We had a longer drive than usual so we got an early start. That said we did lose some time when the toll booth that we stopped at did not accept cards and I was a few cash euros short! The attendant came out and reset the card reader but it still did not work. She did stop the other cars so we could get into an different line. We were also stopped at a police roadblock. There must have been 10 cops blocking the entire road. We were waved over to the side and I pulled up to the cop in front of the line. He asked where we were coming from and we had to think for a bit and then Said Lake Bled. He then asked if we had stopped in Annaberg and we said no. He said OK and waved us on. What was even stranger is that they had a video camera man filming the whole thing. Besides those two oddities this was one of the most beautiful drives I have ever driven. Each turn brought a more stunning vista into view. The leaves are at their peak, the mountains are majestic and the sun was shining right up to where we got to Hallstatt.
When does a castle become a fortress?
Big foothills with big farms on them
There was talk of rain in the forecast so we were grateful for the sun
I can hear the yodeling
We seemed to decent for miles and miles until we got to the bigger mountains
Then we went through many tunnels
This mountain was snow capped and creating its own weather
Se we went under it
We all be Needen more Fritz
100 feet up in the air, this overpass was for the highway. While we were on these type of overpasses, the side panels made it hard to take pictures but it made it easier to not freak out.
This kind of driving is more my speed
Austria route 166 was the scenic backroad we were hoping for
166 winds its way along a mountain stream between towering rock faces
In a narrow canyon...
...we drive slowly...
...looking from side to side
A vista at every turn
The sun is still with us...
...as we approach Hallstatt
But then some clouds arrive
The cows don't mind
A cozy spot
The space between mountains get tighter and tighter
So stunning!
