The Wagenbrüchsee Cabins
After visiting Königssee, the tone for the rest of the day was set, nothing could ruin my day. After filling up my car I had a smile on my face, a tank full of gas and a SD card full of some of the best photos I had taken in a long time and things were only going to get better. The drive to the next location was about three hours away, which was a peaceful drive around the mountains and farmlands of southern Germany. I really could not have been happier in that moment. Everything was near perfection; minus the mound of wrappers and empty Redbull cans I had riding shotgun with me. The sun was out and it had warmed up just enough that I could feel comfortable in a t-shirt but not to the point where I would be drenched in sweat after taking 5 steps. As I drove, I found myself daydreaming about Obersee and the boathouse. It looked exactly like in other pictures I had seen but I couldn’t believe my luck in capturing it and the perfect moment too. Seriously, it was remarkable! I could only hope that my luck would continue throughout the rest of my day.
Three hours later and I had arrived at my next spot…well kinda. I missed the turn about 3 times and was so close to getting out and walking to wherever I was supposed to be, but I finally found it. The surrounding area, much like most of the southern German countryside, was quite quaint. There were about 2 to 3 small Bed & Breakfast spots, sitting in front of luscious green hills and for a moment, for just a single moment…I thought I was lost again! In my defense, the GPS did say “You have arrived at your destination” which I did not see so I was a little confused lol. I figured it out though. So parked my car, paid for parking and took off on the quick 8 minute walk to Wagenbrüchsee Lake. Unlike Königssee, this place was even of my scene; secluded. For such a breathtaking view, there was almost no one there. As I took the walk, I could sense the tranquility surrounding the area, the absolute calm only disturbed by my footsteps along the gravel path. I followed along the path and after a few small barns and sheds, the path veered to the right. I then began to see a few of the cabins pop up around the cresting hill and to my right, sitting as the backdrop behind a small forest I could see the mountains resting on their canopies. I saw a pin full of goats and as the bleated out I realized that maybe I was walking too fast. I was so eager to get to the spot and start taking pictures that I forgot, for a second to just stop and enjoy the moment. I eased my pace but eventually came around the bend in the graveled path and there it was the Wagenbrüchsee Cabins.
I wish I could put into words the feelings that came over me when I got to that spot but this may have just been one of those moments where you had to be there. I went from good to great in a matter of seconds and I was floored by what I saw. I stood there in the path and looked around in awe, creating a core memory for myself that I hope to pass along to any intrigued ear willing to listen. I grabbed my camera off my shoulder and took a few pictures trying to capture the absolute magnificence of the area but I don’t think even I could it justice. I walked up a hill to my left and sat in the grassy field to take a minute to appreciate how great the day had been. I thought about the trip, driving through the late night and early morning, watching the sun rise and give way the overarching mountains, the ferry ride across Königssee, the hike to the Obersee Boathouse, the calm ride to Wagenbrüchsee, everything was perfect. I found myself on google looking up cheap hotel rooms in the area because I dreaded the thought of return to hustle and bustle of the city life. But I knew there’d be more chances for new, exciting adventures. I grabbed my camera bag, grabbed one more picture and took the slow trek back to my car. It was time to for the three-hour drive back. When I got home, I showered, made myself a much deserved dinner, dumped all my photos onto my Macbook and got straight to editing. As I reviewed the photos I couldn’t help but get excited all over again for the next trip I would be able to take. There’s so much more to Germany, so much more to Europe and I can only hope to explore as much as I can.
