An Unforgettable Coffee Adventure at the Großglockner F.A.T. Mankei Porsche Event

There's something magical about the blend of a scenic drive, exquisite coffee, and the thrill of classic cars. Last weekend, my friends Peter, Caro, Philipp, Tom, and I embarked on such an adventure. Armed with our trusty Land Rover Defender, we headed to the Großglockner for the F.A.T. Mankei Porsche Event, with a mission to share our love for specialty coffee and capture the experience through the lens of our analog Leica cameras.

Setting Off: Coffee Gear Essentials

Our journey began with meticulous preparation. We packed our Land Rover Defender with a La Marzocco Linea Mini R, freshly roasted CSol coffee beans, a Eureka Mignon grinder, BWT filtered water, an Acaia mini scale, and anaerobic fermented coffee from Brazil. Everything needed to craft the perfect espresso was carefully stowed, ready to elevate our adventure.

Person using a La Marzocco espresso machine in a vehicle.

La Marzocco Espresso machine and coffee-making accessories in the back of a vehicle

Red sports car parked in front of a wooden building with people around, mountainous landscape in the background.

Coffee-making setup with a gold pitcher, silver frothing pitcher, and two small cups on a black surface.

First Stop: Edelweissspitze

As we ascended towards the Großglockner, the crisp mountain air and breathtaking views set the perfect stage for our first coffee stop at the Edelweissspitze. We set up our coffee gear and invited two cyclists from Munich to join us for a shot of our finest espresso. Their delight mirrored our own, as the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the mountain breeze.

The F.A.T. Mankei Porsche Event: A Nostalgic Journey

The main event was a car enthusiast's dream. We wandered among vintage Porsches and race cars at the Fuscher Lacke, each vehicle a testament to automotive history. The excitement was palpable, but soon dark clouds gathered, and a sudden thunderstorm forced us to take a brief pause.

La Marzocco white espresso machine with wooden handle on a dark surface

Through the Tunnel: A Drive to the Großglockner Pasterze

Once the storm subsided, we continued our journey through the Hochtor Tunnel. This tunnel, the highest point of the Großglockner High Alpine Road, led us to the Großglockner Pasterze. We parked our Defender on the roof of the parking garage, where the view was nothing short of spectacular.

The Quest for Mankei: Marmots of the Mountains

Our adventure had an additional objective: to find and observe the local Mankei, the Alpine marmots. The term "Mankei" is a regional Austrian word for these charming creatures. Caro, in particular, was eager to see them up close. With a few carrots in hand, we ventured into their habitat. It didn't take long before we spotted the Mankei, their curious eyes watching us as we prepared our coffee. We enjoyed espressos and cappuccinos while feeding and photographing the marmots, capturing moments that would become cherished memories.

Capturing the Moments: Analog Photography

Philipp, our resident coffee aficionado and analog photographer, alongside Peter and his brother Tom, captured the essence of our adventure predominantly with Leica cameras, including the Leica M and M6. The charm of analog photography added a timeless quality to our journey, preserving each moment with authenticity and warmth.

Reflecting on the Journey

Our adventure at the Großglockner was more than just a day out; it was an experience that intertwined our passions for specialty coffee, classic cars, and the great outdoors. The Defender carried us through the rugged terrain, and our C-Sol coffee provided the perfect accompaniment to the stunning scenery and thrilling event.

Person standing next to an open SUV door in a scenic mountainous area.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a specialty coffee enthusiast or a Land Rover Defender
fan, the Großglockner F.A.T. Mankei Porsche Event offers something
extraordinary. It's a reminder that the best journeys are those where we
savor each moment, from the first sip of coffee to the last glimpse of
the setting sun.