18.08.2011 – 18.08.2011  31 °C

Early start this morning because I was on my way to the city of Salzburg in Austria via Berchtesgaden. Drive down to the Austrian border was very uneventful, the good old Autobahn got me over the border into Austria in record time before heading into the mountains to see Berchtesgaden. (Berchtesgaden is in Germany but is only about 10km from the outskirts of Salzburg so the easiest way to get there is to drive to the outskirts of Salzburg before heading up into the mountains to see the town).

Hit the border with the “Final Countdown” blaring on the radio and I was feeling pretty all right! Took the turn off to Berchtesgaden and was immediately stopped by the Austrian Police. I wasn’t too worried it looked like a RBT so wound down my window and fished out my license. Only problem was that it wasn’t an RBT it was the police pulling me over because I hadn’t paid the toll for driving on the Austrian part of the Autobahn (which wouldn’t have even been 5km). Apparently you are supposed to stop at the border and pay the border police the toll. I didn’t (because I didn’t realise you had to/ didn’t realise there was even a toll on the Austrian side) so copped a 120E fine for not paying the toll. Well to say that I was dirty was probably the understatement of the century—I was sorely tempted to push my luck and ask the police what was going to happen if I refused to pay the fine, but I meekly handed over my credit card and then continued to drive towards Berchtesgaden.

Berchtesgaden is really a pretty town. I can understand why the Eagle’s nest (Hitler’s residence) was built here as it is truly picturesque. Unfortunately, I was really ticked off about the toll fine so didn’t enjoy the town as much as I probably would have but the Apple Strudel I treated myself to did sort of help my mood!

After driving into Salzburg (telling TomTom to avoid all toll roads) I went looking for the sites of Salzburg and some lunch! By now the temp had risen well over 30 deg so I started my walk down by the river. I have to say that this is the first real summer’s day I’ve had in Europe.. I still bitched to myself about how hot it was though!!!!! (Up til now I’ve just bitched about how cold/ rainy it was.. as soon as the tables are turned…………….)

Wandered around the Old Town for a few hours (downed a wiener schnitzel and another ice cream) and returned to the hostel around 6ish to do some laundry and emailing.