Stillness....

I came to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, one of the most amazing and beautiful places in Bayern, and in Germany in general. This is my second time visiting this magical city for a day. Last time I promised myself to buy a ticket and have a full visual experience. Two years have passed and I did it….

A full ticket includes Bayerische Zugspitzbahn (a very old historical train that goes through the picturesque territory and literally one part in the mountains riding almost vertically) and a cable car to Zugspitze. So, we took that train from Garmisch central train station, went out at Eibsee, made an ascent by a cable car to Zugspitze, descended by Zugspitze Cogwheel Train to Eibsee, walked there, and again came back to Garmisch by the same old train. 

Zugspitze lies 2,962 meters above sea level, this is Germany’s highest mountain and highest point, its summit lies directly on the German–Austrian border, and on clear days the viewing platforms offer views of up to four countries: Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.

When I was ascending by cable car and this was a long distance almost all the time vertically, I realized I was panickly afraid of heights, my legs were cottony, my breathing was ragged. But when I went out I was still….

Mountains' stillness forced me to breathe and not think about anything, just be present. This stillness was covered in mesmerising and breathtaking views of nature combining with -18C (feeling like -24C). Even if I wanted to think I could not - it was too cold. I couldn’t feel my fingers or toes. My nostrils froze instantly, and my legs were so heavy to move that I didn’t even make it around the entire observation deck - I rushed inside to warm up.

I was sitting nearby huge window for about one hour contemplating the greatness of mountains, and trying to saturate myself with the huge energy of nature. After about 15-20 minutes of gazing, I realized that those small and black tiny beetles in motion, were people skiing easily and meditatively - judging by the map, most likely along the black runs. I looked at them and thought: “They are so free and graceful. I would like to be like them one day.”

Warmed myself enough I went outside again and walked through the whole panoramic platform making photos with my iPhone but most importantly with my eyes. 

Freezing weather, sun, wind, rain craved mountains and made them as they are authentic, great, and amazing. We are also the mountains we just forgot about it….

Mountains whispered me to be strong despite the weather and uncertainty, just be…. 

I entered 2026 with such a powerful natural energy that it nearly knocked me off my feet, but it cleared my mind.