Dear friends of Austria and fellow travelers,
Innsbruck is known as the capital of the Austrian Alps, famous for hosting the Olympic winter games twice (1964 and 1976), and for its spectacularly compatible Urban - Alpine-ness where you can explore Imperial treasures and hiking trails or ski slopes on the same day.
We would like to take you on a special tour through Innsbruck today, as town and country folk around Austria raise and dance around the Maibaum (May tree) to celebrate spring and warmer days ahead!
With warmest regards,
Sigrid Pichler & Helen Bitschnau
Sigrid Pichler & Helen Bitschnau
Managers of Public Relations
Austrian Tourist Office New York City
sigrid.pichler@austria.info
helen.bitschnau@austria.info
tel 212 575 7723 x 119 or x 112
www.austria.info
Austrian Tourist Office New York City
sigrid.pichler@austria.info
helen.bitschnau@austria.info
tel 212 575 7723 x 119 or x 112
www.austria.info
Fall in love with Innsbruck
Nordkettenbahn / view of Innsbruck © Innsbruck Tourismus / Christof Lackner
Verena Abenthung, Austria Guide and blogger, knows the city like the back of her hand. She guides interested visitors on popular city walks through the old town, cheerfully offering them her historical knowledge. Verena reveals why no one should miss the following five sights. One top tip even before you start: these and many other attractions are included in the Innsbruck Card.
- The Golden Roof: “With the Golden Roof, (Emperor) Maximilian I aimed to create a monument to himself”. The “Dachl” (roof) consists of 2,657 copper shingles which are also fire-gilded. “You can actually see real gold,” she states. In addition, the Emperor had his monument richly decorated with frescoes and reliefs. The original reliefs, made of delicate sandstone, can be seen in the adjoining museum. Verena recounts a curious story about the Roof’s loggia: “The museum’s premises had been rented out as accommodation until the 1960s. According to the rental contract, the loggia could be used freely – it simply had to be kept clean.” Today it is a protected monument and may no longer be visited. It is still, however, possible to gain a good view of the loggia thanks to mirrors cleverly placed in the museum.
- The Nordkettenbahnen cable railways: According to Verena, the impressive mountain scenery of the Nordkette range is often Innsbruck’s greatest attraction: “Visitors are surprised at how incredibly close the mountains are and how easily they can be reached via the Nordkettenbahnen cable railways” she says. In her view, the station buildings, created by Zaha Hadid in 2007, are among Innsbruck’s finest testimonies to modern architecture. The Hafelekar peak or “Top of Innsbruck” is at an altitude of over 6,900 feet: “The views of the city and towards the south (Italy) are only beaten by the views towards the north and to the Karwendel mountains (towards Germany)." Verena also advises families and animal lovers also to visit the Alpine Zoo, one of the highest elevation zoos in Europe.
- The Bergisel ski jump: Best described as a sleek metal tower that pokes out of the forest, it was designed in the early 2000s by the city's beloved architect Zaha Hadid and continuously hosts some of the world’s elite ski jumpers for training and competitions. Verena explains that the snake-like architecture has led to it being nicknamed the “cobra” and “snake’s head”. At the same time, it is a symbol of Innsbruck as a city of sports: ski jumping competitions have been held up on the Bergisel since 1927 and the Olympic flame was lit there twice. Between May and October, Wednesday through Monday, you can watch ski jumpers soar and take the lift up to get the same views as them when sitting on the start bar. “The view from the top is notorious, as jumpers look directly onto a cemetery from up there” she explains. Verena also suggests a trip to the transparent viewing platform known as the “Drachenfelsen” on the Bergisel circular hiking trail, which in good weather offers fantastic views of the idyllic Sill Gorge.
- The Court Church: From the outside, the Court Church appears plain and simple – but that is what prompts Verena’s enthusiasm for the interior: “The Court Church is full of treasures and monuments”, she says, mentioning the Ebert organ, a rare Renaissance instrument that can still be played. The most valuable historical artwork there, however, is the funerary monument of Emperor Maximilian I, which consists of an ornate tomb guarded by 28 larger-than-life bronze figures. The city guide explains: “The creation of the tomb, by the best artists of the time, took an incredible 82 years and is a masterpiece of the High Renaissance”. Yet it lies famously empty as – in accordance with the Emperor’s last wish, expressed on his deathbed – he was buried in his native city of Wiener Neustadt.
- Ambras Castle: Archduke Ferdinand II had an entire palace built for his wife Philippine Welser. Ferdinand was a passionate collector, the palace contains extensive armories, cabinets of artworks and curiosities. Its collections are regarded as one of the oldest museum in Europe and contain all kinds of rarities: as a connoisseur, Verena for example points out a portrait of “Dracula” or the “Tödlein”, an extremely delicately carved wooden skeleton in an unusual pose. Another must-see is the “Spanish Hall” with its richly colored paintings and impressive wooden ceiling. Verena also recommends a walk round the castle gardens before or after visiting the castle: “The peacocks – some of them white – that are free to roam around are simply part of the Ambras Castle experience”.
Deepen your relationship with Innsbruck
Nala Individuell Hotel roof top terrace © Nala Individuell Hotel
We would further like to introduce you to charming Wilten, a beautiful and diverse neighborhood, which is progressive and traditional at the same time. Steps away from funky coffeeshops and vintage furniture stores you will find one of the most important Rococo Basilica in all of Europe and the bell museum of the bell foundry Grassmayr that has been around since 1599, as well as the Tirol Panorama Museum, home to one of the few remaining 19th-century panoramic paintings showcasing Tirol’s struggle for freedom.
In Wilten, you will also find NALA Individuell Hotel, a charming 4-star option in the heart of Innsbruck dedicated to sustainability and green initiatives featuring a roof top terrace and garden.
But enough about the wonderful sights and mountains of Innsbruck ... They say love goes through the stomach, so let's explore Innsbruck's wonderful culinary offerings! Staying in Wilten for a moment, Markthalle (Market Hall) is the perfect combination of farmers market, iconic products and shops from the region and beyond, meeting place and culinary haven. 40 providers and 7 restaurants make for a one of a kind culinary adventure.
Pastries, cakes, and oven-fresh bread line the vitrines at Cafe Munding in the Old Town inside a charming medieval building. You can also buy some Golden Roof shingles here - the chocolaty kind, of course!
A visit to Innsbruck would not be complete without some sparkle. Swarovski Crystal Worlds are in nearby Wattens, and a shuttle bus, which is included in the Innsbruck Card, takes you to the crystal maker’s iconic headquarters where a glittering world of art and entertainment sprawls across 18 acres of land. Discover 17 “Chambers of Wonder,” organized like a museum of crystal-inspired art. If you prefer to stay downtown but still want some sparkle, the Swarovski Kristallwelten Store in downtown Innsbruck does not disappoint either!
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