Innsbruck, the capital city of Tyrol, Austria, is a stunning destination that offers visitors a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. My journey to this picturesque city began at Stuttgart airport Flix bus station at 12:30 in the night. The ride was smooth, and before I knew it, I arrived at Innsbruck at 7 am.
Vibrant houses
As I stepped out of the bus station, the fresh mountain air filled my lungs, and the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains left me in awe. The city was still waking up, and I decided to take a stroll around the streets until the tourist information center opened. which is located about 15 minute walk from the main train station, here:
The narrow alleys, quaint cafes, and stunning architecture of the buildings took me back in time and made me fall in love with the city.
As soon as the information center opened, I obtained a weekend pass that allowed me to use all public transportation and visit several attractions in the city. I decided to start my exploration of the city by visiting the famous houses by the river Inn and the Bruck Bridge.
The colorful houses by the river were a sight to behold, and the bridge provided a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. The river Inn was crystal clear, and the water flowed gently, creating a soothing atmosphere. The picturesque scene provided a perfect background for my pictures.
Next, I made my way towards the Golden Roof building, a supposed landmark of Innsbruck. The building was built-in 1500, and I believed the intricate details on the roof would leave me awe-inspiring. But the reality is that just a small 5x2 roof over the balcony is covered in gold, and thus the name. I really had to search for the golden roof in the golden roof building!! I would skip this if I visit again.
The surrounding area was bustling with tourists, and the sound of street performers filled the air. The Golden Roof is located in the heart of the old town, and it provides visitors with a glimpse into the rich history of the city.
After exploring the Golden Roof and the near by attractions, I headed towards the Swarovski Crystal Museum, which is located in Wattens, a small town outside Innsbruck. The museum is a short bus ride away from Innsbruck (also inculded in the weekend pass), and the journey provided breathtaking views of the mountains. Upon arriving, I was fascinated by the displays of intricate crystal designs and the history of the brand. The museum showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of the brand and provides visitors with an unforgettable experience.
The museum also has a Crystal Cloud installation, which is made up of over 800,000 hand-mounted crystals, and a Mirror Pool that reflects the installations, creating a surreal atmosphere. The museum has several shops and restaurants where visitors can buy souvenirs and enjoy a meal.
After my visit to the Swarovski Crystal Museum, I made my way back to my AirBnB, which was located in the heart of the city. The check-in process was smooth, and I was delighted with the cozy and comfortable apartment. In the evening, I decided to take a stroll around the city for some shopping. Innsbruck is known for its designer shops and boutiques, and I was tempted to buy some souvenirs to take back home.
For dinner, I decided to try an Indian restaurant, and I was disappointed. The food was ok ok, but it provided a welcome change from the German/Austrian cuisine that I had been having for the past couple of days.
Day 2 of my trip to Innsbruck was one of the highlights of my journey. I had been looking forward to visiting the Nordkette mountain for a long time, and I was excited to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Austrian Alps.
I woke up early in the morning and made my way to the cable car station, which was located near the city center. The cable car ride was an experience in itself, and it provided me with an opportunity to take in the stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. As I reached the top of the mountain, I was greeted with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and I felt a sense of tranquility and peace.
The Nordkette mountain is part of the Karwendel Nature Park, and it is known for its stunning natural beauty. The mountain has several hiking trails, and it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. As I made my way through the trails, I was amazed by the beauty of the place. The lush green forests, crystal-clear streams, and stunning vistas left me spellbound.
One of the highlights of my visit to the Nordkette mountain was the Cloud Nine restaurant, which is located 1 stop below from the top of the mountain. The restaurant has a terrace with seating that provides a stunning view of the mountains, and I enjoyed a slice of delicious cake and some French fries while taking in the beauty of the place. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was peaceful and serene.
Around noon I made my way back to the bus station to catch my Flix bus back to Stuttgart. The journey was comfortable, and I had ample time to reflect on the wonderful experiences that I had in Innsbruck. Day 2 was a day that I would never forget, and it left me with memories that would last a lifetime.