The Grand Tour - Day 4

Neuschwanstein Castle

Today, after another splendid breakfast, we travelled from Memmingen in Germany to Innsbruck in Austria, stopping by Neuschwanstein Castle which was in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang film.

This was not too long a journey and went through spectacular scenery in the Alps so was altogether enjoyable. The temperature peaked at 26 deg. C and we reached our hotel in Innsbruck old town a little before 2pm. 

View from bedroom window

St Niklaus parish church

We strolled round the St Niklaus quarter across the river first, enjoying the old traders' buildings painted different colours and, more importantly, finding a good cold beer.

Innsbruck is pretty much surrounded by Alps and the river Inn is swollen with melt-water so was fast-flowing and a strange milky-green colour. We crossed back to the main town via a footbridge going through the beautiful imperial gardens.

Imperial Gardens

Congress, cathedral behind

Goldenes Dachl (15th Cent)

There are lots of very grand and beautiful buildings in this part of Innsbruck, and lots and lots of tourists. 

We went into the cathedral and found the number of sight-seers very nearly as overwhelming as the OTT baroque styling.  We didn't take pictures here as you had to pay to do so and in any case you can always check out Google images if you are interested.

 
After a while we found a beer garden and had a long sit and a very pleasurable meal at Stiftskeller. Much invigorated with good food and beer, we wandered back to the hotel and after a short rest we checked out the spa facilities.

I am pretty sure that when I booked, there was no mention of the main 'Wellness Area' being nude….

Anyhow, we did have a swim and a bit of a sauna and lounged on the loungers while reading and it was all very nice.

Tomorrow we have a long journey down to Tuscany: I can't wait!