Walking Through Innsbruck, One Hug at a Time
Last fall we wandered over to Austria in search of schnitzel, alpine air, and a few Sound of Music vibes. While Salzburg didn't make the cut this trip, we did spend a few magical nights in Innsbruck—snugly tucked up against the jaw-dropping Tyrolean Alps.
One of the highlights? Taking the Nordkettenbahn, a futuristic cable car that whisks you from charming cobblestone streets to Hafelekar Peak, a breezy 7,400 feet up. The ride alone is worth it, but the panoramic views at the top are next-level. Think mountain drama meets crisp mountain air meets “am I in a screensaver?” vibes. Naturally, we toasted the moment with Stiegl Goldbräu at the Seegrube restaurant—because beer just hits different above the clouds.
Back down on earth (and back in socks), we headed to Ambras Castle, which proudly claims the title of first museum in the world. Yep—in the world. Just hop in a time machine and rewind 450 years. Not to be outshone by the priceless armor and portraits inside, the castle grounds boast some of the most magical trees I’ve ever laid eyes—or arms—on. Here’s a quirky little tradition of mine: I hug trees. Not every tree, but when one really speaks to me—majestic, grounded, storm-weathered and wise—I give it a good squeeze. It started years ago as a joke, and somewhere along the line, turned into something unexpectedly grounding. (Pun intended.) The one at Ambras Castle? A worthy hugger. Strong, knotted, ancient. I like to think it didn’t mind.
Later, we strolled through Innsbruck’s historic Old Town, where pastel-painted buildings pop against the Alpine backdrop like a Wes Anderson movie come to life. We paused at the Golden Roof—a 52-foot-wide balcony covered in gilded tiles, built by Emperor Maximilian for his wedding in (not a typo) 1500. He really said: go big, or go back to Bavaria.
Innsbruck is one of those places that wraps its arms around you with a quiet, colorful charm. Mountain air, medieval history, and spontaneous tree hugging? Just my kind of adventure.
