Switzerland to Austria

As we drove from Switzerland to Austria we had a short stop over at Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein which is a Landlocked country wedged between Switzerland and Austria.  A visit  to Liechtenstein was like fantasy coming to life. 

On the way to Vaduz

Enroute Vaduz

Vaduz sits on the Rhine River near the Swiss border and has a unique link with nature. It’s a hidden gem of the Alps.

Vaduz sights

Vaduz sights

 The best way to see Vaduz is to take the toy train ride which covers the entire city in 35 minutes with commentaries in English. It is one of the best experiences that Liechtenstein has to offer. It was like a fairy tale experience and  I’ll cherish those few moments for ever. 

Vaduz

In front of the toy train at Vaduz

Inside the toy train with our fellow travelers

Vaduz

Another thing to do in Liechtenstein is to get an official stamp of entry for only CHF 3 as a souvenir. 

Entry stamp Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein’s currency is the Swiss franc (CHF) . Crime is literally non existent here. 

Leichtenstein was not in our itinerary.  However if our tour manager had not suggested a stop over for a few minutes in this little Country we would have definitely missed out something great.

Vaduz city sights

Vaduz city

Train station at Vaduz

Kunstmuseum  Vaduz

After spending a few hours in the fairy tale like town of Vaduz we continued our journey to Austria.   

On the way to Austria

Enroute Innsbruck

On our way we passed through Arlberg Tunnel which is Austria’s longest road tunnel.  It’s 15.5kms long and we took 12 minutes to cross  the tunnel by bus. The Temperature of the bus was checked before entering for the reason that if by chance the bus gets overheated and gets stuck in the tunnel it would be difficult to take the bus out to clear the way - there’s a thermoscanner at the entrance. There are around forty cameras for  monitoring the traffic inside the tunnel to ensure maximum safety.   The Arlberg tunnel is a Toll Road. Tolls for both directions are collected at the exits, which makes the payment process simple and convenient.

Inside Arlberg Tunnel

Inside Arlberg Tunnel

Our first halt was at Wattens the "Homeland of Swarovski Crystal", where glassy crystal manufacturing becomes a complete experience.  It is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the state of Tyrol in Austria. 

Swarovski Crystal World

A Giant with a waterfall cascading from his mouth is what greets you at the entrance to Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which consists of a park, art museum, retail area, and restaurant. 

The Giant at the entrance to Swarovski crystal world

The Swarovski Crystal world takes you through a journey of unforgettable experiences.  

Inside the crystal world

After some purchases and clicking a few photographs of this wonderland we drove to Innsbruck, the capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol. 

On the way to Innsbruck

"Innsbruck" translates to the “bridge over the River Inn”.  The colourful houses along the Inn River with the mountains on the background, the cobbled streets, the elegant buildings etc add a special charm to this beautiful city.  

The colorful buildings on the bank of river Inn

At the bank of the River Inn

Innsbruck

The Hofgarten is a protected park located on the edge of the Altstadt (Old Town).

Hofgarten Park

The standing stone at the Hofgarten park is considered an important energy point which enhances energy potential in the city.

The Energy stone at Hofgarten Park

Innsbruck sights

The lofty clock tower in Alstadt

The city’s most significant symbol the Goldenes Dachl  (The golden roof) at the main square is situated in the old town (Alstadt).   The roof was decorated with fire-gilded copper tiles for the wedding of Emperor Maximilian I .  The Emperor and his wife used the balcony to observe festivals and events that took place in the square below. 

Golden Roof

A walk in the old town is really refreshing to the  mind.  There are many sights worth seeing close to the beautiful banks of the River Inn. 

Innsbruck sights

Inside the cathedral in Innsbruck

ceiling of the the cathedral

Innsbruck sights

Our lunch was at Bollywood Tandoori, an Indian Restaurant.

Bollywood Tandoori

We stayed at hotel Olympia which is located in a very picturesque location in the beautiful mountain landscape of the Axamer Lizum. Though the hotel was not very great the scenery around was really mind blowing. 

View from our room

Our Hotel Olympia

After dinner we all danced to the tune of Indian music. It was a lovely evening the memories of which will remain in our hearts forever.   After a night’s stay we moved on to one of the most visited countries of Europe - ITALY.  

On our way to Venice Italy

Enroute Italy

Will be back with Italian experiences.....