The Austrian big apple - Innsbruck (1)

Hello all!

Due to a religious celebration (St. Maria's day) every Austrian was given a free day. Which happened to be exactly on a Monday, meaning that I have a long weekend to spend at its fullest. I couldn't imagine ever a greater intrigue for a 2 day trip to the capital of Tirol, the home of Alps, the miraculous city of Innsbruck. I love exploring the unknown, getting on the train, traveling and then sleeping in hostels, meeting new places and people. So I sacrificed a quite big amount of money for this programme, but as I said on my blog more than 100 times, I have no regrets. Innsbruck is like NYC, the top of the World. Worth visiting!

Let's start step by step. Innsbruck is definitely the most expensive location in Austria due to its surroundings, the big and majestic Alps. But if You are smart, no worries, it is possible to save some money. By buying SparSchiene train tickets on ÖBB (the cheapest ones, only a few are disponible, because people reserve them quickly), and booking a 6 bed hostel room, it's acceptable for Your budget.

I slept in Jugendherberge hostel, which is an international junction of cultures and wanderers. Starting from teenager travelers to 76 year old veterans this hostel gives home to all. At the reception there's an exposition of different countries' bancnotes left as gifts from visitors. This shows not just a material value, but the diverse backgroungs of the visitors, the different origins.

The rooms are comfortable, and the price is really low. I paid 22 Euros for a night, and I couldn't find any cheaper accomodation in Innsbruck. I warmly recommend this hostel. Breakfast included in the price.

The journey from Graz to Innsbruck lasted for 6 hours, but the beautiful view, the mountains and rivers compensated the ticking of time. The train sometimes went for minutes long through tunnels, very close to mountains, ravines, lakes, the route was amazingly beautiful.

After I arrived to Innsbruck I walked over the olympic village. (Innsbruck was twice host of the winter olympic games in 1964 and 1976). I also visited Bergisel Ski Jump, a ski jump platform situated on a hill.

Before the evening I climbed a hill from where I could enjoy a panorama view of the city.

I felt so small by facing the Alps. The streets, people, churches, houses were tiny dots from the Panorama viewpoint. At that moment I understood that I have no power against the strengthness and powefulness of nature embedded into mountains, and felt vulnerable against them. Mountains represent dignity, severity and domination. It was interesting though to stare at them, and observe my limits as a simple human.

Next day I explored the city-centre and of course I tried the Nordkette, which took me from the centre right to the top of a hill.

P. s. : Sorry for the quality of the pictures, I'm not a professional photographer.

Thank You for reading, Bis später, Dóra

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