Austria in Pictures: A Peek into the less travelled places around Innsbruck

It's been a really long time since my last post...Haven't had the chance to travel much since then, but I've just returned from a trip to Austria 2 weeks ago, so I thought I'd write a post about it :) The itinerary on this trip was largely unplanned, and it was hard to even narrow down the focus of this post. Ultimately I thought I'd share my experience going around by hiking and public transport in the small towns just right out of the Innsbruck city centre. I will not be focusing too much on Innsbruck itself as you'll probably be able to find loads of information on it already :)

I stayed two nights in Sistrans, followed by a night in Innsbruck since I had a train to catch early the next day. Sistrans is a lovely, quiet town, just a 20min bus ride from the city centre (Regionalbus 4134 from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, 3.60euro). It should be noted that this bus is NOT covered by the Innsbruck card, as the card only covers IVB bus routes (4134 is operated by VVT). Not knowing this before, I ended up buying a 72-hour Innsbruck card which I didn't need :( Should have gotten a 48-hour instead!

Bleh I couldn't use my Innsbruck card for you :(

Somestimes I felt as if I could film my own version of the Sound of Music around Sistrans

View from the hotel window

The streets of Sistrans

There are a number of hikes you could do around Sistrans. I ended up just walking around the area and did not follow any fixed routes, but this was one I used for reference. I stayed at Gasthof Pension Post Sistrans, which was right at the beginning of that route. There are spots where you could see the Innsbruck city centre, and at night when all the city lights come on, it is quite the charming view indeed!

Night view of Innsbruck city from Sistrans

Stars over Sistrans

Night view of the Patscherkofel mountain

Along the trail from Sistrans to Aldrans, overlooking the city centre of Innsbruck

Spring greets us! :)

I stopped here since it was nearing sunset, but you could continue on this trail to Aldrans

There was still some farming activity going on at night while I was standing alone in the middle of the hills...Mainly a tractor making its rounds.

Hiking routes around the area (click to view full-res)

You'll be given a guest card upon check-in, which entitles you to free rides on the ski bus during winter. Read the fine print!

During my stay, I also decided to make it to the Patscherkofelbahn, otherwise known as the Patscherkofel cable car, which was covered by the Innsbruck card. While the free ski bus goes there, I decided instead to hike.

The 45min hike to Patscherkofelbahn from Sistrans takes you through the neighbouring towns Lans and Igls. Along the roads between each of these towns, you'll be greeted only by more greenery and mountain views. Do give yourself some buffer time though because if you're anything like me, you'll end up spending a lot of time stopping and taking photos :)

Exiting Sistrans...And onward to Lans!

We've reached Lans! Barely a 20-25min walk from Sistrans.

We're finally at Igls as well

Walking in the town of Igls to the Patscherkofelbahn

OMIGAWD WE'RE HERE

While the Innsbruck card is not valid for buses to Sistrans, there is a bus J operated by IVB that passes through Lans. If you're for it, you could take an approximately 20-25min walk from Sistrans to the Lans Dorf bus stop and catch that bus to the city. It also goes to the Patscherkofelbahn and the city centre.

Quick review and tips:

• Innsbruck card highly recommended - worth it just based on the included entry to many attractions
• Innsbruck card only valid for IVB bus routes - take note if the bus you need to take is operated by VVT. While bus 4134 to Sistrans from Innsbruck is operated by VVT, you can walk about 20-25min from Sistrans to Lans to catch bus J to the city centre, which is covered by the Innsbruck card.
• You'll get a Guest Card upon check-in to accommodation in Sistrans - you can make use of the free ski bus!
• Sometimes, it is worth it to skip the ski bus and hike instead :)
• It is hard to find information online on getting around via public transit in Austria...Doesn't help that Google Maps doesn't fully support Austria's public transit! I found these apps very useful in helping me get around: ÖBB Scotty (Google Play / Apple App store) and Salzburg Verkehr (Google Play / Apple App store)
  

That's all for now! In all, Innsbruck is a beautiful city (in fact my favourite city during the trip), but don't just stay in the city centre, because the suburbs have a lot to offer as well :)

Bonus shot from atop the Patscherkofel