I hope there never comes a time when I’d be so (ohh, need the right word here)… jaded and blasé about the German Alps. At this point I’ve seen them a bazillion times, but seeing them upon arriving in Piding still managed to make my heart skip a few beats.
Piding itself managed to have that effect on me, too; and no one at the Tourist Office (located at Petersplatz 2) forced me to say that either, just so you know.
The town of Piding is a mixture of historical sites and outdoor fun that’s totally family friendly. The hardest part of coming here is choosing what you’ll do first. Excuse me, that really should depend on what season you’ll be coming.
A little winter weather shouldn’t keep you from coming — in fact, that’s when things heat up around here. Let the snow fall, because you’ll downhill and cross-country ski, and maybe try snowboarding too. Can you think of any better way to enjoy the picturesque Berchtesgadener Land?
Probably not a good idea to try mountain climbing in the dead of winter — save that for like August. Not me, sorry, but I’ll gladly join you for a game of tennis. Better yet, you’ll find me on one of the twenty-three (yeah 23) hiking trails; although it might be hard to find me, as more than half of Piding is totally forested.
We all know I love old castles and churches, so you might find me staring at the Gothic frescoes at either the St. John or St. Lawrence Churches. Both churches, by the way, have Romanesque beginnings — evident by the latter’s squat architecture.
There’s a medieval castle here, too. Schloss Staufeneck just drips of the Middle Ages — but didn’t get its current appearance until sometime after the first years of the 16th century. Either way, it just looks old (and formidable) with its small windows, and steep hipped roof.
While some might think that stopping their journey right here, don’t. You’ll miss out on Piding’s Cattle Drive, held sometime in late September/early October. The jewelry adorned cows really are a sight to behold.
Not able to make that? No problem, come for the Georgiritt on Easter Monday instead.
Ok, now you can relax… Thank your lucky stars Piding is a climatic spa resort, perfect for total relaxation.
Oh, I guess you can’t relax too much when your heart’s skipping a few beats at the wonders of the Alps and Piding. ;-)
