Todays’s five hour train trip from Vienna (Wein) to Innsbruck took us through lush valleys and picture-postcard towns. With majestic, glacial mountains in the background, we viewed rushing rivers, placid lakes dotted with sailboats and numerous bikers criss-crossing the countryside on well maintained bike paths. The Austrian countryside seems idyllic. And as the warm sun shone through the train windows, we anticipated a couple of tranquil days in Innsbruck.

Nestled amid the mountains, Innsbruck is a charming town in a spectacular setting that seemed to welcome us as we stepped off the train. We found our hotel, checked in and set off to see as much as we could of the little town before the sun set. We wandered down Maria Theresien Strasse toward the center of the old town. On our way, we came upon a mountain bike race through the city center that caused a few pedestrian traffic jams.

We made it to the market square and listened to some typical tyrolean music along with others who sat in the biergarten singing along and enjoying their beer and sausages. It was a lively bunch, and I couldn’t help but think my German grandparents would have felt right at home.

Tomorrow we’ll be up early to do more sightseeing and enjoy the great weather.