The "Pearl of Tyrol" , the capital of the federal state of Tyrol, located at the river Inn, half way between Munich and Verona, framed by the Karwendel Alps to the north and the Patscherkofel and Serles to the south, an internationally renowned winter sports centre, hosted the Winter Olympics 1964 and 1976. The word "bruck" comes from the same root as the German word "Brücke" meaning "bridge" which leads to "the bridge over the Inn" - Innsbruck - lets go....

Two tours starting from Seefeld - Dominick and Diane from Tampa, Florida, Kathryn and John from  Pensylvania are on the Alps Touring Centre, Anthony from Australia will join the  Ducati Tour "Majestic Alps" - we all met at the Hotel Central in Seefeld and took the train to Innsbruck for the Guided City Tour

We took the spectacular Mittenwald railway connecting Seefeld to Innsbruck. The Mittenwald railway was a very expensive rail project due to its many tunnels and viaducts. This route was opened on 1 July 1912, however, in contradiction to the plan, it was at first operated with steam locomotives, as neither the power station nor the electric locomotives were ready.  If you want to take a picture of the spectacular view down into the Inn Valley, you better not hesitate, otherwise you are in the next dark tunnel

Anthony from Aussiland is enjoying the view down into the Inn valley

The "Golden Arches" in front of the famous "Golden Dachl" (Golden roof) - one of the main sights downtown

The Baroque facade of the Helbinghaus just next to the "Golden Dachl"

 It is considered the city's most famous symbol. Completed in 1500, the roof was decorated with 2,738 fire-gilded copper tiles for Emperor Maximilian I  to mark his wedding to Bianca Maria Sforza. The Emperor and his wife used the balcony to observe festivals, tournaments, and other events that took place in the square below.

We need a break - its Strudel time.... Cafe Munding - the best cake in town

We had a private concert

We went up the 148 steps to the top of the "Stadtturm" (city tower) and had a spectacular view over the old city and the mountains  around.

The tower was used in the old days as a prison as well as an outlook for enemies and for fire.

the ski jump - Berg Isel stadion - by world famous architect  Zaha Hadid, called "the Cobra". She also constructed the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Dubai Opera House - just to name same of her buildings.

Innsbruck Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. James. The cathedral was heavily damaged during World War II, but was fully restored within a few years.

The Hofburg - the Imperial Palace of the Habsburg royal family

The "Hungerburgbahn" a funicular going up the northern mountain chain - also design by Zaha Hadid

a bit cloudy, but still impressing

Yes right - these girls are not from Austria

street musicians

the "Ice bucket" thing is also going on in Innsbruck

We luckily catched the train!! On the way back to Seefeld we saw some locals in action

Anthony - thats for you....

I hope you enjoyed Innsbruck.  I wish you a fantastic week, good weather,  lots of new experiences and fantastic rides.

Ride save

Ursula