Innsbruck, the capital of Austria's Tyrol region, is truly the city for everyone. Where you can have lunch in town, browse the shops and then head to a mountain restaurant for a leisurely coffee in the afternoon. There are plenty of things to do in Innsbruck, Austria to keep you entertained, no matter what your interests are.
Innsbruck is especially known for practicing winter sports, the city has so far hosted 2 editions of the Winter Olympics, in 1964 and 1976. Innsbruck has 9 ski resorts around the city, totaling over 300km of slopes. Among them is Schlick 2000 in the Stubai Valley and the Stubai Glacier, being the largest glacier ski resort in Austria, over 3000 meters above sea level.
However, if you are not a fan of winter sports, you can choose a walk on the charming historic streets of the city.
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Useful information
Accommodation
In the Innsbruck region there is accommodation suitable for every desire, every budget and for a wide variety of tastes. From hotels with a dignified atmosphere, the best facilities and culinary offerings to comfortable B&Bs and B&Bs for a budget. Whether it's a luxury trip or a backpacking trip, everything is possible in Innsbruck.
Here are some accommodation options suitable for a city break:
- Hotel Innsbruck this 4-star hotel is located on the banks of the Inn River in the heart of the old town, 200 meters from the Golden Roof, a 5-minute walk from the Congress Center and the Nordkette cable car. The hotel has 2 spa areas with a golden indoor pool, which can be used free of charge, and rates start from just 65 euros per person per night with breakfast included.
- Hotel Mondschein situated right on the river Inn, this traditional 4-star hotel is just over the bridge from Innsbruck's old town. Some of the comfortable rooms at Hotel Mondschein offer beautiful views of the city and a starry sky inspired by nature. Every morning, a varied buffet is served in the sunny breakfast room overlooking the old town. A night's accommodation with breakfast here costs around 65 euros per person.
- Basic Hotel Innsbruck is a 3-star city hotel located in a recently renovated building just 1 minute from the city's main attractions. The rates for one night's accommodation start from 60 euros per person.
Tourist attractions Innsbruck, Austria - What to visit in Innsbruck!
The old City
When planning your visit to Innsbruck, your first stop should be the charming Altstadt (Old Town), a small area of brightly painted medieval houses on cobbled streets. The main thoroughfare of the old town is the Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse, which opens into an arcade-lined central square.
The golden roof
The Golden Roof is one of Innsbruck's most famous attractions. A mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, the Golden Roof was built in the early 15th century to serve Emperor Maximilian I so he could sit in luxury and watch the tours in the square.
Parish Cathedral of St. Jakob
St. Jakob Cathedral has a complex interior. Just a minute's walk from the old town of Innsbruck is this elegant cathedral. Based on the designs of the Baroque architect, Johann Jakob Herkommer, the church was rebuilt between 1717 and 1724 on the site of an earlier Gothic church. A walk through this elegant church will leave you in awe of the artwork.
Arch of Triumph
The Arc de Triomphe – or Triumphpforte in German – is one of Innsbruck's most iconic sights. It can be found at the southern end of Rue Maria-Theresien and has stunning marble details. Although there are famous and historic arches in different parts of Europe – such as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris or the Marble Arch in London – the Arc de Triomphe in Innsbruck was built in the Roman style. Innsbruck's Arc de Triomphe is one of the city's top tourist attractions.
Column of St. Ana
St. Anne's Column takes pride of place on Maria-Theresien Strasse. It marks the place where the last Bavarian troops left the Tyrol in 1703 during the War of the Spanish Succession.
The City Tower
Another Innsbruck landmark not to be missed is the City Tower. It has an onion-shaped dome made of copper and is more than 150 feet – or 50 meters – tall. The tower from the 1400s is also used as an observation deck. If you feel energetic, climbing the 133 steps of the City Tower will reward you with a wonderful panorama of the city from the 31-meter-high observation platform.
Maria-Theresien-Strasse
The car-free Maria-Theresien Strasse is where you'll find many of Innsbruck's major landmarks, such as shops and restaurants. Maria-Theresien Street or Strasse – is the most emblematic street in Innsbruck. Various historical landmarks of the city can be found along its length, including St. Anne's Column and the Arc de Triomphe.
The Imperial Palace
Also known as Hofburg Innsbruck or Kaiserliche Hofburg, this historic Habsburg palace is one of the most important structures in Austria. The palace is a major attraction and was first built for Archduke Sigmund the Rich. The collection of 18th-century artwork, furniture and tapestries is unparalleled and gives visitors an authentic sense of what it was like to live in Innsbruck during that era.
Imperial Church
Innsbruck's court church is located on the border of the historic district and is famous as the final resting place of Emperor Maximilian I. The emperor ordered the construction of 40 bronze statues, but only 28 of these were ever completed. In terms of art, history and as a final resting place, the 1553 Court Church – or Hofkirche – is one of Tyrol's most important landmarks.
Ambras Palace
Ambras Palace houses a large collection of weapons as well as priceless portraits. Ambras Palace was built by Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol in the 16th century and was his favorite residence. It is divided into a lower and an upper castle, set in the remains of a medieval fortress.
Gastronomy & Restaurants - What and where to eat in Innsbruck!
Austria's diverse and rich cuisine is the result of influences from Central Europe and the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. Traditional Austrian cuisine is dominated by meat, various types of sausages and carbohydrate-rich foods such as dumplings, pastries and bread.
The various soup creations are also typical of Austrian cuisine and still reflect the culinary variety that was present during the former Habsburg monarchy.
Here are some of the traditional Austrian dishes that are worth trying;
- Viennese fried chicken – dates back to the 18th century, when it was often served to the aristocracy, and is still a well-known delicacy of Viennese cuisine. Backhendl is traditionally made from a whole chicken that is cut into smaller pieces with the bone. The pieces are then seasoned and deep-fried until they become crispy golden.
- Tafelspitz- which literally translates to "top of the table" is a classic Austrian dish that is best described as boiled veal or beef. It is boiled together with root vegetables and spices in broth and usually served with a horseradish sauce.
- The bread dumplings– are bread dumplings made from wheat buns, milk, eggs, parsley and salt. However, depending on the region and tradition, more ingredients may be added, such as onions, bacon or nutmeg.
- Frittatensuppe– is a popular appetizer in restaurants, but is often made at home as a quick and comforting soup. The term "Frittata" comes from the Italian word frittata, which means "fried".
restaurants
- Das Schindler this modern restaurant stands out for its delicious food as well as its attractive atmosphere and music. If you're just passing through or have planned a dinner with friends, Das Schindler is the right place for an honorable meal.
- Ottoburg heritage dining can be a lot of fun. Especially when the dishes served are full of flavor and extremely contemporary in contrast to the old-fashioned atmosphere. Here you can taste the real Austrian cuisine.
- my mother this family restaurant in the old town of Innsbruck is waiting for you, whether it's pizza, pasta, a glass of wine or a coffee, come in and enjoy a portion of "la dolce vita".
No matter what time of year you plan to visit Innsbruck – summer, fall, winter or spring – you're sure to fall in love with this beautiful city.
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