Our first camp on ice this year took place in Inzell, a quaint village nestled at the foot of the Alps. Surrounded by stunning mountains, Inzell offers a relaxed and warm atmosphere, attracting many for adventurous hikes and its unique natural beauty. However, our main draw to this place is the summer ice at its rink, the only one in Europe available at this time of year. Having spent most of our time between camps in the mountains, we were eager to return to Inzell. We've visited this small town annually for as long as we can remember, and it remains an unbeatable destination for two speed skaters who love hiking and running as cross-training.
Ragne had planned a special anniversary surprise that arrived at our hotel shortly after we settled in Inzell. Skateboard Creation, a brand known for crafting woodwork from old skateboards, sent us two unique items. One was a tamper for our espresso machine, and the other was a handle for our travel grinder, the Comandante. I've been admiring these handcrafted pieces for years, so unwrapping them was a real treat. Each item is unique, and no one else will have exactly what we have. Check out their Instagram to see other cool creations, primarily coffee equipment but also other kitchen woodworks. Plus, they repurpose old materials that would otherwise go to waste—how cool is that?
Naturally, we hit the mountains for some running, with one of the standout hikes being Falchenstein. It's a bit challenging if you're not used to heights, but totally worth it if you take it slow and steady. The heat and humidity were intense, making me feel like I was sweating off every step as we approached the summit.
Another great peak near Inzell is Gamsknogel a mountain we've climbed several times. It's easily accessible via a trail starting from a nearby church. This year was special, as we encountered a Sunday service at the summit! We were surprised to see hundreds of people descending, many carrying large instruments and dressed in traditional Lederhosen. After the service, they gathered in a hut just a few kilometers from the top for some beer, lunch, and a bit of partying. It was fascinating to witness this cultural tradition for the first time.
Of course, our camp routine included a daily ice bath in the local river, which wasn't as cold as in Livigno a few weeks earlier, but still a refreshing start to the day. After our cold plunge, we either prepared breakfast or visited a nearby café for a croissant.
Speed skating, our primary focus, was on the agenda every day. Both Ragne and I received positive feedback, confirming we're on track for the upcoming season. A new trend in speed skating involves skating with both hands resting on the back in the corners, a technique popularized by a Dutch skater last season and adopted widely after World Champion Jordan Stolz used it to win the World Championships Allround. It supposedly offers aerodynamic advantages—who wouldn’t want that extra speed? The lighting in the ice arena was also captivating at times, prompting me to bring out my camera.
After ten days, it's time to head home. Ragne and I are going our separate ways—I'll be fishing and training in the mountains, while Ragne heads to her family's cabin in eastern Norway. Can't wait!
