8 km of pure "Rodeln" in Chiemgau (Frasdorf)

Finally... made it out to the 'Berge' for the first time this winter, to a beautiful area of the Alps, near Chiemsee (lake), called Frasdorf.   And what a day to pick, there's just this little cold snap that won't leave Europe.  But the first saying I learned when moving to Munich years ago was "There's no bad weather, only bad clothing."  And I am living proof of that.  In -12C (or 5 in Fahrenheit) temperatures, we made the 2-hour hike up to the delightful, but crowded, Riesenhutte for a refreshing 'Russn' (Wheatbeer + Sprite-like soda that I love) and some hearty food cooked by a much better than average cook for these mountain huts.

So much to say about this place.  For starters, the food:  yes its your 'typical' hut food but the 'Rahmchampignon mit Semmelknodel' I had was aussergewohnlich (exceptional:), oh this is a creamy mushroom sauce, indeed with loads of mushrooms, and 2 dumplings - hit the spot right after our chilly climb, followed by what must be the most deliciousestest 'Kaiserschmarrn' I've had in all my days in Germany!  Doch!!  This guy (Alexander Egger, owner and cook) knows how to transform some fluffy pancakes into a gourmet delight fit for an Emperor (that's what the name means by the way, 'Kaiser' = Emperor, schmarrn = uh, nonsense, or messed up!)  Like scrambled pancakes with some sugar, in this case perfectly carmelized, and compote on the side (usually apple, we had plum today)..Deeeeeelicous!

Oh ya, but the reason we were actually there was for the hike up and even more so for the 'Rodeln' (Sledding) down...weeeeeeeee!  Love that sledding!  It's not just for those too chicken to ski either (and I love skiing too) but this sledding is serious business here in Bavaria.  Its definitely 'at your own risk', and you are sharing an 8-kilometer long, steep and somewhat narrow passageway with hikers, skiiers (mainly just coming down from the off-piste skiing), kids, dogs and the occassional mountain biker (wasever!).  Today was quite icey by the time we made it down which made it rather difficult to steer...and to stop...and even to walk..but a beautiful time of day to awe at the snow-topped trees, and views of the surrounding Alps and the lake in the distance.  All of these things totally outweigh the bumps and bruises I got on a couple of wipeouts.

To Sum it Up:
- 2 hour hike up to quirky, cute and friendly Riesenhutte (still not at the peak, but great views)
- About halfway up is another hut you can stop into if you need to break it up
- No option of taking a gondola, you are stuck hoofin it!  But its sooo worth it!
- Get your sled(s) at the Riesen hut after a meal to warm you up, for 8 euros to go all the way back down to parking,  or 4 euros to drop it off at the halfway hut and walk rest of way down
- When I say 'all the way back down' let me say that the hut is 1346 meters high (4,416 feet), but an 8 km path
- Can stay overnight at Riesenhutte (basic accomodations)
- Very friendly service and quirky atmosphere with shoes hanging from lamps
- Course offerings for avalanche safety and the hut participates in the 4-day tour from here to Kampenwand
- About an hour outside of Munich (by car) on the A8 (Salzburg), Exit Frasdorf, left onto Sagbergstrasse, then right towards 'Lederstube' and at the end of this street is parking
 
!!!  A fun idea:  time your trip with a taste of their full moon menu and stay the night, or sled down at night with your headlamp!!  2012 dates:  March 9, May 4, June 8, July 6, August 3 and 31

 

Beautiful snowy hike up.

Hot tea break...Oh, even my hat was chilly!

Now we're talking..weeeeee!  Sooo much fun!

Looking for something to do next Saturday in Munich?  Come see the Munich Creative Group's first exhibit!  Look here for more details!