Today can be summed up in 3 letters – wow! We started by booking up Prague as we were conscious that it is now mid-August and we do not have much time before we are there now.

After that we caught the bus up to the cable car and decided to splash out and buy a ticket right to the top of the mountain (two cable cars altogether). It was well worth it – the views were astounding and the scenery amaying. The peak of Hafelekarspitye sits above the valley at 2334m and it was quite dizzying to stand at the edge and gaye out over Innsbruck and the Alps.

We walked around at the peak and then again one level down at the top of the ski-slopes. It would be amazing to come here in winter. The sheep and cows provided added entertainment.

Back at the bottom the clouds began to roll in – we made it to the bottom just as the peak began to disappear. By the time we walked back to the hotel the rain had set in. Then it thundered too. The heavy rain unfortunately put a premature end to our planned lantern walk, laid on by the tourist board for free, as there was no way we could walk in this weather. Never mind.

We ate in the hotel and then relaxed and watched the storm. I am just glad we got to see Innsbruck in all of its glory at all. The weather forecast is rain again tomorrow.

Again the train journey was beautiful and provided panoramic views of the countryside between Salzburg and Innsbruck. Innsbruck is nestled between huge mountains on both sides. The sun was shining and in every direction the view was a picture-postcard.

After dropping our bags at the hotel we went for lunch, another Wienerschnitzel, next to the gold tiled roof in the old town. After lunch we walked back to the hotel via the cathedral and city park.

After a short rest we embarked on what was supposed to be a short walk. It turned out to be about 8 1/2 miles. The route along the river and around the airfield gave wonderful views all the way round.

Another blister gained and sore legs too and we eventually got back absolutely exhausted. I hope the weather is as nice tomorrow.

Today we had breakfast and then set out for the old town again, a little more focussed than yesterday. We started at Schloss Mirabel, a beautiful palace with lovely grounds which also featured in the Sound of Music (apparently). The atmosphere was lovely and was made even nicer by the live Mozart concert taking place right in the middle.

We next went to Mozart’s residence (although he didn’t live here for long the whole of Salzburg is Mozart mad)! We didn’t pay to go in but had a drink outside. We followed a nearby road up a very steep hill to a monastry which had lovely views of the city.

After descending back to ground level we had lunch in a small café and then visited a church we had missed yesterday with a very well kept and photogenic graveyard.

Next we walked up the steep hill to the fort overlooking the city. It was too expensive to go in but the views were very good. We continued to walk along the hills which gave us even more good views.

Back at ground level agian we had a really really nice hot chocolate which was almost like drinking melted chocolate. Emma had mint chocolate and I had coconut – yummy!

On the way back to the hotel we revisited the Schloss Mirabel gardens and enjoyed the walk back along the river.

Salzburg is very nice even with all the tourists. It really is an Austrian version of Stratford with Mozart instead of Shakespeare!

We left the hotel after breakfast to head for Salzburg. As usual in Austria the train awas exactly on time, as was our connection.

Once in Salzburg we caught the bus to our accommodation. This time it seems to be university rooms in halls not that dissimilar to those at Warwick. The room is very nice and airy although it is a bit of a walk to the old town. It wasn’t really what we expected as the most expensive place we have stayed but it is fine.

We headed straight for town to find it very busy with tourists – it is a Saturday after all. We walked around the town, after having some lunch from the supermarket, taking in the cathedral, rathaus and other old buildings. We then went up to the convent from the Sound of Music – it excited Emma anyway!

A pleasant walk back along the river followed and then bed.