Excursion to Elmau: With a blue light escort to security area 1 - the view into the Holy of Holies

Created: 06/27/2022, 05:30

By: Christian Fellner

Harry Potter mood: But in Elmau Castle, it is not Dumbledore who does the magic, but Scholz and Co. talk about world politics.

© Christian Fellner

It's the view behind the barrier that makes this excursion so interesting.

Into the holy of holies of this summit: into the high valley of Elmau.

Elmau – On Saturday evening, June 25, a few hours before the start of the G7 spectacle, the Tagblatt also has the opportunity to be present when the media get in the mood.

6:35 p.m

.: Be there on time, according to the invitation.

At the meeting point for trips to Elmau.

You have to find it when you first visit this complex, which is called IMC: International Media Center.

Unbelievable what was built there.

Once you've worked your way through the tents, you'll find the meeting point at the northwest corner.

Then admission control: Which medium are you from?

Garmisch-Partenkirchen daily newspaper.

"Ha," laughs the man, "I've definitely seen you on the list." Nice.

By the way, this is only lock number two.

Because before that, the first security check is due.

As in the airport, only that you can take drinks with you.

Then the so-called pool card is scanned, which grants entry to Elmau.

And: the next check.

People are super nice.

But then the first problem: waiting, waiting and waiting again.

Nothing happens.

A government spokesman apologized afterwards: One is still optimizing.

Yes, it wouldn't have taken a good hour standing around.

But it was the best weather, a mild summer evening.

By the way, the initiators actually had three wooden bus shelters set up for rain.

curious.

Exchange of experiences and ideas with G7-experienced journalists from all over the world in the Briefing Center.

They are joined by government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit (2nd from right).

© Christian Fellner

7:45 p.m

.: Here we go.

The three Bundeswehr buses roll.

With a police escort – and blue lights.

The convoy goes through Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then up in the direction of Klais and Elmau.

Only now does it become clear how many emergency services are stationed along the protocol route.

There is no hiding place that is not manned by officials.

In the parking lot just before the Schwabe curve you can see the gigantic water cannons.

Everything is cordoned off in Kaltenbrunn, and there are police officers at every entrance.

Barriers surround the entire main road.

But - as promised: There are still cars on the road that don't have blue lights on the roof.

Bad things have been heard about Klais, it has already been described as a police stronghold.

But it runs smoothly through the Krün district.

Only at the junction to Elmau does it falter briefly.

8:15 p.m

.: Now the convoy is suddenly standing.

Approximately level with Kranzbach Castle.

What's happening?

Everyone asks that.

There's no info for a few minutes.

Then the representatives of the Federal Criminal Police Office report: there is a lot of oncoming traffic on the narrow toll road.

Bus against bus, that doesn't work.

Nothing tragic.

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8:28 p.m

.: It goes on.

Elmau Castle soon appears.

Beautiful how it lies in the evening light in front of the Wetterstein.

The temporary briefing center is on the left in front of the conference venue, where guests or hikers usually park.

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8:33 p.m.

: The arrival.

Duck march up towards the Briefing Center.

Don't dawdle, stay together, don't go to the meadows, put your mask on inside - clear instructions.

Of course, everyone has to take their own picture of the castle.

The horde of journalists is more like a bag of fleas.

It's also funny how many a world journalist can enjoy a picture of the beautiful scenery.

Once again it becomes clear: The world in which we live in Werdenfelser Land is a special spot.

8:59 p.m.: It starts on

time.

A small panel discussion with government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit, State Secretary Dr.

Jörg Kukies and Jens Plötner, the security policy adviser.

It's about energy, about Ukraine, the major global political issues that are discussed at the summit.

9:18 p.m

.: It is getting loud, a helicopter is approaching.

"Macron," Hebestreit whispers to his neighbor.

A short time later he also confirmed it.

The French President just flew in.

9:40 p.m

.: “Let’s call it a day,” says Hebestreit.

Then he could have another glass of red wine.

The journalists have to wait again – for the buses.

There is still a little time to chat with the representatives of the Federal Press Office.

9:55 p.m

.: Off we go, back in the direction of Garmisch-Partenkirchen – without stopping, without checks.

10:30 p.m

.: The local editor takes a deep breath: The bike is still at the media center.

He doesn't have to walk home.

Everything went well.

Four hours for one Elmau and back - that was worth it.