On to the summit of Areskutan

Today we have a big tour planned. Immediately after breakfast we head to Plözze Pözze and off to Are, 30 minutes away. Our mission today - To the summit of Areskutan.

Wow, that looks pretty high 😅. At 1400m it is also one of the highest peaks in the region. When we were planning the tour, we promised ourselves that we would just see how far we got and if necessary turn back... Jane is clear. Actually, we both know that we will make it to the top. But with the backup plan, the mission doesn't sound so crazy 😂.

Areskutan is best known for its mountain bike park. There are many routes between the stations of the mountain railway. Fortunately, the hiking trails are separated in theory. Already at the foot of the mountain we pass a bike wash. Extremely practical.

The first 100

As already scouted out on the swimming pool day, the first 100 vertical meters are along the Trollstigen. But this time we climb a little higher and find the dangerous cave of the trolls.

But the goblins stole the treasure and hid it well. To find him we just have to go further up the mountain. Directly through the bottle cap mushroom forest. - They simply remind you of beer mats. Change my mind 😂

A few steps further my thesis is confirmed. Because all mushrooms turn blue 😂. Alternatively, the Smurfs could also live here 🤫

But we know from the goblins' secret letter that the blue mushrooms mark the right path. High time to keep an eye out for the stolen treasure.

Haha we did it and the treasure. Well.. At least found the box. Unfortunately, the sweet fairytale path ends here. But our adventure is only just beginning. The child-friendly way back to the village is graced by a long wooden bridge.

But the bridge is actually the wrong way. Back to the main quest.

On the path of the 200

With a happy heart we continue on the further hiking trail up the mountain. However, the planned path is blocked by construction work. Without further ado we take an evasive hiking trail, which turns out to be very steep.

At the top of the construction we pass the reason for the closure. Yes, that is a valid way. At least we think so 😅.

Due to the detour, we deviated slightly from the route and are trying to cross the right path further up. After about 200 meters in altitude we take a first break and enjoy the view.

The dogs are already panting a lot. Hopefully the fur noses will make the climb 🤞

We continue with renewed vigor

300 Here we come!

The next 100 meters of elevation gain covers an alarmingly short section of the mountain. We quickly pass the mountain bike route and meet the lifeguard of the piste directly. He rides up all day and down again on his bike. He keeps an eye out for injured people and helps the bikers to find the right routes.

The passage ahead is really very steep. At least for those of us who hike on 2 feet. The dogs have fun and rush up the steep slopes with ease. But it was really tiring for us. I swear 😂

At 300 meters above sea level we take another break. The dogs drink our entire 500ml water bottle right away 😅. At least they might find it a bit exhausting 😬. It's only later, when I'm refilling it, that I see that they've got the lime pieces in the water bottle. No wonder they wanted to drink it so badly 😂.

The 400 is not far away

The steep path continues steadily. But after another strenuous 100 meters we made it and reached the first plateau. There is a cute little coffee shop here, but it is closed today. Of course we still used the photo spot. Dogs and letters just go together too well 🤭.

500 here we come!

Shortly before the 500 meters Mia finds her first mountain lake. Of course she is extremely happy that she can finally swim as she wants today. The break is therefore a little longer.

Shortly after the mountain lake we come to a wooden staircase. The next sign awaits us at the stairs. 500 done 💪. I'd rather not tell you at this point that we still have at least 600 meters of altitude ahead of us 😅

600? 700? 800? These are bourgeois categories

Unfortunately we (once again) follow the wrong path above the stairs. Therefore, at this point we are left with useful information signs showing how many meters in altitude we have already climbed.

At least we manage to find marked hiking trails most of the time and rarely cross the cycling routes. However, some are double occupied and on a beautiful day like today there is a lot going on up here.

Whenever we take a break, Mia sits directly on a stone and lets her gaze wander into the valley. She knows what's important. 🤭

She also appears to be a trained sea search dog. Overjoyed, she throws herself into the nearest water.

But who can be mad at the mouse when it looks so cute afterwards 🤭.

So that we don't only have dog pictures from our vacation (again), we make an effort to flip the camera every now and then 🤭

Meanwhile, Arya enjoys standing in the many small streams and letting her legs cool.

Now there is a big jump. Maybe the journey was just too strenuous to take out your cell phone and take photos 😅.

Summiteer!

After another hour we find our way back to the path that leads us directly to the cable car. The last 100m in particular cost us a lot of time because we were on small trails.

After a quick internet search, we realize that we still have 1 hour and 20 minutes until the last cableway down. We actually didn't plan on taking the train. But the dogs are already pretty knocked out. The little dachshund in particular is pretty tired, even if he would never admit it.

The path here is much more pleasant and flatter than the last 300 meters. But the picture at least gives you an idea of what it looks like here 🤭.

Of course we want to make it all the way up and ideally travel down by train. And so we manage the last 200 meters in a record time of 25 minutes 🤭😂. Of course, all the oncoming pedestrians rushing quickly to the train spur us on a little bit 🙈.

It's done at 3 p.m. We're up 💪💪

Since we were able to successfully complete our quest, now comes the typical photo spam. When are you at 1400m 🥰

On the platform we still have enough time to enjoy the view and consume the last of our travel supplies.

Of course the Wauzis also got their cookies. One of them fell between the planks. If it were up to her, she would still be there today to look for the lost treasure.

Mia also looks very proud that she was able to complete this march 🤭

What is extremely exciting is that up here in the rock, vein-like elevations run across the entire surface.

Unfortunately, ChatGPT is not very helpful, which could be the cause of these veins. If any of you know more about it, please write how the veins could have formed.

Meanwhile, the raptor is practicing photobombing again. Photo = cookie. She noticed that 🤭

On the way back down, Mia is finally allowed to stop at the lake she found earlier. Luckily we still have enough time for a short swimming break.

And the raptor wants another cookie

Meanwhile, the dachshund is enjoying his life 😂. She would make an excellent Swedish sea monster.

Now only 100m separate us from the cable car back to the valley 🥰.

We didn't even have to rely on the last train 🤭. At the station we see that dogs are only allowed in gondola 2. Luckily, after 10 minutes, the same gondola arrives to take us safely down.

Arya is already looking forward to the ride. Since she still has a problem with vibrating floors like on the ferry, we take her to task as a precaution.

We made it home safely at the end of the day. Now the pack has to sleep a lot. We're skipping the evening walk today 🤭