Top of Innsbruck

Today was forecast to be hot in the city, and we could think of no finer way to manage the heat than to gain a lot of elevation without using our own two feet.

Today’s destination is marketed as the “Top of Innsbruck.” We took the Nordkettenbahnen to the Hafelekar station, involving a cable car and two gondolas. It was a slow route with limited capacity, but the views and the temperature were worth it!

The first order of business was to follow the Geology trail to the peak, where we had unbelievable 360° views. Then Dave followed a trail a few hundred meters to climb a prominent rock feature.

Returning to the start of the trail, we shared a slice of carrot cake from the cafe before checking out the Quantum Optical Ground Station telescope and learning about local physics achievements (discovery of cosmic rays).

Descending one leg of the gondola to Seegruben station. Here we sat down on the restaurant patio and enjoyed a meal, before climbing the local rise to see what views were on offer.

Then we descended the other gondola, and the first part of the cable car, getting off at Alpenzoo. This unique zoo features alpine animals from Austria, and has interesting multi-level habitats (making use of the mountainside).

Our favourites were the bold and playful ibex and the shy and quiet chamois. We also enjoyed the Golden Eagles, the various types of vultures, the wolves, and the aquarium.

As the zoo was closing, we then took the cable car back to the city centre. A short walk back to the hotel, with a stop for takeout (butter chicken bowl for Jen and Shawarma for Dave). A good day, capped by. Short rainstorm just as we settled down for the night.

Also, two new birds today (not at the zoo): Yellow-billed Chough, White-winged Snowfinch.