Right up front: I'm not a morning person. If you talk to me in the morning, expect one-word answers and long pauses in the conversation. Especially before I've had my coffee. Still, sometimes I get up early. Like when I'm setting out on a long mountain hike, or when sunrise on a summit beckons.
Starting the day in silence
4:30. The alarm goes off. I lie there, stretch out my arms and legs, and refuse to get up. Just five more minutes, please. The snooze button gives me a few more minutes, but I don't feel much more awake afterward. Half asleep, I brush my teeth, somehow manage to put my T-shirt on the right way around, and grab my already packed backpack. Ready to go.
Exactly one hour later, I take the Ahornbahn up the mountain, along with plenty of other early birds. Unlike me, they're already capable of lively conversation. I stay quiet. Not in an irritated way, though. I'm gradually starting to enjoy being out so early, being alone with my thoughts and simply soaking up the atmosphere.
A tranquil atmosphere before dawn
I leave the Ahornbahn mountain station behind and continue on foot along the Zirbenweg to a viewing platform. The morning air is crisp. I take a deep breath and suddenly feel completely present in the moment. I love times like these, when there's nothing to stress about. Here, it's just me. I tune out the other people and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere before dawn.
The surrounding mountain peaks are already bathed in warm light. The sun hasn't appeared yet, but everything around me is glowing all the same. Nature is waking from the darkness. It's as if it's stretching and getting ready for the day, too. With a soft glow. With a gentle shimmer.
The first ray of sunshine
Then the moment arrives. The sky around the mountains to the east grows brighter and brighter. Finally, the first ray of sunshine breaks over the peaks. I watch the scene before me with anticipation. Now everything happens quickly. With every blink, the sun rises a little higher above the horizon. With every blink, it grows stronger and more powerful.
The mountain slopes opposite begin to shine. They're practically glowing a deep orange. The first rays of sunshine caress me, too. I close my eyes, turn my face toward the sun and consciously feel the light on my skin. It's not just the light, but the returning warmth as well. Even though it's midsummer, it had still been rather chilly at dawn, at just under 2.000 meters.
Good morning, hello coffee!
By now, I've forgotten how tired I was. It's 6:30 and I'm ready for the day. I'm still looking forward to a coffee, though. So of course I don't say no when the morning enthusiasts gather for breakfast afterward in the Kunstraum.
And afterward? There's still the whole day left for other activities. A hike to the Ahornspitze is an option. A morning walk to the Filzenkogel is a more relaxed alternative. But in general, there's plenty more to do in Mayrhofen …
… for example, one of these five amazing mountain experiences –>