Favorably positioned between three mountains in the Alps of western Austria, Innsbruck is a winter sport haven surrounded by remarkable scenery. Its location between high mountains makes Innsbruck an ideal place for mountaineering in the summer and skiing in the winter. This winter sports paradise has been a popular tourist destination since 1964, when the Olympic Winter Games were held here for the first time.
The unofficial snowboarding capital of Europe, Innsbruck offers skiing and snowboarding in winter at the great resorts of Axamer, Lizum, Igls and Seefeld, as well as at the Stubai Glacier in summer. Hiking opportunities are plentiful in the warmer months, with a variety of walking trails to choose from. Innsbruck is one of three places that have hosted the Winter Olympic Games twice.
The charming town center offers a number of architectural highlights such as the Imperial Palace, St Jakob Church and the Triumph Gate. There are many hotels and restaurants of good quality as well as loads of cinemas and theaters, the biggest being the Tiroler Landestheater Innsbruck. Innsbruck also organizes events every year such as Four Hills Tournament, Week of Classic Music and the Christmas Fair.
Highlights
Alpenzoo: reputedly the highest zoo in the world standing at 727 meters above sea level, all the animals here come from Alpine regions.
Bergisel Ski Jump: is one of Innsbruck’s landmarks. The stadium offers 360° panoramic views over the Alps, Inn Valley and the city. You can reach the top by climbing 455 steps or by taking the railway.
Olympic Hall: has been renovated since it hosted two Winter Olympic Games and has become a multi-purpose facility which now hosts events such as ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, boxing, wrestling and martial arts.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds: created in 1995, the park and museum has a Crystal Dome, Planet of Crystals, Crystal Theater and the largest kaleidoscope in the world.
Stadtturm: climb 148 steps to the top of the city tower to get a magnificent view of Innsbruck and the Nordkette mountain range.
Wilten Basilica: one of the most impressive houses of worship in the area. A sandstone statue of the Virgin Mary has been here since the Middle Ages, sitting high upon the altar.