We recently had the perfect occasion for a spontaneous exploration: we found ourselves in the beautiful Austrian town of Innsbruck at sunrise.
But first, let me give you some important information.
We are not early risers. Giulia, to be specific, has a very hard time functioning in the early morning. Nonetheless, we chose to travel from Budapest to her hometown of Cortina, in Northern Italy, by night train through Austria; the night train part, starting from Vienna, actually lasted barely 6 hours. Saying that she was grumpy, when we got off the train in Innsbruck at 5 AM, is an understatement.
Our bus towards Italy would depart only at 7. After enjoying a slow breakfast at the train station, we still had an hour to kill. Giulia was getting restless: too sleepy to get up, and too excited to sit down. “Shall we go for a walk? I remember from last time that the city centre is small, but we have the backpacks, maybe they’re heavy, never mind let’s stay, I’m tired. But the sky is lighting up, it looks so pretty! We shouldn’t waste this occasion! But I’m cold, I’m not sure we should go.”
Spontaneity at 6 AM in an empty city is defined in 2 words: “Yes, dear”. You gotta keep your wife happy. Giulia’s father will be proud.
When she finally gathered enough energy, we set off and spent just 30 minutes wandering around Innsbruck, in silence. It was magical.
Innsbruck at sunrise
Landhausplatz, usually loud and crowded, was perfectly empty. The monument to commemorate the resistance and liberation from National Socialism was even more imposing.
We walked along Maria-Theresien-Strasse towards the city centre. The colorful buildings were popping up against the light blue sky. Just a bus and a very loud taxi passed by.
The mountains are so close! Innsbruck is not even at 600 meters above sea level, yet the Alpine peaks around it reach more than 2000 meters.
There’s the Golden Roof, at the end of the unique Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse! It feels like stepping into another century.
The impressive Rococo cake-icing decorations on Helblinghaus were just being kissed by the sunrise.
As the warm light slowly spread around the Stadtturm tower, we had to make our way back to the station.
It was definitely an effort worth making! We’ll try to remember it, when other occasions for spontaneous explorations arise.
Have you ever been to Innsbruck? Let us know in the comments!