AKA A Journey Through the Alps: Vienna to Zurich
It was another big travel day today, this time from Vienna to Zurich, with a scenic stopover in Innsbruck. The journey began early with a smooth ride from Schwedenplatz to Huetteldorf on the U-Bahn.
We grabbed a quick coffee and pastry for brekky-on-the-go, before boarding the OBB – Westbahn. The train was simply impeccable – clean, silent, organised, efficient, and respectable. There was even a moment when one of our group members got shushed (and for once, it wasn’t me!).
As we left Vienna, the snow started falling again – quite heavily. It soon turned the landscape into a winter wonderland. The train smoothly glided across the Austrian countryside, passing through picturesque towns like St. Pölten, Amstetten, Linz, Wels, Attnang-Puchheim, Vöcklabruck, Salzburg, Kufstein, Wörgl, and Jenbach. The views were nothing short of breathtaking as we threaded our way through the Alps. It was like something out of a postcard, with crystal-clear, aqua waters running through snow-covered streams and rivulets.
A Quick Stop in Innsbruck
We made a brief stop for a couple of hours in Innsbruck, a city nestled among the Alps. Founded as a trading center in the Middle Ages, Innsbruck became an imperial city under the Habsburgs. It’s rich in history and culture, and today it’s known for its stunning alpine scenery and as a gateway to world-class skiing.
Of course, I couldn’t resist picking up a magnet to add to my collection. It’s become a little ritual of mine to buy one in every city I visit, and this one came from a charming little Tabak and Lotto shop. Inside, there’s a lucky dip-style barrel where you pick your own “lotto ticket” (we’d call these scratchies in Australia), adding a bit of fun to the souvenir hunt.
I also managed to find a Primark store (a must for any traveller, in my opinion), where I grabbed a few more pairs of some amazing leggings that have been my lifesaver during this trip. They’ve allowed me to wear dresses and stay warm, which is no small feat when travelling through Europe in winter!
Into the Swiss Alps
After our brief stop, it was time to board the express train for Zurich. This part of the journey was pure magic; breathtaking views of the Alps from the panoramic train. The scenery was truly spectacular, with snow-capped peaks and lush valleys around every corner. Luckily, by the time we arrived in Switzerland, the days were a bit longer, so we were able to enjoy two full hours of daylight, watching the sun dip lower in the sky before it finally set.
A 10-minute sojourn through Liechtenstein offered a charming way to cross between Austria and Switzerland, and technically added another country to our list! We were whisked through this tiny, scenic principality with the majestic Alps looming around us. In just moments, we had crossed from Austria’s rolling vineyards into Switzerland’s mountainous terrain, with Liechtenstein acting as a bridge between the two.
By the time we checked into our hotel in Zurich, it was well past 8 p.m. We were all famished, so grabbed a quick takeaway from a kebab shop around the corner. I opted for a “Lamm Pepito” (lamb panini), which was just what I needed to end the day on a high note.
I am looking forward to exploring Zurich over the next few days before I head home. There’s so much to see and do here, and I can’t wait to take it all in!
My favourite photos from today was this delightful duet of toilet signs from our OGG train:
Hubby’s pick was this one of the Alps (after Innsbruck):
By Sarah 