Europe Part 3. Garmisch - Plansee

I arrived in Garmisch-Partenkirchen which was a slight detour from my planned route but it gave me a chance to see the highest mountain in Germany the Zugpiste. It would have been ok to climb but would have taken me all day so instead I climbed one of it’s smaller off shoots The Wank. In German of course a W is pronounced like a V so the locals say Vank. The view from the top of the whole valley was stunning. In the distance were the Alps to the south and Bavaria to the North. I stayed with a host in the town along with another cyclist who passing through on his way to Istanbul. From Garmisch-Partenkirchen I cycled my first mountain pass taking me out of the valley and up through the monastic towns of Ettal and Oberammergau. Every 10 years in these towns they replay the Passion of Jesus which involves people making themselves look like him and carrying crosses. I haven’t quite found out yet if they go full crucified though like they do in some South American areas.

I wild camped alongside the lake at Plansee on the opposite side of the shore to a campsite. On my budget I can’t afford the prices they are asking so I have to stealth it out as best I can. I was disturbed around 1am by a guard with a flashlight telling me I wasn’t supposed to be camping there. I was half expecting him to ask for €20 but he just said to make sure I was gone by sun up and not to leave any mess. He missed a trick there as he could have tapped me for a 20 and said nothing to his bosses. Maybe folk are a little more honest in Austria.