Austrian Adventure

My Austrian Adventure will soon begin. I have been to Austria before but I will be visiting new destinations. Exciting! Majestic Alps, charming villages, grand palaces and rich cultural history...I am going to try to pack it all in. Follow along as I explore the heart of Europe, one breathtaking view and strudel at a time.

There’s something oddly thrilling about the start of a trip...even if it means navigating traffic on the way to the airport - but the use of Highway 407 certainly does help (iykyk). I also find myself triple-checking that my passport has actually made it into my bag. Then comes the anxious moment when you need to hoist your luggage onto the scale with fingers crossed that it is under the limit. After a smooth check-in and the usual dance through security. I finally made it to the finish line: the airport lounge.

It was time for a well-earned cocktail, with the hockey game playing on a big screen in front of me, the stress melts away. The vacation has officially started. Let the journey begin.

Great flight from Toronto to Munich (just over 7 hours), yet we were delayed in boarding but we still arrived on time. I had lots of leg room in my Premium Economy seat with the bulk head - OK, it wasn't a full lay back seat (I was spoiled with my last flight).

Once to Munich, I took the S-Bahn train into the city (about 30 minutes) and then connected to the fast speed, long distance train to Innsbruck (RailJet) which took just over 90 minutes. I was here last year, so I recognized where I needed to go without getting on the wrong platform. My first day was certainly longer than usual but once I checked into my hotel (Adlers Innsbruck) I dropped my bags and hit the ground running!

My first day in Innsbruck was a perfect blend of mountain views and historic charm...and the blue sky and nice temperatures were an added bonus.
I strolled through the Old Town’s cobblestone streets, with a gelato in hand (was feeling peckish) and marveling at the Golden Roof and other beautiful buildings, and then stepped into the grandeur of a ceremony that was going on in the main square. Everywhere you looked....lederhosen!

Yes, I set an alarm this morning to ensure that I was awake early to get to today's excursion: the Top of Innsbruck. The incredible alpine views that awaited was all the motivation I needed especially when the weather looked spectacular. I purchased my ticket online the night before with the Early Bird discount (20% off) which turned out to be a great decision because the crowds were non-existent. The first leg up the mountain was via funicular and then the gondola to the top. The city of Innsbruck got smaller and smaller as we climbed higher into the mountains. The crisp air and quiet stillness at the top of the Nordkette mountains (2334 m) were absolutely worth the early wake-up call.

A short hike UP to the summit offered even more panoramic views of the city and the surround Alps - breathtaking! The ride back down to the city confirmed that the early start was the right call...by then, the crowds and queues were already spilling out the doors.

Next adventure for today was visiting the Bergisel Ski Jumping stadium. Innsbruck hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1964 and 1976. This jumping facility has been maintained over the years as it is still used for competition and concerts. They even do summer training on plastic matting. That was pretty cool to see. A great view to have lunch too!

I wrapped up the day with a relaxing stroll through Innsbruck’s Old Town, weaving through charming side streets and popping into a few local shops. Even though it was Sunday, some of the tourist shops remained open. The historic buildings, soft evening light, and laid-back vibe made it the perfect way to cap off the day...oh, and maybe some more gelato!

I managed to see quite a bit in Innsbruck during my stay, but now it is time to move on to my next city destination: Salzburg.

I checked out of my hotel and made the quick and easy walk to the train station for the next journey. You can actually see the hotel from the train station.

I purchased my ticket online in advance (2 days ago) and it was much cheaper than buying on the day of departure. Even choosing First Class was a great choice.

The train left at 11:15 a.m. and arrive at 1:00 p.m. My next hotel (arte Hotel Salzburg) was a quick and easy 230m from the train station. To my delight my room was ready so I could check in right away so I could set out and explore this charming city.

Quick Facts About Salzburg, Austria:
> City of Music & Mozart: Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and his legacy is celebrated throughout the city.
> Sound of Music Fame: Many scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed here, drawing fans from around the world.
>Baroque Beauty: The city’s Old Town (Altstadt) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning baroque architecture and charming streets.
> Fortress on the Hill: Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s largest fully preserved castles, offers panoramic views over the city and the Alps.
> Salz Means Salt: The city’s name comes from its historic salt trade, which once made Salzburg a wealthy and powerful hub.
> River Views: The Salzach River cuts through the city, offering picturesque walks along its banks, especially at sunset.

I first visited the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. This is one of the Sound of Music movie spots. However, today that area seemed to be under construction, so I was unable to go thru the gate.

(FYI...when walking around, watch out for bikes and obey the traffic signals. Even the locals seem to wait for the light to turn green. No J-walking here!)

I took the funicular to visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress. I purchased the All-inclusive ticket (18 Euros) which provided access to all areas including the Fortress Tower. What an amazing view from up there! WOW!

Salzburg is a city where every corner feels like a postcard...so many incredible buildings, ornate fountains, grand castles, and awe-inspiring cathedrals. It is impossible not to be swept up in its old-world charm. The mix of history, music, and stunning architecture makes it a seriously cool destination that leaves a lasting impression...and I just got here! Not bad for a Monday!!!

I needed to set an alarm today for an early morning wake up to head out on today's excursion: Hallstatt. It was a bit of a "milk run" to get there but the views were spectacular and totally worth it. I walked to the bus station to catch bus #150 to Bad Ischl then the original plan (as confirmed by my hotel concierge) was to catch another bus to go the final distance. However, THAT bus was not due to depart for another 2 hours once I had arrived. Nope. Plan B...the train! And it had arrived 10 minutes later. Perfect!

As I was walking onto the platform I heard someone shout out to me...WTF? Who do I possibly know HERE??? Lol. Turns out it was the English couple (Nicky & Steve) I had met in Innsbruck at the top of the mountain. We had joked about seeing each other "later" since we knew we were all headed to Salzburg...and BOOM, it happened! What are the chances??? Today when we parted ways, we said "see you in Vienna!" You never know!

We hopped on the train for the 30 minutes journey to Hallstatt - then once off the train, we walked down this incline path to catch the ferry which was waiting for us to take us 7 minutes across the lake. The views were incredible - straight out of a fairy tale. But "Oh My Quads"...the stairs! It was quite the workout walking around (and up) in the village, and just when you thought you had reached the top...more stairs.

I went to all the quintessential photo op places (as did everyone else) and once again the weather cooperated. Some people were doing "photo shoots" in this one spot. OMG, I thought I was bad....lol.

I figured getting to the funicular early would be a good idea since the village had started to get busy. At the top - there was a Skywalk for amazing views over the lake. Then the 650m trek to the World's Oldest Salt Mine...oh yeah, this trek was uphill! This visit is only offered as a guided tour and everyone gets to wear protective clothing - very stylish!!! (nope!) The tour was better than expected.

To get to different parts of the mine (back in the day), the miners used these slides to get to where they needed to be - literally slides! So this adventure has been re-created for the tourists. Not once, but twice - two times the sliding fun!

Funicular round trip, Skywalk, Salt Mine Tour was only 43 Euros - one time purchase included everything - very convenient. To get back to Salzburg I had to simply do everything again, but in reverse. Had to wait a bit for the train in Hallstatt - but hey, there are worse places I can sit and chill while waiting for a train!

Once back to Salzburg it was time for dinner and a celebratory cocktail in the hotel's rooftop bar - I figured I earned it after a long day - even if it was white wine. (iykyk)