Innsbruck - 06/01/13

Late start this morning but after breakfast we are soon off to Congress Innsbruck where we board the funicular and head up the mountain to the very top - Hafelekar, 2256m.  There are a lot of locals on board heading up for a morning of skiing.  Very few tourists, this is obviously a venue for the locals so not very busy on the slopes.  It is a truly spectacular view when you are gazing out over the alps..... you can look across to Germany.  The funicular is 30 euros each but 52.50 euros for both of us with the presentation of the Innsbruck card that the hotel reception gave us.

Back at sea level it's German sausages (yum!) and we then wander up to the train station to check our timetable for tomorrow as we are heading to Bad Blumau..... apparently we have to go via Vienna.









An afternoon at the Hofburg Palace (8 euros entry ea).  Not as opulent as many of the other palaces you can visit in Europe but almost a 'family' feel about it thanks to the "lady of the house", Maria Theresa.

We have spent the remainder of the afternoon wandering the streets and lanes of 'old town'.  Some buildings are painted in soft muted pastels while others are elaborately decorated with wonderful murals or facades that remind you of a beautifully decorated cake.  There are twinkling fairy lights everywhere and, although the Christmas markets have officially finished, there are still a number of stalls selling all sorts of goodies .... and of course sausages and gluhwein!  

Looking down the main thoroughfare in Old Town

We stop at a cafe specialising in strudel..of course.... with vanilla custard...yum!   

Have decided to come back to the room for a rest before dinner (which for Gordy = snoring!)   He's a bit upset - no English TV channels :(