Deb here. Last night we bought a 24-hour Innsbruck Card, giving us access to all kinds of activities in the city, so our plan today was to make the most of the card. We started with a great hotel breakfast buffet (included with our room) and then headed out. Our first goal was to find the Nordkette, a series of a funicular and two gondolas that would whisk us to “The Top of Innsbruck”, also known as Hafelekar Peak, which sits at 7,657 feet. This turned out to be a perfect decision, since there were no crowds early in the day and the weather was ideal. Thrilling rides to the top, then a 15 minute walk up to the summit. So, so gorgeous, with jagged peaks in every direction. Different than the Swiss Alps but still spectacular. After spending some time on top we returned down the three lifts to the bottom. By this time the gondolas were packed, so we were happy to have seen it all when we did.
Next up was finding the Hop On, Hop Off Sightseeing Bus, also included in our Innsbruck Card. Another great experience, with headphones and narration in English that actually worked. I’d read about a nearby castle named Schloss Ambras, thinking it was too far to visit, but the bus made a stop there so we hopped off. Once again, our cards admitted us and we had a super visit. This castle has lots of 1500 year old history and is regarded as the world’s first museum. Cool armor collections, a “Chamber of Arts and Wonders”, grand hall and more.
Through the castle gardens and back on the bus, aiming for a stop at the Glockenmuseum, a bell foundry and museum over 400 years old. This was a sweet museum, with lots of info about how bells (especially really big ones) are made, along with the chance to try ringing a bunch in different sizes. They actually make the bells there in the foundry, which we could peek into.
By this time it was 2 p.m. and we were hungry, so rather than waiting for another bus we walked back into the old town and found Markethalle Innsbruck. It’s an indoor market with lots of different vendors, and we found a spot to split a sandwich and have coffee/iced chai. Perfect.
From there it was on to Experience Tirol, a one hour informational program about the area and its history that included virtual reality, 360 degree screen projections and more. Pretty clever. Not sure that I would have chosen this but again, included in the card so why not?
When this ended at 4:30 or so we’d had enough of museums and attractions, so headed back to an Italian cafe where we’d had drinks the night before. It started sprinkling, so we ate inside and had delicious pasta and salad.
From there it was on to the train station to check on reservations for tomorrow’s train to Salzburg (not needed), then back to our hotel cafe to sit outside with coffee, tea and a shared piece of apfelstrudel. All delicious and the best ending to a full day.
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