This is a continuation of our Croatian itinerary which I last wrote about 13 years ago! It was under drizzling rain that we left Ljubljana in Slovenia for Innsbruck in Austria. After several inexplicable traffic hold-ups at the borders between Slovenia and Austria and Austria and Germany, we went past a beautiful freshwater lake called Chiemsee between Salzbourg and Munich, which seemed the ideal place to have lunch. In the little village of Chieming, we found the Café Chieming, a delightful little place right on the water next to a landing stage where we ate an excellent salad and watched the boats on the river.
Landing stage from Chieming CaféWhen we arrived at Gasthaus Koreth in Innsbruck at about 4 pm, we were delighted to find that it had a balcony with a wonderful view, a very spacious bedroom and easy parking. It took us about a half an hour to walk down a hill and into the middle of the town along the river Inn. We fell in love with Innsbruck immediately with its typical painted façades and beautiful frescoes. Before going any further, you might like to have a look at a previous post: Sunday’s Travel photos: Innsbruck.
We had our aperitif in front of Saint Jacob’s cathedral, originally Gothic but now converted to Baroque but were too late to visit the inside. At Friedrich Square, which was literally thronged with people, we admired the beautiful façades, and particularly the Little Golden Roof, then had dinner at the nearby Ottoburg restaurant. The food was expensive and nothing special, but it’s worth going upstairs to have a look at the lovely timber ceilings.
Corner of Herzog-Friedrich StrasseThe next morning, after a disappointing breakfast, we walked back into the city, this time on the other side of the river until we got to a covered market which surprisingly had a supermarket inside! They had a very huge variety of mushrooms including an enormous puffball. We wandered through the streets admiring the many 17th century palaces with their lovely façades. The mountains with their misty peaks are never far away.
Façades of 17th century palaces in InnsbruckWe visited the Hoffkirche with the tomb of Maximilian 1st and its 28 two-metre high bronze statues which were quite stunning and my most vivid memory of Innsbruck. The details were amazing, particularly the women’s long braids. There was even a face on the back of the elbow of one of the men.
Bronze statues in HoffkircheOn the way back from the hotel, we found an excellent restaurant with an outdoor eating area obviously frequented by the local office workers. I don’t remember the name but when you’re walking along the riverside footpath on the south bank it’s the last restaurant on the left before you get to the bridge!
Riverside restaurantAfter a little siesta, we took our bikes and followed a perfectly flat bike path along the Inn and out of the town, flanked by high mountains and stunning scenery in every direction. We cycled as far as Kranebitten and came back along on the other side of the river, doing about 20 K in all. We were glad of a glass of Riesling and some delicious bruschetta at an outdoor table near the covered market.
Cycle path outside InnsbruckWe didn’t get back to the hotel until 8 pm so decided to eat in the Gasthof dining room. The food was excellent and the owner spoke French. Much better than the meal the night before!
Gasthof Koreth in InnsbruckThe next morning, we set out for our next destination: Germany, via Lichtenstein.
Next instalment – Germany The itinerary so far: Paris – Annecy – Milan – Ancona – Split – Mostar – Dubrovnik – Sibenik – Zadar – Plitvice Lakes – Porec and Pula – Ljubljana – Innsbruck.
My Croatian Itinerary – Part 1: Paris to Milan
My Croatian Itinerary – Part 2: Milan
My Croatian Itinerary – Part 3: Ancona
My Croatian Itinerary – Part 4: Split, Mostar & Dubrovnik
My Croatian Itinerary – Part 5: Sibenik, Zadar & Plitvice
My Croatian Itinerary – Part 6: Porec & Pula in Istria
My Croatian Itinerary -Part 7: Ljubljana in Slovenia
My Croatian Itinerary – Part 8: Innsbruck, Austria