Innsbruck Austria

Nick and I leave for two nights tomorrow for a much needed romantic weekend. I can't remember the last time we have gone anywhere without the kids. Coretta and Geno are staying with our lovely neighbors whom Coretta knows and plays with their kids almost daily. Although Coretta never wants to be away from her Mom and Dad, and it is particularly hard on her, she is being a good sport.

Nick and I plan to drop the kids off at the Burkert's at 10 am and then quietly sneak out once Geno is playing. He loves Michael and Seamus and loves being around other boys as well. Once we make our getaway, we will drive approximately three an a half hours to Innsbruck, Austria where we will be staying at the Hotel Innsbruck for two nights which includes breakfast and one four course dinner the first day we arrive, and two massages in the spa. To see photos of the hotel, click on the hyperlink.

Once there, we plan to walk around the quaint city visiting the Golden Roof and doing some sightseeing and shopping in the town. The Goldenes Dachl or Golden Roof is a symbol of your old town Innsbruck experience. The window, porch, and roof was added in 1500 by Maximilian I to celebrate his marriage and the roof is covered with 2657 gilded copper roof tiles. The feature is splendid and the square beneath is always bustling with activity. Dom St. Jakob and the Hofkirche are nearby; the area is filled with magnificent Baroque buildings particularly the Helbinghaus at Number 10 Herzog Frederich Strasse. This building is within sight of the Golden Roof. Restrooms are free at Swavorski crystal shop on the basement level. If feeling up to it, afterwards maybe even taking in the castle. Schloss Ambras which is a historic castle which includes an art museum. The setting of the artwork against the historical architecture makes this a unique art museum experience enjoyed by many travelers in the area.

On Saturday, we plan the cable cars to Hungerberg based on the following review: " I can not recommend this highly enough. If you are ready for the most amazing views that you will ever see, head up above Innsbruck on a clear day. We were absolutely astounded by the views of the town on one side the Alps on the other. The view to the Alps was more spectacular than anything I have seen in the world and the trip up was quick and easy. The Bergbahn is a very modern cable car that takes you up to the top of the world. You stop twice along the way to change onto different cable cars and the view is more spectacular each time. We went up on our last day in Innsbruck because it was covered by the Innsbruck Card that we already had. We didn't realise what a massive highlight of our whole trip this would be. It is spectacular." Afterwards, we plan to do some hiking in that area.

On Sunday before we leave, we plan to take in either the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum which offers visitors insight in to the local cultural and creative expressions of the people of the area or the Tyrolean Provincial Museum which may be the best local bet for gaining insight in to the history of the area. Additional information about Innsbruck history can be learned by visiting The following link: Innsbruck History.