Gemütlichkeit

Don't ask me to pronounce this word, but it is an Austrian concept very evident in the town we chose to plant ourselves for a few days... it means warm, cozy, friendly, with a focus-on-the-moment mindset.

A previously planned, but postponed trip to Russia offered Dennis and I some extra days in Europe. We spent the weekend in Germany with our team serving in Munich and then headed to a little Austrian town east of Salsburg.

Nestled at the foot of Mount Dachstein (9,000 ft.) is the quiet and quaint town of Hallstatt. A small town (1,000 people), fairly remote, with little touristy feel makes this town a perfect spot for Dennis and I to unwind, process, and replenish before our return to the states. After weeks and months of transition, with more to come, we consider these days a gift.

Hallstatt perches on its lakeside ledge between Mount Dachstein and Hallstatt Lake with little room for the houses to go but up. Yesterday we hiked up Dachstein to the salt-mining caves, a major resource in this area for thousands of years. The trail took us past rippling brooks, major waterfalls, and breathtaking views overlooking the lake and it's surrounding area. We watched hang-gliders navigate their way down from one of the highest peaks to grassy fields in the town of Obertraun across the lake from Hallstatt.

Last night we enjoyed a lakeside dinner of weinerschnitzel that was fantastic. Later a yummy dessert of Quark (Cheese) Strudel with warm vanilla sauce hit the spot.

As always, perhaps pictures give a better glimpse into our stay in Hallstatt.

Lutheran church in Hallstatt.

After hiking up to the salt mine area we decided
to take a tour through the mines. They gave
us this special garb for warmth and protection :).
Don't we look cute?

Hallstatt from Mount Dachstein.

Looking across the lake to the town of Obertraun.
Hang gliders take off from the mountain at the top right.
 

The view from our B & B room.

Town center

Steeple to the Catholic church. Note the
hang-glider to the right in the photo.

Any of you who know my maiden name... check out the
"Schloss Grub" located across the lake. Hopefully we'll
take a ferry boat across to see this castle.