The Olympic city draws visitors for sport and for culture
The gateway to the Alps. For lovers of skiing and other outdoor sports, the capital of Tyrol is an absolute paradise. The Winter Olympic Games were held here twice, after all. But Innsbruck offers a great deal more: historic gems, culinary treasures, a rich nightlife and unspoilt nature within arm’s reach.
Admire the monuments and enjoy a rich cultural life
The unique late-Gothic oriel known as the Golden Roof is a compulsory stop. Also worth a visit are the Renaissance Schloss Ambras from the 15th century and the Triumphal Arch. But simply wandering the lanes of the historic centre will delight you. Add some spice to it with a little shopping in one of the local boutiques, or by sitting down in a stylish Tyrolean pub. In short, you will not be bored in Innsbruck. Festivals are held here throughout the year (Fasnacht, Tanzsommer, the Festival of Early Music and the Alpine Folk Music Festival, for example). The rich nightlife will not disappoint you either, headed by the famous Igloo Party at the highest club in the Alps, the Igloo Bar Innsbruck.
Try the endless outdoor options
You will fall in love with the Innsbruck area whether you are an active outdoor enthusiast or an easy-going walker. The city and its surroundings are threaded with a network of walking and cycling routes, and mountain bikers, via ferrata climbers and paragliders get their money’s worth here too. Take a trip to the Natterer See lake, admire the mountain scenery at Seegrube, or ride the cable car right to the summit of Hafelekar. Coming to Austria with children? Take them to the Alpenzoo with its unique fauna. Or head for one of the most sought-after attractions, Swarovski Kristallwelten, created to mark the hundredth anniversary of the well-known jewellery firm.
Savour the delicacies of the local kitchen
Innsbruck is also a centre of gastronomy. Savour a delicate strudel, in its sweet or its savoury version, at the celebrated Kröll Strudel Café, which has been satisfying sweet tooths for over forty years. Visit the historic Hofgasse lane and try freshly smoked speck, sausages or the well-known schnaps at a shop selling local specialities. And do not forget the famous Mozartkugeln – you will find this marzipan treat on almost every corner here.
Follow the trail of the Olympics
The Winter Olympic Games were held in Innsbruck in 1964 and in 1976. Professional athletes still gather here, though: every January ski jumpers measure their strength at the Four Hills Tournament. The Bergisel ski jump will impress you even when there is no competition on. Walk up its 455 steps or take one of the two lifts. The view of the city ringed by mountains will stay in your memory for ever.
Experience skiing in Innsbruck
From the centre you reach the pistes in just twenty minutes. The Hungerburgbahn funicular takes you comfortably up to the Nordkette ski area. On the way, notice the striking cable car stations, fitting naturally into the snow-covered alpine landscape. They were designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, winner of the prestigious Pritzker Prize. Close to the city you will find other ski areas as well: Patscherkofel, Axamer Lizum, Kühtai or Nordkettenbahn, for instance. And how about putting skis on in the middle of summer? Try skiing on the Stubaier glacier, about 30 kilometres away.