The most popular Austrian holiday destination, Innsbruck is the capital of the Tirol.
The city of Innsbruck lies at the very heart of the Austrian Alps. Nestling in the valley
of the Inn River, tucked between the northern Alps and the Tuxer mountain range, Innsbruck
is famous for its winter sports and has twice been home to the Winter Olympics, in 1964
and 1976. The city is well known for its sporting opportunities, especially alpine sports.
Several ski resorts are situated inside the city territory or within short distance.
Start soaking up the atmosphere of the city with a walking tour of this picturesque street,
beginning with the Baroque 16th-and 17th-century buildings with the impressive Nordkette
Mountains as a stunning backdrop. To get an overall panorama of Innsbruck and its surroundings,
climb the 14th-century Stadtturm on Herzog Friedrich Strasse. Named for its 2,657 gilded
copper tiles shimmering atop a Gothic oriel window, the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof)
is an amazing sight.
The Dom St Jakob is well worth a visit for its excessive Baroque interior, sumptuous art
and stucco work, and its Madonna above the high altar, painted by Lukas Cranach the Elder.
Don’t miss the Imperial Palace, dating from 1397, although it has been rebuilt and
extended many times since. Marvel at the palace’s piece de resistance: the Riesensaal,
a 31m-long stateroom with ceiling frescoes and embellishments of marble, gold and porcelain.
Five main skiing areas are accessible from Innsbruck, each connected to the others by bus.
The Hungerburg area is the nearest. For year-round skiing, head for the Stubai Glacier,
around 40 km from Innsbruck. Summer skiing on the glacier is at an elevation of 2,900
to 3,300 metres and the varied pistes here cater for most skiers. Lower down in the
valley there is a network of great footpaths for walkers. Take a rest from sightseeing,
skiing, walking, shopping or mountain climbing to sample Innsbruck’s other attractions.
There are Tirolean evenings where you can enjoy brass bands, yodeling, folk dancing and
a drink. Or why not spend an evening listening to fine music from Innsbruck’s own
symphony orchestra. Drama, comedy, opera and ballet are also on offer, as well as
cinema. A hive of bars and clubs can be found in the Viaduktbogen district, and if
you’re feeling lucky there’s a casino at Landhausplatz.
VISITOR INFO
Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport is the largest airport in Tirol. Currently regular
scheduled flights are available from various European cities. SkyEurope is a
discount airline that flies to Innsbruck. The Munich Airport, 2.5 hours away,
is another alternative. There are vans that will meet you at the Munich Airport
and take you directly to your lodging in or around Innsbruck for the price of a
comparable train ticket.
The Innsbruck-Cardoffers free entrance to all of Innsbruck's sights, free use
of public transportation (including the TS line). It also includes a one-time
ascent&descent to Nordkette, Patscherkofel and Axamer Lizum and free entrance
to Swarovski Kristallwelten in Wattens. The Innsbruck-Card is valid for 24/48/72
hours and can be purchased at Innsbruck Information (Burggraben 3), the TI in
Hauptbahnhof, and several museums and tourist offices.
HOTELS
1. Weisse Kreuz
2. Innsbruck Hotel
3. Bw Hotel Goldener Adler
4. Europa Tyrol Hotel
5. Hilton Innsbruck
6. Bw Hotel Mondschein
7. Grauer Bar
8. Hotel Central
9. Best Western Mondschein
10. Best Western Hotel Mondschein
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