REGENSBERG TO INNSBRUCK

Guten Tag,

Our guide book (up to date this time) describes Regensberg as having the only intact medieval centre in Europe (which it has) and is ignored by tourists (which it is not). This is probably because it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site which means the town is now overrun by tourists and has all that involves. It is rarely uncluttered and most of the major sights haves buses, vans and cars parked in front. The 1000 year old bridge offered a fairly clear view although you will see that the famous sausage restaurant in the foreground is full and was every time we visited.

We enjoyed the town though as it was a nice bike ride along the Danube from our campsite, the sausages we bought from the local butcher were great, we found the local brewery (hooray!) and the town is now free of plague and leprosy. So onwards into Austria and one of the many examples of Baroque, in this case the tomb of Maximillian 1 in Innsbruck.

I wouldn't go as far as Cyrille Regis (I think) on a pre-season tour of China was asked why he didn't join the team visiting the Great Wall replies if you've seen one wall you've seen them all. However, I have now had my fill of Baroque.
We are staying at a great mountain campsite in Nattersee high above Innsbruck which can be reached by free bus or on foot.

The city is lively and the people regard themselves very much as Tyrollean rather than Austrian. All the museums we visited emphasised this each with a history of the Tyrol on audio guide. Each museum, five in total, was huge and the audio guide for each museum lasted (should we have let them) over 5 hours! Tyrollean history 1600 to the present day would now be my Mastermind specialist subject.

The famous Golden Dachl above was one of the many sites we took in although, surprise, surprise we also found the local brewery during Happy Hour, twice! German and Austrian beer is pretty average should you choose the ubiquitous pilsener but the wheat beer has been decent wherever we have been.

A bit more Baroque in case you're getting withdrawal symptoms.
Innsbruck is another city we visited on our 1988 trip and we shall compare our old photos when we get home but I reckon it is much the same.
Our time here is now up and tomorrow we move to the banks of Lake Garda. Not bad, this retirement lark!
Auf Wiedersehen until next week and trust this post finds you all hale and hearty.

J & P