Austria Christmas Markets - Day 9 Innsbruk

So, this day was the one I was most looking forward to on this trip.  My day in Innsbruk, the capitol of the Tyrol.  My father lived somewhere in this area for a few years and I was always interested in visiting. I was not dissapointed.  Yesterday, I didn't have high hopes as the only area that I had explored at all was the newer part of the city.  My hotel, while the best I've stayed in so far this trip, is not in the Innerstadt, it is just very close to it (much closer than I originally thought).  I was worried that there wouldn't be much old city charm here...I was wrong.

The rain yesterday transformed into snow overnight and coated the city in about 3 inches of fluff.  By the time I left my hotel, it was still flurrying, but the roads had been cleared and it was slightly warm enough to turn the ground to slush.  This was the kind of weather that plays a bit of havoc with Google maps.  It turned me around a few times until I saw something interesting down an alley...

THIS is the Innerstadt, the Inner City, full of Tyrolean old world charm.  Pedestrian only streets and very odd decorations of hanging elves and giant dolls.  Througout the day, I'd stumble upon Children's story 3D decoratios on the sides of buildings.

But there were also tons of signs letting you know where to get pretzels or new glasses.

I came to the end of a street, turned a corner and there was the Old Town Christmas Market in the old town square, beneath the Goldenes Dachl.  The Emperor used to watch over activities in the square (much like this market, I would think) from his balcony beneath that golden roof.  This markety was busy and bustling.

The architecture around the square was a delight.  I love that the Austrians aren't afraid of colors.

I wanted gluwein, and that meant I needed to eat something.  I spied some delicious looking potato pancakes and I boringly chose sour cream this time.  Yes, those are chives.  Yes, it was yummy, I need to make potato pancakes more often. 

Food accoplished, so I was able to partake of gluwein.  I forfeited the deposit and kept the mug.  They came 4 colors (black, white, green, and red) I was debating on whether to keep one and decided that I really only liked the black one...so If I got one randomly, I'd keep it.  

I wandered around for a bit.  This market spills out from the square onto some side streets.  Lots to see.  I believe this is where I bought my pinecone shaped beeswax candles.  

I just found this funny.

Also on this square is this clock tower, all that remains of the old city hall (Rathaus).  The rest was destroyed in WWII.  A new city hall was built in a new location.

I love how Starbucks and McDonalds are trying to fit in here. Walk down this street away from our first market...

And you stumble upon the second, Christmas Market Maria-Theresien Strasse.

It's smaller than the first, but very cute.  As you will see later, it comes to life at night. 

It took me forever to find that this is Spitalkirche.  I just thought the pink clock tower was cool.

Headed off down another street and located the third market, the Family Christmas Market at MarktPlatz.  It does have rides for the kiddos and that big tree in the middle is sponsored by local Swarofski Crystals. 

And time for more gluwein.  This cup I got my deposit back for.  This market was nice too.  I found a chimney sweep Christmas ornament, something I am always on the lookout for. 

By this time, I had decided not to go to the furthest market, as I was getting a bit tired.  It was also not walkable (so I would have to hop a trolley) and on top of a mountain.  Although another funicular ride was not a problem, t was very foggy and there would be no view...the whole reason to take that trip.  I decided that the next market would be the last one for the day.  

This was the only market on the other side of the Inn river, The name of the city "Innsbruk" means "bridge over Inn."  Even on a foggy day, the buildings are cheerfully colored.

This is the other direction, looking as cold as it really was.

After a short walk, I found the last market, Christkindlmarkt in St. Nikolaus.  It was a little market in a little square in front of a church. 

Very neghborhood/local vibes. Not much by way of shopping but lots by way of food and drink. Cute, but not for me.

Back across the Inn...

It's time for lights to come on.  Back through the Family Christmas Market.

The Swarofski tree changes colors, BTW.  I had already seen everything here.  So, after I peeped the lights, it was back to Innerstadt.

Nighttime brought out the performances for the kids.

And some fun lights.

The chandeliers over the street leading to the palace (Hofburg). 

And the other direction.  Funny, the chandeliers in Vienna were over the high end shopping street.  Here this street is packed with souvenir shops.

Back to see the market lit up. Pretty...

Back to Maria-Theresien St. to see the pink clock tower lit up

One last look back at the Goldenes Dachl.

This market is a lot more happening at night.  More lights, more people

There is a band playing carols.  I remember hearing them in my room the night before and I realized that this was closer to my hotel than I thought.

One last look back here too.  Google maps was behaving and had me turn down a pedestrian passageway, that ended on a familar street.  It was SO close to my hotel.

This is in front of my hotel.  Did I mention I saw people walking around with skis on their shoulders all througout the day.  Yep, Innsbruk.

I had cheese and crackers that I bought last night for dinner in my room.  Not sure if I mentioned that I bought a tea advent calendar, and enjoyed tonight's (a Holiday spice blend) with my dinner.  

My stuff is mostly re-packed in my new suitcase and I'm ready to see Gratz tomorrow.