Week 196: Hiking the Kanisfluh
From sunrise hikes to peaceful mountain moments, this post captures the serene beauty of one of Austria’s most stunning regions and the joy of checking off another bucket-list hike!
Friday
After a five-hour drive, we arrived in what I believe might be Austria’s most beautiful region—Vorarlberg. We checked into a cozy, dog-friendly mountain chalet that would be our home for the next two days, the Edelweiß am Öberle.
Edelweiß am Öberle
Chalet window details
Peep the "Bester Freund" water bowl
Daisy admiring the view
Following a delicious dinner, we set out on a sunset walk along a gravel path through fields of wildflowers. The scenery was stunning, and for a moment, we were tempted to let the dogs run free. However, we decided against it, which turned out to be a wise choice. Just seconds after the thought crossed our minds, a goat suddenly appeared from the trees and dashed off into the distance. Had the dogs been off-leash, who knows what might have happened!
Field of wild flowers
Evening sunlight
The trail to the Kanisfluh
As we continued our walk, we rounded a corner and caught our first glimpse of the peak we planned to hike the next morning.
The Kanisfluh
Saturday
The alarm went off at 5:15 AM, eager to begin our hike up Kanisfluh. This peak is one of the most iconic mountains in the Bregenzerwald, situated between the towns Mellau, Schnepfau, and Au. The air was crisp and smelled of freshly brewed coffee coming from the chalet.
Sunrise hike views
Charlie was with me and Eric had Daisy as we started up the trail I’d been pondering about for years. The path wound through lush meadows and dense forests, gradually leading us higher into the mountains. As we climbed, the sun slowly rose behind us, casting a golden glow over the landscape.
Daisy leading the pack...per usual
Sunrise hike views
The mountains were alive with the sounds of birds chirping, cowbells ringing, and nearby farmers starting their daily chores. We passed cows enjoying their breakfast and a few hikers who had already reached the summit and were on their way down. They must have set out as early as 4 AM to catch the first light from the top.
Cows eating their breakfast
Almost to the summit
Though I initially felt a wave of disappointment that we hadn’t reached the peak in time for sunrise, that feeling quickly faded. When we finally reached the top, we found ourselves completely alone, with the mountain all to ourselves.
Majestic sunrise at the Kanisfluh
As we reached the summit, we were greeted by a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains drenched with light rays. The entire landscape seemed to glow and the sky was a stunning mix of pinks, purples, and oranges.
Charlie taking in the sights, smells, and sounds from atop the mountain
Eric and Daisy at the summit cross
We stood there in awe, soaking in the beauty and the silence of this hot summer morning, feeling a profound sense of peace and gratitude for getting to share this moment with our pups.
Hiking back down
Views along the trail
After spending some time at the summit, just the two of us and our dogs, we began our descent, hearts full of the morning’s magic.
Attempting to take a family photo
We returned to the chalet for a well-deserved breakfast and then spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing, napping, watching the Olympics, and reflecting on the incredible hike we had just experienced.
Daisy taking a nap
Charlie guarding the room door and fighting a nap
Watching the olympics
Afternoon views from our room
Daisy insisted on climbing up so she could get a better look
After an afternoon nap and relaxation, we took the dogs down for dinner and one last stroll before calling it a night.
Pic with my pups
Kaspressknödelsuppe
Piggies
A memory that will stay with me forever was seeing Daisy jump onto the balcony chair to get a better look at the mountains. This girl is my soul dog.
Daisy admiring the view 🥹
I had to share the moment with her, so I quietly went outside and sat next to her.
Appreciating the moment with Daisy girl
Sunday
We woke up to a rainy morning, packed our bags, and had a final breakfast before checking out of the chalet. With happy hearts and tired pups, we began our journey back to Gmunden, already reminiscing about our incredible weekend in Vorarlberg.
Rainy days on the mountain can be beautiful
We broke up the drive with a last-minute stop in Germany to stretch our legs and eat lunch. The first stop was the Eibsee. A lake at the bottom of the Zugspitze and one of the most beautiful lakes in the Bavarian Alps.
Zugspitze cable car wires
The trail around Eibsee
It was too foggy to see the mountains, but the pups enjoyed a nice walk around the part of the lake.
Charlie standing in the Eibsee
The second stop was Garmisch town next to the Eibsee.
Garmisch
This town became world-famous for hosting the 1936 Olympic Winter Games, but I had not heard of it until finding a few fellow expats on Instagram. Would recommend coming here if your travels take you to Southern Germany!
Fun frescoes in Garmisch
Wafflehaus in Garmisch
Garmisch church tower
