The European Chronicles 2025.11 - The Grossglockner Playground - Part Two
Votter's Car Museum, Riding, Hiking, Food...
We both love Heiligenblut, the National Park Lodge and the Grossglockner...great hotel, cute little town, fantastic hiking and riding. I think the Grossglockner is probably the prettiest road I've ever seen...it is challenging but also wide enough that you can actually enjoy the view(s) and not die. 😂
Other folks like to play too...and midweek is DEFINITELY the way to go...empty.
The glacier, or what's left of it.
Hiking trail back to Heiligenblut.
At the north end of the Grossglockner, in Kaprun, is a hotel and "Oldtimer" Museum...the term used for old cars.
Relive 'Votters Car Museum'
Just before you get to the hotel is Burg Kaprun, a 12th century castle.
Helmuth Votter started collecting cars over 35 years ago. Most were purchased in poor condition and restored. He passed away in 2024, but the collection and his hotel live on.
Votter's Hotel and Car Museum is a "Tourenfaher" hotel, catering to motorcyclists. Dedicated parking.
The entrance
A couple new specimens arrived almost exactly when I did:
In the hotel courtyard, there's a train car, locomotive and a couple of Fiat "planters." What an interesting collection to have at a hotel. 😎
The hotel itself is also pretty interesting, lots of nooks and crannies. 😂
There will be ROCKS...
Waterfalls...
And BEER...
Thunderstorms in the afternoon...the store next door sells these in a 3-pack, ready to go!!!
The National Park Lodge is a wonderful hotel...how can you beat that view? Sauna, pool (which Krisanne loves), great staff and food...
They even have stone pine schnapps.
Ok, I have to tell this story, and it is particularly directed to those of you who ride...
Krisanne and I are talking over dinner about her newly acquired video recording skills. I was complimenting her on how steady she is and how she's been able to capture both the road and the passing scenery.
She says, "It's been fun, and I can really get a good view when I'm standing up."
Wait, What??? "When are you standing up?" I ask...afraid of the answer.
"Oh, almost all the time."
What??????
"Through the hairpin corners?"
"Oh, yeah."
"DON'T DO THAT!!!!!!!!"
"SERIOUSLY, DON'T DO THAT!!!!!!!"
OMG 😂
Next up: Italia!
Ciao!
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