Innsbruck or Interlaken
 

Hi,

I'll be travelling from Venice to Heidelberg in late April and I need a 1-night stopover somewhere. I'm thinking of Innsbruck or Interlaken. Innsbruck is closer and the trip there will not incur any reservation fee, but it seems impossible to find a decent room below 30 euro (I'm backpacking on a budget.). On the other hand, there're plenty of cheap hostels in Interlaken, but the trip requires reservation for at least 2 train rides (Venice to Milan and Milan to Brigg). All in all, they come out the same ( A bit cheaper for Innsbruck).

I'm now wondering which one will be a better option for me, given that I'll get there by no earlier than 17:00 and have to leave early the next morning. Museum, attractions, hiking, trekking are all out of the picture, just the immediate impression and the view on the train perhaps. I heard of the so called "scenic route" across Switzerland. Is it worth spending a few more hours to see it?

Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated. oh and Happy New Year.

I think the reason why you see plenty of cheap hostels in Interlaken in late April is that no one cares to go there at that time - too late for ski, too early for hiking.

I just want to enjoy the view, so I guess it'll still be great for me???

Interlaken is in a valley - so the view are all up. but if you;re not getting in until 5 pm you will have very limited daylight hours to see anything. You can take the train up to a mountain vilage - but by them will be dark - and not hiking weather.

If you're asking which town is cuter (since that's all you will see) - it's Innsbruck by a lot.

At that time of year it will likely be chilly in either one and you will get perhaps an hour to look around the town and then find a bier or wine stube for dinner.

I see. Thank you very much.

Just one more question, in terms of views from the train, how do these two routes compare? Since it seems like I'll be doing most of my sightseeing from the train!

Thanks in advance.

Hi,

Have you considered staying the night in Mittenwald, Germany? Extremely cute Bavarian village with a mountain backdrop. With an evening it's easy to take in the charmiong pedestrian zone. You may have better luck finding a room in your budget also. It's about 45 minutes north of Innsbruck and I believe it's on the same train route you'll be taking to get to Heidelberg.

Just another suggestion, our friends stayed here (in Mittenwald) last summer and liked their stay. Rooms are in your price range,. incl. buffet breakfast and is not too far from the train station.

www.edlhuber-mittenwald.de

www.mittenwald.de

I'd recommend the place we stayed twice (www.schwalbennestl.de), but it's a bit further from the station and some uphill walking.

Paul

I meant to add, if it's only between Innsbruck and Interlaken, I'd go with Innsbruck.

The train ride via Innsbruck is IMO less scenic than the one via Interlaken. On the other hand, I'd go via Bernina route to have a *really* scenic train ride. In late April means that you'd see tons of snow right next to your train. If you stay overnight in the Upper Engadine you could even walk around in the snow :-)

I.

Thank you for the all the great suggestion.

Mittenwald sounds fabulous. The accommodation is indeed affordable and looks spectacular. Mittenwald here I come!

The Bernina route looks amazing, but I'm afraid it'll take too long for me. What a pity! Maybe, I'll save it for my next trip.

Hi again,

Just thought I'd share some of our photo's of Mittenwald. We've stayed twice (4/15 and 10/06) and visited a third time (11/10).

www.worldisround.com/articles/343800/index.html

www.worldisround.com/articles/324763/index.html

For a reasonably priced, good dinner, we love "Der kleiner Kartoffelsack" in the pedestrian zone. The "Mohr im Hemd" is a wonderful dessert. My favorite.

www.derkartoffelsack.de

We also liked the Da Mamma Lucia.

www.mammalucia.de

I looked through the Mittenwald website this morning and found many private rooms (Privatvermieter) even more reasonable (19 to 25 Euro/night). Just thought I'd mention it.

Not sure of the exact train route you'll be taking, but the scenery from Bolzano/Brenner Pass/Innsbruck/Seefeld/Mittenwald is beautiful. We've driven this route many times. The Brenner/Innsbruck area is stunning, as is the scenery from Mittenwald itself.


Paul

I forgot to mention that "Penny" and "Edeka" are 2 small super markets to get drinks, snacks, etc. The Müller store is handy also.

Paul

Your photos look splendid.
I've checked out the room. A few of the private rooms are under 25 euro with breakfast!! I found this B&B,Haus Meißner to be not only very cheap, but also very close to the train station.

I've jotted down the restaurants and the supermarkets you suggested.

Thank you!

Hi Naffion,

Hope you have good trip and that you like Mittenwald as much as we do.