Day 7 - Lucerne to Innsbruck

On the road bright and early this morning. First stop was the city of Vaduz in the principality of Lichtienstein. The royal palace sits high above the city. In the town centre there was a small farmer's market being held. Stephen tried some of the local coffee and cake. I am pictured beside the scale model of the palace that sits in the carpark below. 

It was only a short stop and we were soon on the way across the border into Austria to the small town of Seewald set high in the mountains. Seewald is a very popular resort style town where people flock to ski, hike, play golf and relax in the numerous spa and wellness centres. When we arrived there were four horse drawn carriages waiting for us. We hopped aboard and were taken for an hour long ride through the forest. The meadows of wildflowers were sensational and the trees so green and tall. We were taken to a small restaurant where we were served traditional apple strudel which was delicious. 

Back on the coach for the drive to Innsbruck. Our first stop was the ski jump used for the 1964 and 1976 Olympics. Having watched with interest the Winter Olympics over the years we were astounded at just how high the jump is and how short the landing zone. The photo, like the TV coverage, really doesn't do it justice. 

Back on the bus and into the city centre where we went for a guided walk around the old town. The buildings were just beautiful. Innsbruck derives it's name from the Inn River upon which it is built. Like many rivers in Switzerland it is the most beautiful aqua colour. 

Innsbruck was also the home of Wolfgang Amadaus Mozart. His home is marked by a small plaque. 

To say we were tired when we arrived at out hotel after 7.00pm is an understatement. Our hotel was opposite the main train station so Stephen and I took the opportunity to pop across to purchase our tickets for our transfer from Vienna to Budapest. Then it was time for dinner and bed.