From Italy, through Austria into Germany

Travelled:172km
Visited: Innsbruck Austria, Bad Tolz Germany
Stay: Germany, Bad Tolz- €8/24hr parking, € sevices GPS N47.76252 E11.55142

We had a pleasant day driving through some beautiful  countryside and towns. We are never sure when we set off for the day where we will be that night. We did know this morning that we would be crossing the border into Austria. We stopped here to buy a vignette, a road tax sticker to put on the windscreen. 10 days cost €8.50. We also bought some diesel as it was 20c cheaper than Italy, only to find it even cheaper by another 10c in Austria...yes that's 30c difference! and Italy certainly don't invest it in their roads. This northern part of Italy is very much more like Austria, even 97% of the population here speak German! 

We travelled on the very well maintained minor road into Innsbruck and found a spot in the Olympic Park and Ride. Even though the parking ticket included free bus travel to the centre of town that was less than 2km away, we decided to ride our bikes as we were unsure of the Sunday timetable. The centre was not very busy as being a Sunday the shops were closed, except right in the historical centre where the tourist shops and restaurants were open. 

As we walked around we managed to see the Golden Roof finished in 1500 and has 2657 gilt copper tiles, 

the City Tower, 

the Helbinghaus decorated with late baroque stuccos,

 Ottoburg a gothic residential tower, 

St James Cathedral with its amazing interior and organ

L

 and lots more 

including the Bergisel Ski Jump Stadium. 

Once back to Bluey we paid our €2 parking and then made our way north east towards Germany.

 We drove past a couple of aires that were either closed or not suitable before we programmed Camy to take us to Bad Tolz. The parking area had lots of motorhomes in it and is very reasonably priced for its situation on the river front and a short walk to the historic town. The main street has lots a lovely buildings and most importantly a beer hall/restaurant in which we immensely enjoyed a couple of Hofbrauhaus beers and a delicious meal. Feeling very contented we returned to Bluey very satisfied!