There’s something magical about packing the car, loading up the kids, and hitting the open road. Our family road trip from Germany to Italy took us through the heart of the Alps, with a quick but memorable overnight stop in Innsbruck, Austria.

While Innsbruck wasn’t our final destination, it was the perfect pause between long hours of driving. I’m so glad we decided to spend a night there — even with just a short stay, it gave us a taste of the mountains, a deep breath of fresh air, and a few lovely moments we’ll always remember.

Leaving Germany: The Excitement Begins

After a month of planning and daydreaming, our 12-day family road trip finally began! Starting from Germany, we set off with snacks, suitcases, and a car full of excitement—ready to explore the beauty of the Alps and the heart of Italy. From scenic mountain roads to charming towns, each stop promised new memories.

Our adventure kicked off with laughter, last-minute packing, and the unmistakable thrill of hitting the road. The car was packed to the brim: snacks in every nook, coloring books, stuffed animals, cozy travel pillows, and fully charged tablets loaded with Netflix shows to keep our two wide-eyed little ones entertained. Our calm, thoughtful teenager quietly settled in as the clock struck 5 PM, and with a hopeful GPS and golden evening light guiding us, we rolled out onto the open road toward the Austrian Alps. The kids chattered excitedly about the mountains ahead, cartoons played softly in the background, and the occasional rustle of chip bags kept rhythm with the hum of the wheels. From scenic highways to the promise of charming towns and alpine views, this first leg already felt like a memory in the making—the perfect start to our 12-day adventure through the heart of Italy and beyond.

🔗 Packing tips or travel gear guide

Example: “Here’s what we packed for 12 days on the road. See our full family packing list here!

🔗 Travel with kids advice

Example: “We’ve done 6+ trips with little ones. Here’s how to keep kids happy in the car here!”

Our Scenic Route: From Germany’s Hills to Alpine Peaks.

We chose the scenic Allgäu route, adding an extra layer of charm to our journey. There’s something special about setting off in the evening—the sunlight softens, the roads calm, and the world feels poised on the edge of adventure. As we drove deeper into southern Germany, rolling fields dotted with quaint farmhouses and grazing cows passed by, while the air carried the fresh scent of summer grass and distant forests.

Gradually, the flat landscapes gave way to gentle hills, then soaring mountains that rose effortlessly from the earth. Inside the car, a peaceful calm settled—soft stories whispered in the background, the occasional rustle of snack wrappers, and little heads nodding off one by one. Outside, twilight painted the world in shades of deep blue and silver, the sky fading with delicate strokes of pink and gold.

Our Cozy Stay in Innsbruck

By the time we arrived in Innsbruck, it was nearly midnight. The town lay silent beneath the towering silhouettes of the Alps, twinkling like a hidden jewel reserved for night travelers. We checked into a warm, family-run inn tucked along the edge of town. The check-in was smooth and effortless, and within minutes, we were settling into our cozy rooms—quiet, inviting, and a perfect haven after a long day on the road. As we tucked ourselves into crisp linens, the majestic peaks stood just outside our window, watching over the sleeping valley. We felt both tired and incredibly grateful. Day one had given us everything we’d hoped for—laughter, beautiful scenery, and the perfect start to a journey we’d been dreaming of. Tomorrow promised alpine air, new discoveries, and even more memories to collect. One day down, eleven to go—and if this beginning was any sign, the road ahead would be unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

Arriving in Innsbruck felt like the perfect reward after our first long drive. Surrounded by alpine views and fresh mountain air, this stop marked the true beginning of our family road trip to Italy. The journey from Germany to Innsbruck gave us beautiful scenery, calm moments in the car, and precious time together as a family.

Traveling with kids isn’t always easy, but with a little planning and a flexible mindset, it becomes incredibly rewarding. Innsbruck was the ideal place to pause, reset, and soak in the magic of the Alps before continuing our adventure.

If you’re planning a similar family road trip, I hope our experience inspires you to embrace the journey and enjoy every stop along the way.

Next up: Day 2 of the series, where we continue our family road trip to Italy with more alpine adventures before heading toward Venice.

Safe travels and see you in the next chapter! 💛

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):