Around the World with Wes and Masami - Around the World Travelogue by Wes and Masami Heiser with Journal Photographs Expenses Lodging Guide Schedule Preparation Route

Austria

Tyrol Region

2000.08.31 - 09.05

The Eastern Alps of Austria

The Austrian region closest to Switzerland is called Tyrol (Tirol in Austria). It spans about 200 km across and encompasses the Eastern Alps, Austria's highest mountain - Grossglockner, and numerous cities including Innsbruck.

Compared to the German part of Switzerland, there doesn't appear to be any significant differences. Chalets in the valley are wooden boxes with white bases, red flowers adorning the window sills and balconies. High priced public transport services all corners of the land. Tourist Information staff speak English and are helpful in all matters. The mountains are marked with numerous hiking trails and huts provide food and shelter for multi-day trekkers. All these resembled Switzerland. Yet, there was a hint of difference in the general social conduct. People smiled more. They were more relaxed and less focused on exactness. They took time to wave and say hello. Austria is a good place with an honest heart.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is the largest city in Tyrol, possibly more known for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976 than any trait. It is in fact a quiet city with a small historic section that's worth a walk. The Swarovski crystal factory is near the city, but we don't recommend a visit to their Crystal Worlds display. On a clear day, the Alps can be seen to the south.

People traveling Europe who miss good Thai food should try a restaurant called Noi on Kaiserjägerstrasse next to the sheltered car parking in the SOWI-Universität building. Cooking ingredients are carried directly from Bangkok, and the food is absolutely authentic.

	Looking down a street in downtown Inssbruck with the Alps in the background.
	A live horn ensemble plays to passersby from the balcony of the Goldenes Dachl where Emperor Maximilian used to observe street performers.

Lienz and Nationalpark Hohe Tauern

Lienz is the largest town near the Austrian National Park, Hohe Tauern. Within the park is the 3797 M / 12,457 ft Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain. Buses from Lienz to the park are infrequent, and the ride is an hour. By the time we reached the park, it was 11:00. The last bus returned at 16:30. We selected a tough 12 km hike. It didn't happen. 3.5 km into the hike, we got behind schedule and started to jog. Masami's leg told her to stop - her shoe stuck between 2 rocks, her knee crashed onto a protrusion - blood and pain. It was a slow return to our starting point. Wes carried her down some of the steep sections. And on top of it all, we got snowed on.

	The top of Grossglockner was visible for a short time as clouds came and went. At times we had snow.
	The glacier (behind the fog in the center of the picture) coming down from Grossglockner was barely visible.

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