Innsbruck - Day 8

As we departed Munich, we hopped on a train headed south through the Alps for Innsbruck, Austria.  We were fortunate enough to find 1st class train seats and enjoyed wonderful views of the mountain valleys as we quickly rode through the area.  Once we arrived in Innsbruck, we found a bus and headed towards our hotel located in Gotzens, just outside of Innsbruck in the mountain foothills.

Our hotel had a balcony with an incredible views of the mountain valley and nearby city.  We were able to get situated and hopped back on a bus downtown for a dinner and a show.  The show for the evening was a local production named Tyrolean Evenings, a folk show which has been performed by the Gundolf family for years.  While the show was a bit touristy, it provided a great glimpse into the Austrian history and culture and we enjoyed it quite a bit.  We were treated to a folk band, a singing saw, yodeling, woodchoppers, cowbells and various Tyrolean dances and songs.  We sampled some local beers and wine during the show and were able to snap a few pictures with the performers when the show wrapped up.  Travis enjoyed an Edelweiss dunkel and a Forhenburger pilsner while Alazda enjoyed some local white wines. 

The next morning, we enjoyed a breakfast in our hotel's lounge which had an glass ceiling allowing us to enjoy terrific views of the Austrian mountain valleys.  It was quite enjoyable to sip coffee in the shadows of the Alps.  We then checked out of our hotel and headed towards Innsbruck's old square.  We were able to visit a few sights such as the Goldenes Dachl, a gold roof dedicated to the emperor Maximilian I.  While it is a popular tourist attraction, we struggled to see what the fuss was about.  While downtown, we were also able to capture some terrific photos while browsing some local shops before we headed back to the train station for our next destination - Switzerland!

- Travis and Alazda  

Innsbruck and the wonderful mountain views

View from our hotel balcony

The Tyrolean Evenings folk show

Enjoying the Tyrolean Evenings folk show

Scenic breakfast lounge with glass ceiling

Exploring Gotzens town square

Travis is overcomed by the Goldenes Dachl

Exploring the Innsbruck's old town

Eating a huge pizza slice at the train station (it was enough for lunch for two)

Traveling to Switzerland in style (ok so we sat in the wrong section, but felt like kings for a whole 10 minutes)

Munich - Day 6/7

From Rothenburg, we traveled to Munich which was our hub for two nights.  As we arrived in Munich, we quickly boarded a train to head to the Dachau concentration camp memorial nearby.  We toured the grounds which included a museum, barracks and crematorium.  It was quite a powerful experience to know so much effort went into to such horrendous acts against humanity.  We left humbled as we ventured back towards Munich's downtown.

The downtown Munich area has a large pedestrian only part of town with a large square named Marienplatz.  Lots of shops and bars lined the street while people enjoy beers outdoors and street performers please passer-bys.  We were able to grab a German dinner of sausage, beef, pretzels, and bier at Augustiner-brau.  Travis had two biers (an original and a Dunkel) while Alazda enjoyed some local riesling.  On our way back towards the hotel, we stopped for a gelato snack before bed.

The next morning we enjoyed the sights in Fussen which is detailed in a prior blog post.  When we returned to Munich in the evening, we ventured towards the infamous Hofbrauhaus.  The HB was a 3 story bier hall loaded with tables full of people enjoying large (1 liter) steins of beer.  We were able to find a spot in the center garden area and ordered up a some steins.  Alazda got in on the action with a stein of Hofbrau Original while Travis went with the Hofbrau Dark.  We met a group of travelers from  Indiana and Kansas and joined their table to chat and tell travel stories.  While we enjoyed the Hofbrauhaus experience, we thought it was a bit too crowded.  We finished our steins and left the HB in search of another place for a snack and more drinks.  We were able to find the Ayinger Brauerei nearly right across the street and we were pleased as we were able to find a spot right at the bar and enjoy some delicious brews in a much less crowded environment.  We split a roast pork dinner with sauerkraut and a couple more biers (Ayinger Pilsner and Ayinger Bavarian Dark).  We left happy as we ventured back to the hotel for bed.

Our final morning in Munich was filled with more sightseeing in the downtown district.  We were able to watch the Glockenspiel play at high noon and enjoyed a trip through St. Michael's cathedral which was partially destroyed during World War II.  

Munich was a fun and busy city filled with great food and drinks.  We board a train bound for Austria as our travels continue.

- Travis and Alazda

Lunch on the train en-route to Munich

Entering the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial site

Munich street performers

Enjoying some steins at the Hofbrau Haus

Travis and his Ayinger Bavarian Dark 

The Glockenspiel clock tower

Alazda enjoying the downtown Munich area