Trainsjoch

December 2015

2015's December was everything, but winter. There was barely any snow in the Alps – and those small strips left were the desperate attempt to make the annual ski business happen at any cost. We took the chance and hiked the spring like mountains to the amazing Trainsjoch on the Bavarian-Austrian border.

Early Morning

Between Christmas and New Year's Eve and at this time of the day, highways to the Alps are usually packed with snow junkies. However, this year there were more people driving to work than to the mountains. Arriving early in the Ursprung valley, we started our winter hike through a beautiful, shady forest.

First Sunlight

We couldn't wait for the sun to touch our skin, so we started of way faster than reasonable.

To the Peak

After passing the Mariandlalm, the path follows the Bavarian-Austrian border – passing one landmark after another. The ascent is steep and gives a first glimpse of what panoramic view to expect at the peak. We eventually even found the sorry leftovers of snow in some shadowy corners.

Trainsjoch

At 1.707 meters the Trainsjoch peak is already high enough to offer an amazing overview on the northern Alps. Unfortunately its exposed position makes the Gipfeljause, the obligatory snack at the peak, a rather windy and cold experience.

Mariandlalm

On our way down we were passing the Mariandlalm again – now ready for the well-deserved lunch break on its beautiful sun terrace. I can highly recommend the Kaspressknödl ;)