Chalets PRIESTEREGG By Patricia Schweizer I Uwe Herzog Translation Louise Mawbey
If there was a „beauty contest“ for alpine villages, this one would be sure to receive first prize – Priesteregg, situated 1,100 m above sea level in the midst of the Tyrolean Alps, is the romantic mountain village of everyone‘s dreams. Accompany us as we visit the world that fairy tales are made of …
It is still relatively chilly as the morning sun casts its first rays across the mountain. Using a long match, my companion sets the wood in the fireplace alight. As I watch him I think to myself, „It‘s great that there are still some men who enjoy doing what has set us humans apart from the animal kingdom since time immemorial – the art of making fire.“ Here in Priesteregg, possibly the most beautiful mountain village in the Alps, the „back to the roots principle“ is still very much alive and kicking. As the logs of wood crackle softly in the fireplace, we enjoy the delicious breakfast which had been set on our table by quietly tiptoeing, friendly „woodland fairies“ while we were dozing ... The fire warms our backs and we open the window to let in the crystal clear mountain air which wafts across to us from the peaks of the surrounding limestone mountains. Somewhere up there, or so the story goes, an enormous treasure trove is hidden, guarded by a sinister beast. „Lots of young lads have tried to get their hands on it,“ explain the owners of Priesteregg, Renate and Hubert („Huwi“) Oberlader, with a twinkle in their eyes, „but no one has managed it yet.“ My companion pricks up his ears but, smilingly, I quickly point out that „We‘re here to relax!“ 100
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