25 Sep - 26 Sep | Snow Capped Mountains | Innsbruck, Austria

The train journey from Munich to Innsbruck was as beauitful and pictureque as the European brochures promote them to be! As it was only day 2 Europe, I went a little snap crazy and took a bit too many blury pictures of the Germany/Austria countryside. Rail travel in Europe must be one of the best ways to see the region(s). It is comfortable, speedy, convenient plus you can get great window views.

One of the better photos from the blurry picture series I have on the cameras

Group photo for the suitcases and bags!

The last time I came to Innsbruck waas 20 years ago, and of course being a kid at the time on a Hong Kong organised tour, I don't remember much. (Lack of Cantonese listening skills at the time being the main factor) So it was as if I came here for the first time! The most striking feature of Innsbruck was seeing the beauty of the Austrian Alps! The snow capped mountains, where clouds decide how it may reveal the beauty of the mountains to you on a daily basis. Thankfully a booking with the Hilton Innsbruck hotel ensured we had a view of this incredible sight from sunrise to sunset. We spent the afternoon meandering the small Tyrolean city centre, visiting the Golden Leaf museum (blitzing it is probably a better word), walking around the gardens, and breathing fresh air, drinking tasty water and eating some nice fresh apples! The simple Austrian country life.

View from the hotel room during the day

View from the hotel room early in the morning 6am. What a sight!

The golden leaf roof...No 1 tourist sight in Innsbruck!
I'm glad we visited the museum inside. It was informative and well presented.
It certainly made me appreciate the existence of it and why it is such a famous attraction.  

I love how the snow capped mountains are just in sight down the road!

Walk in the park...pretty garden grounds

The local theatre building

Pleased to see Australia features on the double decker bus!

All for tourists...me and dad

The next day we had the morning to explore the city and realised, we already walked most of the main streets. Innsbruck is not a very large city, but it has plenty of hiking trails for keen hikers and of course, in the winter season, it's a ski town. Given we weren't here to enjoy either activity, we took a stroll to the riverside just to see a slightly different part of town; we window shopped Austrian souvenirs by taking plenty of photos; and finally, we unexpectedly shopped at the huge Swarovski store and discovered a new Swarovski world inside! I say unexpectedly because my Dad didn't think we'd spend so much time in there. Actually, if we had more time in Innsbruck, we probably could have packed in a Swarovski Crystal World visit which is only a 10 minute drive from Innsbruck city itself. But you just have to be selective when on holidays! I was more keen to move onto Salzburg.

Morning walk by the river

These figurines are adorable!
Innsbruck had the perfect shops for Christmas shopping. 

Shop archways - I find the pattern on the walls & ceiling fascinating.
I'm glad we were up early to wonder so I could capture it before the tourists started crowding in.

At the gorgeous Swarovski shop

It's hard to miss Swarovski whilst in Innsbruck!
Love Swans!