Innsbruck

After our victory against the Steel Sharks that put us in the Silver Bowl, we drove to Innsbruck to scout the game between our potential opponents. The Raiffiesen Vikings were playing the Swarco Raiders for the unenviable task of playing us (The Kornmesser Rangers) in the finals

(The Silver Bowl).

Innsbruck, Austria in the background. We are at the Hungerburg station on Nordketten.

Across the valley from Nordketten. Innsbruck lies in between.

After a late (early morning) arrival at the Hotel Innsbruck, we arose and scouted the game in which the home team (Swarco Raiders) won. Following the game, we bought tickets to ride up one of the amazing mountains that surround this city. Home to two Olympics (1964 & 1976), Innsbruck is correctly mentioned as one of the most beautiful cities in Austria and possibly, the world. The Inn river flows through the middle of town. and it is surrounded by 8,000-9,000 foot peaks.

The first part of the trip up Nordketten is by an apparatus that looks like a train made into a chair lift. The cars angle up the mountain and the various entrances are accessible by steps rather than a flat platform. The car makes its way up and down the mountain between the base level and the Hungerburg station. There, one may stop, sample food and drink from outdoor restaurants, shop, or visit the Alpenzoo.

We continued up the mountain by loading onto the cable car that would transport us to Seegrupe near the top of the mountain. We moved up, passing over hikers and mountain bikers on trails, cabins, and lush forest. 3 mountain bikers, clad in their gear and pushing their bikes, loaded onto the cable car. Nordketten is a favorite for bikers to fly down the trails.

Almost to the Seegrupen; A hiking trail is visible on the lower right. Innsbruck is below.

Hey! That's us in that shadow.

We reach the top after a ride that one could only describe as breath-taking (because of the view, not because of the height/danger) There was a small platform with a cafe and observation deck. Below, a glider could be seen, serenely riding the air currents of the brilliant, sunny Alpine day. I was unable to take its picture but it looked so relaxing to just drift around like a kite over this amazing view. I don't know how he got up in the air or when he landed, but it sure looked fun.

At the top with my best friend! Seegrupe on Nordketten.

From the outdoor cafe/observation deck.

(Hey, they didn't have water at the cafe and all that mountain climbing makes you thirsty!)

Top of the world, Ma!

Beautiful view (and the scenery in the background is nice , too)

We made our way back down the mountain and proceeded to stroll around the old city center. Many sidewalk cafes, souvenir shops, and other vendors lined the narrow cobblestone streets. We ate across from the Mozart house. He was not born there, but he lived there at one time in his life. Following a meal of schnitzel followed by a dessert of Sacher Torte (a fancy way to say chocolate cake), we returned to the Hotel and exhausted, fell into bed. The next day, after touring the Swarovski Crystal Worlds*we returned to Vienna to prepare for the Silver Bowl to be played on June 11. I will be blogging about the game against the Steel Sharks that put us in the championship soon, so stay tuned.

Outdoor cafe in old downtown Innsbruck. To the left is the Mozart House.

* A video that shows the Crystal works may be found here. I didn't make it or "star" in it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY4xpNiRtwk