Innsbruck: a head for heights

City, country, urban, alpine – whatever you like to experience, Innsbruck is just the ticket!

The cities of Austria are all distinctive and wear their individuality with pride and flair. But for my money, Innsbruck has the edge. It’s the capital of the Tirol to the west of Austria and sits neatly into the Inn valley at its junction with the Wipp valley, providing access to the historical Brenner Pass in the south.

The city is splendid and is backdropped by the jagged and rugged Nordkette Mountain range. Tirol’s capital is a sight to behold. The mountains hover over the city and – if you need to get a little higher in altitude or head for the snow for a ski – it takes just minutes to rise to more than 2000m above sea level. Summer and winter are both desirable seasons to enjoy this lovely city. Best to enjoy the charm of the Old Town and the modern surrounds, museums and sporting facilities then head for the hills.

Innsbruck reflects Austria in microcosm – baroque, medieval, palaces, 19th-century museums, a majestic cathedral and a vast surrounding region of pristine nature to explore. The Olympic Ski Jump is last century’s badge of international honour. Innsbruck highlights for the first timer follow:

• Look up, look up at the glorious alpine scenery. Look down and begin your walk through the Old Town (Altstadt). The Golden Roof is a shining example of the architectural surprises from 1420. It was a residence of the Tirolean sovereigns in 1500. Emperor Maximilian added the loggia and oriel window covered with 2657 gilt copper tiles – and how brightly they still shine in the sun.
• The main drag in the Old Town is Maria Theresien Strasse and along her way you’ll see centuries of various architecture, all well-worn and worn well. You’ll pass through the Triumphal Arch and stop to shop at a fine variety of establishments. The Triumphal Arch was constructed for the Emperor’s betrothal.
• Spend time in these museums: The Golden Roof museum – the treasury of Emperor Maximilian with original portraits, gold pieces and crafted medallions.
• St James’ Cathedral – originally Gothic and then turned to Baroque style by the contrary J.J. Herkommer (1717–24). Frescoes and stuccos rule the day!
• In the Old Town you’ll be enveloped in the lavish Imperial past. The gothic Hofburg Imperial Palace (or Ambras Castle), built in 1406, is filled with opulent furniture, a fine display of Renaissance art, glittering prizes and family memorabilia. Life-size portraits of the royal family are hung in the Giant Hall.
• Experience the amazing Tirol Panorama Museum and Imperial Infantry Museum. There’s a panoramic painting measuring 1000sg.m. portraying the battle of Bergisel (1809). It’s also a fascinating depiction of the topography of Innsbruck at the turn of the century.
• Check out the Bergisel Ski Jump Stadium designed by architect Zaha Hadid. First built in 1925, it was renovated for the 1976 Olympic Winter Games.
• Just 20 minutes out of the city centre to high alpine terrain – use the Hungerburg Funicular and Nordkettenbahnen Cable Cars which have set international standards in design.
• A 20-minute drive from Innsbruck is the fantastic wonder of Swarovski Crystal Worlds – for all things bright and beautiful. Research this and schedule a visit here – too amazing to miss out on.
• From 15 November until 6 January there is a multitude of Christmas markets and holiday festivities to include in your winter holiday.

The city has much to offer and many attractions to visit and linger in. The natural surrounds are beautiful and the hills are dotted with chalets and little rustic restaurants serving authentic local food.

The city shines with classy, edgy restaurants offering a plethora of fine food and wine.

===
Originally published in Get up & Go Magazine Winter 2016