ALPINE MAJESTY—AUSTRIA’S BEAUTY FROM INNSBRUCK TO VIENNA
Having spent time in Switzerland, it was time for Mark and me to explore Austria.
A first stop, though, was to Vaduz, the capital of tiny Liechtenstein. We enjoyed learning about its history and culture while strolling through its artsy streets. (I couldn’t help but wonder how many people actually visit Liechtenstein!)
Next came Innsbruck, capital of Tyrol and host of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. A walking tour introduced us to postcard-worthy sights before we boarded a cable car to the Nordkette, the “mountain at the heart of Innsbruck.” From its lookout, the city and surrounding Alps unfolded before us in sweeping views.
We continued toward Salzburg, passing through Tyrol, a crossroads of Western Europe that at various times has belonged to Germany, Italy, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and France. At one roadside stop I offered to take photos for two young women struggling with a selfie; in gratitude, they gave me a beautifully wrapped candy bar from their homeland of Kazakhstan —a sweet reminder of travel’s unexpected connections.
On the way, we visited the Museum of Tyrolean Farms, an open-air exhibit of preserved farmhouses dating back to the 15th century, before crossing briefly into Germany and arriving in Salzburg. Miraculously spared much of WWII’s destruction, Salzburg dazzles with Baroque beauty along the river. After checking into our hotel, we began exploring Mozart’s city at a leisurely pace. Dinner at a local restaurant was followed by a chamber music performance in the Marble Room of Mirabell Palace—an evening that felt magical.
The next morning, a guided walking tour deepened our appreciation of Salzburg. We returned to Mirabell Gardens, admired Old Town’s Baroque architecture, and toured Salzburg Cathedral. The highlight was Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved castles. Ascending via the Festungsbahn funicular, we enjoyed breathtaking views before wandering its courtyards, museums, and ramparts.
Our days in Salzburg were filled with history and charm. We strolled the UNESCO-listed city center, explored Schloss Hellbrunn where The Sound of Music was filmed, visited Mozart’s Birthplace, of course indulged in pastries at Café Konditorei Fürst (established in 1884), and admired the famous “love lock” bridge over the Salzach River.
The following day our tour took us into Bavaria to Berchtesgaden, infamous for the clifftop Kehlsteinhaus—Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest. Traveling by bus up the winding road and ascending via the original brass elevator, we arrived at the chalet that once hosted Nazi officials. The visit was sobering, as we learned about its wartime history and underground bunkers. Today the Eagle’s Nest is a simple restaurant with panoramic Alpine views, while its museum ensures history is not forgotten.
From there, Mark and I journeyed on to Vienna, Austria’s cultural crown jewel. Vienna is a feast of art, music, architecture, and cuisine. The Ringstrasse, built on the site of former city walls at Emperor Franz Joseph’s command, is lined with majestic buildings, palaces, and gardens—one of Europe’s most elegant boulevards.
We visited the Hofburg, the sprawling imperial residence of the Habsburgs, which now houses the Austrian president’s offices. Here, we also glimpsed the famous white Lipizzaners at the Spanish Riding School. At St. Stephen’s Cathedral, we admired Gothic splendor before switching gears at the lively Prater amusement park, where the 1897 Giant Ferris Wheel still spins. (Film buffs may recall scenes from The Third Man shot here.) And a day trip out to view the gardens and exterior grounds of Schönbrunn Palace was definitely worth it.
Vienna’s museums were a highlight. At the Baroque Belvedere Palace, we admired Klimt’s The Kiss along with works by Austrian masters. The Albertina wowed us with Monet, Picasso, Matisse, and Kandinsky, while the Kunsthistorisches Museum dazzled with treasures from ancient Egypt to Old Masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Bruegel. The city center, largely pedestrian, made sightseeing easy. Over three days, we absorbed as much as possible, from architecture to art to culinary delights. Fittingly, we ended our journey at the famed Café Sacher, savoring a slice of its legendary torte.
It was the sweetest finale to our Alpine adventure—a journey filled with breathtaking scenery, remarkable history, and unforgettable cultural treasures.
