After leaving Innsbruck, the group was a little ... on edge. After several days of driving, walking 25,000+ steps, and staying up late enjoying local beverages, we were ready for some real rest. As a group of nine, it was challenging to balance desired activities with exhaustion. But on a clear, crisp fall day, we began to hike up the picturesque mountainside of Werfen, Austria. Our destination, as we would later find out, was only half of the adventure. As we approached our target, it became apparent that this hike was worth the effort. At the top of the climb, we entered the Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave. This mesmerizing natural wonder is filled with ice formations that date back millennia, telling an ancient tale of frozen beauty.
What We Did
Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberger Schloss: Built in the early 1200s, Heidelberg Castle saw much warfare and natural destruction. It wasn't until the 19th century that renovations began after being declared a national monument. We definitely recommend a visit. Also, the giant wine barrel is just flat out impressive.
Karl Theodor Brücke: Also known as "Alte Brücke" ("Old Bridge"), this sandstone bridge is the descendent of older bridges built between the 13th and 18th centuries. And it has one of the best views of Heidelberg Castle.
Grabbed lunch and walked around. Such a cool Bavarian town.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Lake Lucerne: Treat yo'self and do this. The roundtrip tour began on the lake via a paddle wheel boat, then to funiculars that take you to the top of Mount Pilatus, and concluded with a cable car down the mountain's base. It was, certainly, one of the highlights of our entire trip!
Musegg Wall and its Nine Towers: We leisurely walked the path and climbed some of the towers. This was a nice morning activity, especially if you aren't sure where to start in Lucerne.
Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge): Iconic bridge of the city that is worth crossing at least once. It's the oldest wooden truss bridge in the world!
Lion Monument: A magnificent memorial dedicated to the 1,000 guards who lost their lives defending King Louis XVI in 1792.
Vaduz, Liechtenstein
We really only stopped by this gorgeous little country for a few hours, but there is a tourism desk that has some really helpful people to guide you.
Old houses: There's a neighborhood with still-inhabited houses that were built in the 14th century.
Vaduz Castle: Nick asked, "Are there any tours of the castle?" I mean, we had toured others on our trip so far, so it was a logical question. The woman promptly replied with, "Oh, no! People live there!" (The royal family. We learned that the government reports to both parliament and the Prince). Although we couldn't enter, we were still able to walk up to it, which was definitely worthwhile. The castle is quite unique, and the views of the surrounding valley and mountains are amazing.
Füssen, Germany
On our way, we stopped by the shores of Obersee (Lake Constance) at dusk so I could take a few pictures.
Neuschwanstein Castle: Probably the most famous castle in Europe, Neuschwanstein has been said to be the inspiration for Disney's Cinderella's Castle. The delirious King Ludwig II built the fortress in the 19th century, well after a parliamentary government had been put into place. Until his untimely death, he continued to claim he was the rightful leader of Germany. Go on the tour if you have time, and get to the bridge with the most iconic and beautiful view of the castle (as wells as the surrounding forest).
Otherwise, Füssen is a cozy town filled with all kinds of cute Bavarian shops and phenomenal restaurants.
Innsbruck, Austria
We mostly just moseyed for half a day, because we didn't really have a plan for Innsbruck. We did, however, walk along the river and through the Innsbrucker Hofgarten, which was a nice change of pace. As we later found out, Innsbruck is more of a ski town...
After having dinner in town, our waitress recommended we go to Tribaun. Craft beer has really started to pick-up in Europe, and this place was great.
Werfen, Austria
Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave: My favorite part of our trip. The climb is gorgeous (I think there was a tram in there, too), and the cave itself is incredible. One the way up, you get a pretty spectacular view of Hohenwerfen Castle. The ice forms by thawing snow that leaks into the cave, and the continuous mountain breeze through the cave keeps the ice formations frozen year-round. Check it out, and bring a coat and gloves! Big note here: the weather rolls in around 4 PM, as we found out. So, we ended up stuck at a restaurant and bar on the way down for a couple hours before it was safe to take the cable car...
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg Cathedral: One of the most beautiful churches I've visited. Stop in for a look; it's unique and has a crypt.
Stiegl Brewery: Did a self-guided tour and enjoyed food and beer afterward at the brewery's restaurant. Great experience, and they have a robot lawnmower, so that's cool.
Salzburg is also great for strolling and enjoying the city.
Berchtesgaden, Germany
Kehlsteinhaus (The Eagle's Nest): A home built for Hitler used by the Nazis for vacationing and planning purposes. After WWII ended, the house was almost immediately converted to a restaurant to discourage Nazi pilgrimages that were still occurring. However, it's obvious why this location was selected. It's nestled at the edge of the Alps and has a unique 360-degree view of the mountains and countryside.
Munich, Germany
Schloss Nymphenburg: Nick and I walked all around the grounds and really enjoyed the nature trails.
Augustiner Bräustuben: Purchase the ability to have one glass to fill up a fixed number of times (we don't remember the details). Fun, rowdy place to visit, but you need cash to do this!
English Garden: An expansive park that's nice and quiet in some places.
Marienplatz: With the town hall being the main focal point for the square, this area is the center of the Bavarian capital and brings visitors from around the world.
Eisbach river surfing: Once illegal, this famous river offers a wave for surfers that is available 24/7.
Asamkirche (Asam Church): Hands-down the most ornate and beautiful church I've ever seen.
Oktoberfest: The main reason for our trip. A couple of our friends were smart to book our table at the Armbrustschützen-Festhalle tent WELL in advance (€410 for a table).
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