The Sunken Tower of Reschensee – A Hidden Story Above the Surface

A Tower Rising from the Deep

In the serene, emerald waters of Lake Resia (Reschensee), tucked away in the South Tyrolean Alps near the borders of Austria and Switzerland, a lonely stone tower rises out of the lake. It’s not just a scenic oddity — it’s the last visible remnant of the village of Curon (Graun), a community that was quite literally drowned in the name of progress.

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A Personal Visit in September 2023

I had the chance to visit this hauntingly beautiful place in September 2023, during a road trip to a Geocaching Megaevent in Austria. Standing by the lake, seeing the 14th-century church tower piercing the water’s surface, was an experience I won’t soon forget. It's striking how this single structure has been preserved while everything else disappeared beneath the waves — and it’s visible from nearly every angle of the surrounding area.

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Caching by the Lake and the Hills

Naturally, I couldn’t resist checking out a few geocaches in the area. One was placed conveniently near the lake, while another required a short uphill hike to a lovely little chapel overlooking the valley. The views were well worth the extra effort — and added an extra layer of meaning to the day.

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The Tragic History Beneath the Surface

The backstory, though, is sobering. In 1950, the valley was intentionally flooded to create a reservoir for hydroelectric power. Over 150 families were displaced, and more than 160 homes and buildings were demolished. Everything was cleared away — except the iconic church tower, which was left standing as a stark reminder of what once was.

It’s a powerful example of how energy production, even today, often comes with difficult trade-offs for both people and the environment.

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Legends, Ice, and Echoes from the Past

In winter, when the lake freezes over, you can actually walk out to the tower on foot. And according to local legend, the bells — long removed — can still be heard ringing from beneath the ice.

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When the Village Resurfaced

In 2021, during maintenance work, the lake was partially drained — and for the first time in over 70 years, the ruins of the original village reappeared. Old walls, cellars, and staircases emerged from the depths, offering a rare and moving glimpse into a world that vanished.

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A Landmark of Loss and Endurance

Today, the tower has become a symbol — not only of loss, but also of endurance. It’s a favorite photo spot for travelers and a must-see waypoint for any geocacher passing through the region. It’s even been featured in the eerie Netflix series “Curon”, which blends real history with supernatural mystery.

Geocaching at the Eagle’s Nest: Exploring History and Hidden Treasures in Berchtesgaden, Germany

Berchtesgaden, Germany – Where History Meets Adventure

Berchtesgaden is a picture-perfect Alpine town, known for its dramatic mountain scenery and deep historical roots. But beyond the charming streets and postcard views lies another world – a world of exploration and mystery: the world of geocaching. Armed with my GPS and a healthy dose of curiosity, I recently set off on a treasure hunt through this remarkable region, where each cache offered not just a hidden prize, but a window into the past.

My journey led me to the most infamous landmark in the area – the Eagle's Nest, Hitler’s former mountaintop retreat. This is the story of my geocaching adventure, where the thrill of the hunt collided with the weight of history.

Climbing to the Eagle's Nest: German Efficiency on Full Display

Perched 1,834 meters (6,017 ft) above sea level on the Kehlstein mountain, the Eagle’s Nest – or Kehlsteinhaus – was commissioned in 1937 as a 50th birthday gift for Adolf Hitler from the Nazi Party. Though Hitler rarely visited, the building became a symbol of Nazi power, both for its extreme location and the engineering feat it represented.

Today, the structure stands not as a monument to its former occupant, but as a stark reminder of the past and a testament to reconciliation. It has been repurposed into a restaurant and historical site, welcoming visitors from around the world who come to reflect on history and take in the breathtaking views.

We chose the most convenient way to reach the top – a bus ride from downtown Berchtesgaden. And what a demonstration of German Ordnung it was. Every passenger had a pre-assigned bus and departure time, all running with precise punctuality.

As a bus driver myself, I found the experience especially fascinating. The buses, purpose-built for the narrow, winding road, have fixed gearboxes and make quite a bit of noise on the steep climb. But despite the rattling, the journey was smooth and well-orchestrated.

At the top, we exited in perfect order and entered a tunnel bored straight into the mountain. At the end of it awaited the original brass-lined elevator, which ascends through 124 meters of solid rock – still a marvel to this day. In less than a minute, we were standing inside the Eagle’s Nest.

A Geocaching Close Call: Victory in the Final Seconds

The geocache at the Eagle’s Nest (now archived) turned out to be a tough one. We searched high and low, turning over stones and scanning every crevice, but came up empty. I was on the verge of logging a DNF – “Did Not Find.” But just as I was about to admit defeat, one stone caught my eye. Could it be? Yes – the elusive cache at last!

With excitement rushing through me, I quickly signed the logbook. My son and I raced back to the elevator, managing to catch our designated bus just in time. We were thrilled – not just because we’d found the cache, but because we avoided the long walk back down the mountain!

A Reflection on the Past

Visiting the Eagle’s Nest is a powerful reminder of how landscapes can carry history. It’s easy to be swept away by the panoramic views of the Alps, but beneath the surface lies a complex and sobering legacy.

On the day of our visit, we ascended the mountain in peace, driven by curiosity and adventure – a stark contrast to the ideologies that once echoed here. The Kehlsteinhaus still stands, quiet and solemn, bearing witness to a darker time in human history. But it also serves as a symbol of how far we’ve come, and the importance of remembering the past to shape a better future.

Geocaching in Svalbard: Exploring Longyearbyen and the Hospital Stairs

Three Visits to the Svalbard Islands: A Geocaching Adventure

I've been lucky enough to visit the Svalbard Islands three times, with my last trip taking place just before the world changed with the 2020 pandemic. These islands, located far up in the Arctic Ocean, are an unforgettable destination—and Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world, has become an unlikely geocaching hotspot, thanks to the Virtual Rewards program. 

Longyearbyen: The Arctic’s Hidden Gem

Longyearbyen is the administrative center of Svalbard and home to around 2,500 hardy residents. Despite its remote location, it’s a surprisingly vibrant community with colorful wooden houses, cozy cafés, and a strong sense of resilience. It’s also a hub for adventurers, researchers, and—of course—geocachers!

The town is small enough to walk across in about 20 minutes, yet it offers everything from a modern university campus (UNIS) to the world’s northernmost brewery. And with its surreal Arctic light—either months of polar night or midnight sun—it adds a magical backdrop to every geocaching outing.

The Hospital Stairs: A Local Landmark and Virtual Geocache

One of the highlights of my last trip was visiting the Hospital Stairs, a reconstructed wooden staircase that holds historical and cultural significance. It's dedicated to the nurses and patients who once climbed the stairs each year on March 8th to welcome the sun after the long polar night. In 2018, a Virtual Geocache was placed at this site, making it a must-visit for geocachers seeking both a smiley and a story.

Winter Geocaching in Longyearbyen: Bundle Up!

If you're planning a winter geocaching trip to Longyearbyen, prepare for extreme cold. Temperatures can drop to -25°C (-13°F) or lower, with wind chill making it feel even colder. But the cold doesn’t stop the adventure. The town’s compact layout and mostly hard-packed snow make it surprisingly walkable—even in deep winter. Just be sure to wear multiple layers and keep your GPS device warm (batteries drain fast in the cold!).

Polar Bear Safety: Stay Alert

While Longyearbyen is generally safe, polar bears are a real concern in the area. The local police have occasionally had to scare off bears wandering close to town, especially at night. Outside city limits, you're required to carry a rifle for protection, and warning signs remind visitors of the potential danger. Always be alert, follow local guidelines, and never venture out unprepared.

A Unique Destination Worth Exploring

Svalbard offers an unforgettable mix of icy wilderness, rich history, and warm-hearted locals. From traditional dishes like reindeer stew to stories of Arctic exploration, every visit adds something new. I can’t wait to return post-pandemic and see what new geocaching adventures await in this Arctic wonderland.

Cache code: GC7B9MR