On today's beautiful autumn day, I made an appointment with a friend in Oberammergau at the Kolbensattel car park. Together we want to take the short hike up to the Kolbensattel and then rush rapidly down into the valley with the Alpine Coaster. We both have never tried the Alpine Coaster before and had tried it before. So today is the day!

2:40 p.m.: We start from the well-stocked Kolbenchairbahn car park and pass the bike park, which is very busy. Young and old use the complex for a rapid bike ride down into the valley and a leisurely ride up with the specially used cable car. We pass a wooded area, cross a stream and follow the hiking sign that points the way to Kolbensattel. It probably takes around 1:15 minutes to climb, making it a fairly short mountain hike. We soon reach the altitude and get the first beautiful views down into the valley.

3:10 p.m.: Some residents and holidaymakers use the nice weather to hike up to the Kolbensattel, but the trail is not overcrowded. Many families are also on the road, after all, the hike is not too long and on the saddle there is an attractive offer for families with a children's playground, alpine coaster, archery, etc. We enjoy the warm autumn temperatures and the colorful mountain forest, whose autumn colors shine brightly in warm sunlight. We climb higher and higher and soon we can turn off the saddle. It's not far off now and we've achieved our goal.

4:00 p.m.: We have reached the Kolbensattel and are first looking for a cozy spot where we can enjoy a small picnic, have a drink and have a snack. The playground and the mountain inn are busy and there remains a place for us in the dry grass. After resting extensively, we are now ready for our fast-paced Alpine Coaster ride. We have to buy the ticket next to the mountain hut.

4:30 p.m.: Now it's time to wait, because a long queue of other interested people is lining up around the starting point of the Alpine Coaster. We also have to drop off our backpacks, which are transported down to the valley by gondola, where we can then collect them again. Then it will finally be our turn too. I'll let my boyfriend go ahead and then wait a while until there should be enough space between us. That's when it starts for me too and I indulge in the rush of speed!

5:10 p.m.: It goes rapidly down the mountain over numerous curves. The track is 2,600 meters long and a top speed of 40 km/h can be reached. This involves covering an altitude difference of 400 meters. Time and again, forest passages alternate with sections with views. However, my friend is traveling slower than I am and I actually have to slow down again and again so that I don't get stuck right behind him. Then the journey is already over and we reach our destination. Even if you could just go on another trip just to walk up the mountain again, we won't now. But there is certainly another opportunity to combine another hike with the Alpine Coaster.

At the end of the day, we head to the ice cream parlour in Oberammergau, then we part ways again and I drive back to Grainau.

Tips & info:

• The Kolbensattel car park is 28 km (approx. 35 minutes by car) from the hotel am Badersee, just behind Oberammergau. Parking is chargeable.
• The Alpine Coaster is the world's first longest weatherproof toboggan run with magnetic brakes. It is open from the beginning of April to around the beginning of November - you can find more information here.
• The Kolbensattel is a true paradise for several activities: there is a bike course, an archery course, a large playground for children and various hiking routes ranging from easy to moderate.
• Music lovers will also get their money's worth here. In summer, bands play again and again on the mountain, in the Kolbensattelhütte and on the terrace. Dates can be found on the Kolbensattel website.
• In winter, the Kolbensattel then becomes a winter sports area with ski tour routes, smaller ski slopes, ski rental and ski school - find out more in our blog.
• You can enjoy a bite to eat at the Kolbensattelhütte. The Kolbenchairlift is a comfortable ride uphill.
  

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