Tyrol in the summer: on to Innsbruck
Summer vacation is barely over, and we're already in the clouds (literally) making plans for next year. When you think of Innsbruck, you probably immediately think of winter sportsBut Tyrol's capital is a pleasant destination year-round. It boasts charming squares, all sorts of hidden gems, and several operas. It's delightfully diverse, just like its surroundings. Innsbruck is a versatile base for those who can't choose between city and mountains. From the city, you can reach the mountains in just 35 minutes. Best of both worlds.
For can be released You still need to reach your destination. Flying or driving to Austria is an option, but it's also possible to take the Nightjet. This is not only more sustainable but often cheaper than flying or driving. From around €60, you can book a one-way ticket in a mini cabin; a compact private sleeping compartment. The train departs every evening from Amsterdam and arrives in Innsbruck in the morning (fourteen hours later). You don't lose any valuable travel time and don't need to book a hotel. Nighttime is at night from 9 PM, and you are expected to be quiet. In the morning, you'll receive a cup of coffee or tea and breakfast to quench your hunger before exploring the city. If you'd like to learn more about the city's history, you can do so with a local guide. No more Google Maps or ChatGPT required.
Traveling on the Nightjet has many advantages, but keep in mind that it's not (yet) the most comfortable way to travel. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make the journey more pleasant. Each compartment has two toilets and a sink. Due to the limited space, it's better to freshen up in your own cabin; wet wipes (and possibly disposable washcloths) come in handy. Make sure you bring warm clothes and a shawl or scarf to use as an extra blanket in case the fleece blanket in the cabin isn't enough. While it can be a bit of a makeshift arrangement, you'll travel much more sustainably, save money, and be rewarded with stunning views.
Time to stretch your legs and drop your suitcases. Hotel aDLERS is within walking distance of the train station and is an excellent base for exploring the city. From the rooftop on the twelfth floor, where both the bar and restaurant are located Farsightedness are located, you look out over the city and the mountains. Breakfast (or dinner) with a view it is. The extensive breakfast buffet includes a Nutella tap (we'd love to have one at home too), and Weitsicht's menu offers something for everyone. Both meat eaters and vegetarians will find something to their liking here.
Hotel aDLERS is not the only place where you can have breakfast with a beautiful view. From restaurant SKY From the Bergisel ski jump, you'll see not only the city but, if you're lucky, ski jumpers soaring through the air. Even when there's no training going on, it's worth taking the cable car up to the viewing platform. If you have an Innsbruck Card (more on that below), you don't have to pay for it.
If you want to see a lot in a short time, the Innsbruck Card Highly recommended. This tourist card gives you free access to various museums and attractions, free public transport, and the Nordkettenbahnen cable car from the city center all the way up to the Top of Innsbruck and back again. You change twice on the way, the Seegrube is the middle station and has a restaurant of the same name with a large sun terrace and views over the city. Popular with tourists and localsMany restaurants are closed on Sundays, and they too head to the mountains. In winter for the snow, in summer for the cool weather. The portions are generous, so a walk to let the food settle is a must. The Seegrube is the starting point of the Perspective Road, a short walking trail of about three kilometers that takes you past several wooden platforms.
At first glance, you might not think so, but if you look closely, you'll discover that Innsbruck boasts a surprising number of trendy (coffee) shops. This probably has something to do with it being a true student city. Coffee and natural wine are enjoyed at haepinest. At Karrafu there is a queue for matcha and pastries and at Café Momo drink a cup of coffee among the books. At Café Bar Moustache You can hang out at the bar or plop down on the couch until late. The place is large but cozy, partly because it's divided into different areas. Orders are still being taken here oldskool recorded with pen and paper and payment can only be made in cash.
At restaurant Stiftskeller the tables are full of local dishes. Opposite the Stiftskeller is the Baklava cafe, here you get the best baklava in town. Restaurant Das Brahms Located on a charming square, it offers a varied menu. The terrace is especially pleasant to sit on. Chanterelle season was in full swing when we were there. That's why we chose Pfifferlingsgoulash (pictured) was delicious. Delicious and vegetarian. For even more great vegetarian food, go to The Blum.
A bit outside Innsbruck, but Familien-Landhotel Der Stern in Obsteig is too much fun not to mention. As the name suggests, the hotel is completely geared towards families. There's a fantastic indoor playground where you can play monkey bars like never before. No plastic equipment and ball pits full of children's snot, but nets, wood, and ropes. Children can also enter the forest twice a week under supervision. There's also some great equipment here (including a truly impressive tree house), although experience shows that children can entertain themselves for hours with just a few twigs. There's plenty to do at this hotel, but don't forget to try the apple strudel at restaurant Der Stern. It's baked according to Grandma's recipe, who worked in the kitchen daily until she was well into her 90s, giving her years to perfect her recipe.
The area surrounding Innsbruck is at least as beautiful as the city itself. Winter sports are plentiful, but in summer you can enjoy beautiful mountain hikes. We ourselves made the Three Lakes hike In Kühtai, one of Austria's highest ski resorts, about 35 km from Innsbruck. The hike takes about three hours and leads past three lakes, the first of which is frequently used for swimming. So, bring a bikini if you're going on a hot day. While you don't need to be extremely fit, it's helpful to be somewhat in shape. Kühtai is a small village, but fortunately, the amenities are good. restaurant Dorfstadl They have an extensive menu. Both the Kaiserschmarrn and the avocado salad went down well, especially after the hike.
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