Alps & Tyrol 2026: Eagles Nest, Hohenwerfen & The Sound of Music – Day 4
Day 4 – 217km
We awoke with a start to the sound of the church bells next door going absolutely crazy.
Non-stop for a good couple of minutes! I get it, time to get up!
Still, the sun was shining, although there were plenty of clouds threatening to roll in, so there was nothing for it — breakfast, bikes on, helmets on and off we set east.
Back Into Germany and Berchtesgaden
After re-entering Germany, we swept into Berchtesgaden, one of the most spectacular areas of the Bavarian Alps.
Our route took us towards the Eagles Nest visitors centre, but it was absolutely rammed. Clearly, we weren't the only ones with the idea of visiting this famous Alpine landmark.
Rather than fight the crowds, we decided on a change of plan.
The B999 and The Eagles Nest
A run up the B999 was in order.
This scenic tourist toll road straddles the border between Germany and Austria and offers some amazing views across the valley towards the Eagles Nest.
Or at least it should have!
Unfortunately, by the time we reached the higher sections, the clouds had rolled in and covered us in a blanket of cloud. So much for those big Alpine views!
Still, that's motorcycle touring in the mountains. You don't always get the weather you ordered, and sometimes riding through the clouds becomes part of the adventure.
Hohenwerfen Castle – Where Eagles Dare
After hopping back into Austria, we headed towards Hohenwerfen Castle.
This spectacular medieval fortress sits high above the Salzach Valley and will be familiar to film fans as the location used in Where Eagles Dare.
It's an impressive sight even from the road, with the castle perched dramatically above the surrounding landscape.
But there was still plenty more to come.
Seven Men, One Hill and The Sound of Music
We climbed further into the mountains towards the famous Sound of Music hill.
And yes...
Seven grown men pretended they were the Von Trapp family and sang “The Hills Are Alive…”
What a laugh!
There are moments on a motorcycle tour that you know you'll still be talking about years later. This was definitely one of them.
It's not all about chasing the perfect mountain road or ticking off famous landmarks. Sometimes it's simply about having a great group of people together, doing daft things and enjoying the experience.
Through the Mühlbach Valley
After the Sound of Music antics, we got back to what we were actually here for — riding motorcycles!
We enjoyed a quick blast up the Mühlbach Valley, surrounded by the dramatic Austrian mountain scenery, before heading towards Fusch, where we were setting up for our Alps and Tyrol Motorcycle Adventure.
And this is where things get interesting.
Preparing for the Grossglockner
We're spending the evening in Fusch, right at the foot of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
Tomorrow we're climbing the highest road in Austria, so this is a pretty appropriate place to finish today's ride.
At just 217km, Day 4 was considerably shorter than the previous two days, but the scenery, sights and laughs more than made up for the reduced mileage.
We've now ridden through Germany and Austria, visited the area around the Eagles Nest, seen Hohenwerfen Castle and had a proper Sound of Music moment.
Tomorrow, it's time to tackle the Grossglockner.
And hopefully, the clouds will stay away this time!
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