Sadly, I had to leave Lucerne and Switzerland today.  It was mostly a travel day, because of the logistics to get to the country in between Swiss and Austria, Lichtenstein.  I couldn't skip it on this trip.

 

 

So after some train transfers and a bus, I made it the tiny country of Liechtenstein.  Really to the city of Vaduz actually.  I didn't know what I was going to do high up in the Alps, but a walk always works.  I decided to head toward the castle and palace of the Prince, even though I knew I wouldn't be able to tour. 

 

From its perch high up on the mountains, I knew I would get a great view.

 

The walk was a bit tiring, but well worth it.

 

The view over this tiny city and country was gorgeous.  I loved watching the clouds roll over the mountains. 

 

 

I couldn't see the 'good' side of the palace, but it was still a fun hike.

 

Then it was time to head back down a different route that would lead me to the heart of the city.

 

 

A lot of small vineyards wherever they could be fit into the landscape.

 

I took in a farmers market and found a guy selling coins.  Pretty funny for me to try to converse with an 80ish old guy from here.  I am not sure if he was speaking German, Austrian, Swiss or even if Liechtenstein has another language.  (for those of you playing along at home, German is their official language).  I really enjoyed my 6 mile walk through Vaduz, ha.  Funny what I call a walk.  I snacked a bit in the city and then it was time to get back on the train.

 

This train trip was as gorgeous as the other one.  I can really see why this is the land of fairytales.  I cannot wait to go back to really explore the Alps.  Here are a few snaps of Austria on my way to Innsbruck.

 

 

I arrived in Innsbruck late in the afternoon and then set out again.

 

 

Hotel room view

 

 

Notice all the taped off areas of the Old Town area.

 

I could tell I was tired today, because I was pretty well mindlessly wandering more than usual, but it was a beautiful city.

 

Oh, those taped off areas.  There was a zig zagging 5k going on that kept getting in my wandering paths, ha.

 

 

After a bit of fighting it, I knew it was time for dinner and a nap.  Tonight was a plate of sausages, fries and the obligatory couple beers.