Anyone who comes to visit Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region, will immediately notice the close coexistence of culture and nature. This union is visible all around, even in the middle of the historic city centre with its elaborate buildings, museums and churches: The view down the splendid Maria-Theresien-Street towards the medieval Old Town is always crowned by the majestic Nordkette mountain chain.
Innsbruck’s glittering landmark – the Golden Roof – stands out in the centre of the alpine city. Built by Emperor Maximilian I in the 15th century it shaped the image of Innsbruck ever since. He made the city the capital of an empire that stretched all over Europe and thanks to him Innsbruck is home to the sumptuous Hofburg Imperial Palace, his artfully designed tomb in the Hofkirche Court Church with 28 larger-than-life bronze figures, Hofgarten Imperial Gardens and much more.
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The alpine character of Innsbruck becomes visible through the experience and the constant incorporation of the mountains into the daily city life. The Nordkettenbahn Cable Cars have a station directly within the old town, close to the Hofburg Imperial Palace, and it only takes 20 minutes to whisk you up on 2000m altitude and even higher to great hiking and skiing areas. This interaction between city and mountain is unique and also shows itself e.g. at the Alpine Zoo. It is Europes highest altitude Zoo and nestles naturally up against the mountain and is home to more than 2000 animals – bear, eagle and lynx inclusive. South of Innsbruck, the Bergisel Olympic Ski Jump Tower offers the possibility to feel like an Olympic ski jumper yourself. At the roof-top restaurant and bar the stunning views across the city awaiting you.
One of the main attractions close to Innsbruck is the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which belong to the most visited sights of Austria. Crystalline fairy tales and a multi-faceted universe are featured there. Don’t forget to also stop by at the fascinating Swarovski Shop in Innsbruck’s historic old town.
There are so many more adventures to be had in the Innsbruck region. Take the Muttereralmpark, for instance, which describes itself as an "adventure mountain". And with good reason, because its play area of 7,000 m2 gives children plenty of scopes to play and chase about to their heart's content. There’s the adventure playground with the magic water, tree houses at dizzying heights and geocaching. The whole family can also tap into their spirit of adventure on the descent with the Mountain Carts.
Psst: Discover Innsbruck by yourself with the Innsbruck Card. The "all-inclusive card" is available for 24, 48 and 72 hours. It is valid from the time the first service is used. It includes one visit to each of the museums and sights in the region of Innsbruck; one ascent and descent on each of the cable cars in the Innsbruck region; travel on the "Sightseer Bus” - the Hop On - Hop Off bus in Innsbruck - to all attractions; a visit to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds and Crystal Worlds shuttle; free travel on the trams and IVB buses. For purchasing, please contact Musafir.com.