We found the perfect hiking destination in Austria

Walking clubs are increasing in popularity – and Catherine Murphy is convinced she’s found the perfect hiking destination in Austria.

To visit Ehrwald is to experience a tale of two regions, two countries.

The pretty, peaceful mountain village is set in the Austrian Tirol but is within hiking distance of Bavaria in Germany. 

While you will sleep and eat in Austria, some of your activities will take place in Germany or between the two.

Zugspitze (2,962m), the highest mountain in Germany and the last high mountain in the Alps chain, forms a natural border between the countries, adding an element of intrigue and history to our hiking trip.

We’re visiting the area with leaders from some of Ireland’s top rambling clubs, who are busy planning next year’s walking trips for club members. 

Mountaineering Ireland is reporting an increase in membership this year, with Cork boasting one of the biggest rambling clubs in the country.

It’s not just about hiking: club members visiting Ehrwald next Spring or Autumn could find themselves hiking and painting, hiking and practising yoga or good old-fashioned hiking and relaxing.

The club leaders, mostly in their sixties, are fitter than most of us and testament to the reality of a healthy active life after retirement. They march

Article source: http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/travel/bigread/we-found-the-perfect-hiking-destination-in-austria-358348.html