Innsbruck, 2009
As part of my first major international foray since the military, I took my oldest son (12 at the time) to Austria to ski, which he was really into at the time. Innsbruck seemed a reasonable place given the proximity to two winter Olympic sites and a Hilton hotel where I was a Diamond with them at the time.A better history is in a previous post here.
The Arrival
We drove in from Fussen, Germany through the lower Alps. It took a little under three hours, and was an interesting route through mountains, tunnels and valleys. After arriving in Innsbruck, it took forever to find the hotel. No international data plan, poor planning on my part (I did say this was part of my first big foray yes?), but after 4 times around the west side of the city, I finally found the correct road. Like streets in London, it changed names halfway through it.Innsbruck
Quite a view available from the room, every day it got a little clearer on wakeup. Being in the old section of town is an advantage for foot travelers too.Patscherkofel
Home of two Olympics and skiing until at least late April, Patscherkofel is the playground of the locals where 5 year old kids can put adults in the US to shame with their skills.Summary
Innsbruck, just a very stunning and unique city. Food is a bit expensive at restaurants, markets are not too bad to shop from. Hotels are medium costs, bars are expensive. Train connected to Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Vienna, plane connected to the rest of Europe.It's pretty low key, never have I seen it overrun with tourists. You should know some German; not everyone here likes to use English. Driving is acceptable from other cities, but do not forget to get a toll sticker.