Exploring the Bavarian Alps

Five years ago I had the fortune of travelling to Europe through the Bavarian Alps region of Germany, Austria and Italy. I shall try to retrieve some of those wonderful and cherished moments from my memory.
The Bavarian Alps region is known for its stunning beauty and considered to be one of the most picturesque regions of Germany. My wife and I were on a 15-day group tour of Europe organised by one of the leading outbound tour operators of India, SOTC.
We travelled in the second week of August 2012.

August 14: Engelberg (Switzerland)

We moved onto Austria through the Alpine country and the minute principality of Liechtenstein, the smallest and one of the most beautiful countries of Europe. We were told that the Prince of this country, Hans Adam-II, is the fifth richest man in the world. On our way to Austria we had the fortune of spending some time in two of the most beautiful locations of the entire tour, Vaduz and Wattens.
After travelling some distance from Engelberg, the Alps and beautiful lakes were our constant companion to the left. We had our first toilet break at Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Situated by the mighty Rhine and with a geographical area of only 160 sqkm, and a population of 35,000 thousand (2012) it is a major tourist destination. The main attractions of this beautiful Alpine town were the majestic Castle of Vaduz and a tram ride. The Castle is the palace and the official residence of the Prince.
It was the cleanest city I have seen in Europe and one can literally sleep on the road. We had the leisure to explore Vaduz, so I did not want to waist a moment and went for a photo shoot along the cozy street cafes, beautiful houses, quiet, beautiful streets with almost no traffic and of course, the presence of the mighty Alps.
After spending about half an hour we continued our journey towards Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, a region of Austria. On the way, suddenly we were on detour as the coach driver left the highway and started descending to a place that looked like a motel. We enjoyed our packed lunch, sitting under greenwood trees and lush green grass that looked like a Persian carpet.
The beauty of the Austrian Alps was breathtaking. After relaxing for sometime in the lap of nature, we proceeded to Wattens (13 km from Innsbruck) for a visit to the amazing Swaroski Crystal World. With the backdrop of the Alps, gently rolling grassy Alpine Meadows and pine forests the setting was perfect for a holiday resort. To commemorate the hundred years of the famous Swaroski brand, a museum was built at Wattens in 1995.
The retail counter of this brand spreads all over the world and has stores in India as well. On entering the Crystal World Museum I was delighted to find that a replica of Chetak, the famous horse of Maharana Pratap, mounted on the wall and studded with precious gems. Vaduz-Innsbruck stretch was a real treat to our eyes and souls as we crossed the beautiful Austrian Alps and passed by old valleys, ruins of fortresses, and beautiful lakes.
After reaching Innsbruck, we were on an orientation tour of the city. Along a cobblestone street of Innsbruck and among quaint road side cafes stand the ‘Golden Dachl’, the’ Golden Roof’ — a beautiful Gothic style structure and the most iconic landmark of Innsbruck. Other important places we visited were a 17th century fountain with the equestrian statue of king Leopold V, St. Anne’s Column, Innsbruck Cathedral and others.
We had a brief stroll along the bridge on the river Inn, after which the city was named. The view on the other bank was simply fascinating with a backdrop of the Alps, looking bluish, lovely houses and dense conifers on the mountain slope.
Because of low altitude this part of the Alps was not snowbound. What added to the beauty of this canvas were the hanging flower pots from the poles, with lovely natural flowers, along both sides of the bridge. Our stay for the night had a wonderful surrounding, close to the river Inn on one side and the Alps on the other. It was August 14 and young boys of the group had a wonderful idea of celebrating Independence Day in the evening.
Two Euros were collected from each family for the purpose. During dinner everyone was told to be present at the lobby. When we came down to the lobby I was thrilled to find the Indian tricolour on the table.
Patriotic songs were sung in different languages and I was requested to say a few words on Independence Day. It was indeed an honour for me. That was the most memorable experience for us, celebrating Independence Day in Austria!

(Contributed by Parag Ranjan Dutta, former professor at
St Edmund’s College)

(To be concluded next week)