 😂
Yup, that's a church steeple rising up out of the Reschensee reservoir. A 14th century church steeple.
This reservoir was created in 1950 to produce electricity. A total of 163 homes and 1290 acres of land were submerged, the people forced to relocate. When the lake freezes in winter, you can walk out to the steeple. No bells though. 😂
Over the pass and you're into Austria.
First, we're heading up to the Kaunertal Glacier. Pay the toll; 29 hairpins and 1500 meters of elevation gain await.
We have goat...
2750 meters, 9022 feet.
Time for some cappuccino.
See the road? 😂
Dead phone camera, so the ride into Pitztal will be shot another time...😎
We're trying. 😂
That's the Rifflseebahn to the right, which takes you up to 2300 meters, 7500 feet, and the Rifflsee, a glacial lake.
Mia is (now) happy. 😎. She did, however, have a bit of a hissy fit, I'm guessing because of no garage at the Goldene Rose...right as we were leaving, the dreaded "LAMP!" message comes on...headlight bulb out. I carry spares, changed it out when we arrived, fiddly as usual, but only a few (new) curse words.
She's also in good company.
Cute little town directly across from the hotel.
Our room
And how can you not love the wall art? They light up! 😂
We're going to be here ten days; Pitztal will definitely get it's own entry or two...
Ciao!
Down through the valley, heading toward Reschen Pass and into Austria.
Past Castelbello, built in the 12th century by the Lords of Montalban. Soon after, it passed into the possession of the Earls of Tyrol. In 1531, it passed to the Earls of Handl, and stayed in their possession until the 20th century. In 1949, it was taken over by the state and in 2008, conveyed to the Province of Bolzano. The castle has been restored, has tours, holds various events and, apparently, sits on a wine trail. Next time...
More vineyards and orchids...
When you know you're on the right road... 😂
Yup, that's a church steeple rising up out of the Reschensee reservoir. A 14th century church steeple.
This reservoir was created in 1950 to produce electricity. A total of 163 homes and 1290 acres of land were submerged, the people forced to relocate. When the lake freezes in winter, you can walk out to the steeple. No bells though. 😂
Over the pass and you're into Austria.
First, we're heading up to the Kaunertal Glacier. Pay the toll; 29 hairpins and 1500 meters of elevation gain await.
We have cow...
We have goat...
Time for some cappuccino.
Dead phone camera, so the ride into Pitztal will be shot another time...😎
Relive 'To Pitztal!'
We're staying at the Vier Jahreszeiten, another wonderful hotel, and adjacent to the Glacier Express, a through the mountain funicular that takes you up to the glacier. I first stayed here in 2019, have been back a few times since, and it definitely belongs on a greatest hits tour. It is a hiking paradise, in a stunning valley.
They greet you with a glass of Prosecco so, you know, our kinda place...
We're trying. 😂
We like wine, and they seem to have some... 😂
Our view
Cute little town directly across from the hotel.
Our room
And how can you not love the wall art? They light up! 😂
We're going to be here ten days; Pitztal will definitely get it's own entry or two...
A glacial preview:
Ciao!
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