Time and again we realise how we "match" as a travel couple, as they say. (We learnt the word from friends who are currently looking for a partner). One always has new ideas, the other simply joins in.
Because our route takes us from the Meteora monasteries actually - the word actually is just made up for me - directly after Igoumenitsafrom where we want to take the ferry. A glance at the calendar tells us that we still have a few days left, which we would like to spend by the sea. "I really want to eat Greek food," says Gerd; I want to stay in the mountains for a while. And since we already know Igoumenitsa, we know that it's not a nice holiday destination, more of a harbour town with a lot of transit traffic.
So our route takes us through a beautiful mountain landscape. One bend after another, up the mountain, down the mountain. "Schaahaatz, I have another idea..." and we end up at the Acheron. It's not by the sea at all and it's doubtful whether it offers Greek food of the desired quality. But we're there and have a look. We read that you can even spend the night by the river. Well then!
In the tourist restaurant right by the river, we see people wading through the river in swimming shorts. Aha, so you can do that here. If only we actively used Instagram, we would know that this is an absolute highlight. But we didn't, so we had to rely on our own eyes.
The Acheron is a 58-kilometre-long river that flows through the historic region of Epirus and flows into the Ionian Sea. We will be crossing it by ferry over the next few days. Whoopee. The river is known for its crystal-clear water and wild beauty. Ohhh yes!
There are also several historical and archaeological sites near the river, including the Nekromanteion, an ancient oracle believed to have been located at the entrance to the underworld. It's a good thing we don't read this until later, because my imagination would have done a lot to keep me from stumbling into the river. I imagine I would have been dragged into the underworld. Or Gerd? Okay, together that would work, but separately?
We read: "In Greek mythology, the Acheron was the river of the underworld. It originated from the Styx, the river of curses, and flowed into the Kokytos, the river of lamentation. The Acheron was the place where Charon, the ferryman of the underworld, took the souls of the deceased across the river to the realm of Hades".
So we quickly walk back to the car, pack only the essentials into our waterproof rucksack (which is no longer waterproof after almost 10 years, as we learn), put on our water shoes (which we have also been travelling around unused for years) and trudge off. First on a beautiful hiking trail along the banks of the Acheron. The colour of the water reminds us of "our" Aare in Bern, as do the winding paths. We both realise that it's time for a visit home: we're homesick for Switzerland.
At some point, the path comes to an end and the Instagram mice (sorry, content creators) meet up here for a shoot. We shoulder our rucksacks a little higher and trudge into the river. It's pretty cold. But we have to get through it. The current is quite strong, hiking poles would be good, we think. Good thing they've been lying unused in Felix for months. At some point we are knee-deep in water, but the river is far from over. Bend after bend we continue, the water rises (or the bottom sinks, depending) and when the water is up to our necks, no, up to our chests, we have to decide: keep swimming or go back?
Gerd, who has long wanted to swap our camera for a new one, briefly considers watering it and thus favouring a new purchase. I still have a lot of faith in our "waterproof" rucksack, but am still very attached to our camera. So we decide to make our way back.
Our eyes can't get enough of it: what a beautiful landscape. The crystal-clear water, the eroded curves of the rock faces and the many dragonflies, butterflies and the loud chirping of the many birds: simply marvellous.
We are back at our Felix far too early for our liking. We take off our soaked clothes and dry the rather wet things in our rucksacks (it's a good thing I double-bag everything: Passports, papers and backup hard drives are still in zip-lock plastic bags).
And then? Then it's finally off to the sea.
Sources: https://www.discovergreece.com/de/experiences/best-adventure-activities-acheron-river-epirus // https://realgreeks.net/travel/entrance-of-the-greek-underworld/ // https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g189452-d2706042-Reviews-Acheron_River-Parga_Municipality_Preveza_Region_Epirus.html
Merci for "travelling with us
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