Innsbruck

The Golden Roof

Innsbruck really is the city for everyone.  Where else can you have lunch in town, browse the shops and then move on to a mountain restaurant for a leisurely afternoon coffee? With the alps just a 25 minute funicular ride from the city centre, Innsbruck is definitely Europe's most versatile destination.

With an Olympic past as host of the Winter Games in 1964 and 1976, the mountain resorts around Innsbruck are well equipped to satisfy every level of skier.  Ten ski schools in and around Innsbruck cater to everyone from beginners to experts, and with skis, boots and all the other necessary equipment available for hire, you won't have to carry your gear from Australia.  There are numerous rustic inns and mountain huts dotted across this unique Tyrolean region where you will receive a warm and hospitable welcome.

But Innsbruck is not only a winter destination.  It offers visitors a host of fascinating sights to enjoy throughout the year.

Your first port of call should be the charming Old Town, a small area of brightly painted medieval houses.  The main thoroughfare of the Old Town is the wide Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse, which opens out into a central plaza lined with arcades.  Here you will find countless cafes and souvenir shops as well as one of Innsbruck's most popular attractions, The Golden Roof.   A blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture, it was built in the early 15th century for Emperor Maximilian I to serve as a royal box where he could sit in luxury and watch tournaments in the square below!  The roof is capped with 2738 gold-plated copper tiles and is an awesome sight.

Inside Innsbruck's Cathedral St. Jakob

Just a minute's walk from the Old Town is the elaborate Parish Cathedral St. Jakob. Based on designs by the Baroque architect, Johann Jakob Herkommer, the church was rebuilt between 1717 and 1724 on the site of an earlier Gothic church. It is roofed with domes and has a lavish baroque interior. One of its chief treasures is a precious Madonna and Child on the main altar, painted by German master Lucas Cranach the Elder.  A wander round this elegant church will leave you in awe as you marvel at the intricate works of art.

For those with a fascination for all things royal, you can visit the Imperial Palace and Imperial Church not far from The Golden Roof, or go a little further to visit Ambras Palace, which is located in a spacious park just above Innsbruck. The Castle was built by Archduke Ferdinand II of Tirol in the 16th century and was his favourite residence. It is divided into a lower and an upper castle set in the remains of a medieval fortress. The lower castle was constructed by the Archduke as a museum for his various collections, including arms and armour, art and books, all of which can still be seen today.  The upper part of the palace houses the Habsburg’s Portrait Gallery, an awe-inspiring collection of works by some of Europe's most famous artists.

Towering high above Innsbruck on Bergisel Hill sits the Bergisel Ski Jump. The first ski jump was erected here in 1925 and in 1964 and 1976, the Innsbruck Ski Jump was the venue of the Olympic Ski Jumping competitions.  You can also visit Olympiaworld at Igls, and have a go at ice skating and bob sledding.

The entrance to Swarovski Crystal Worlds

Innsbruck's Alpine Zoo is home to a large collection of alpine creatures, including bears and ibexes, and makes a great day out for the whole family.  You can walk up the hill to the zoo or take the funicular railway.

Lovers of crystal will enjoy a visit to the Swarovski Crystal World at Hall, just 10km from Innsbruck.  This multi-media museum features all things crystal and is set in a beautiful park.  Discover the history of Swarovski, enjoy lunch or a coffee and then shop to your heart's content in the large gift shop which stocks hundreds of beautiful Swarovski pieces, from jewellery to home wares and collectibles.

After all your sightseeing, you'll be ready to put your feet up and relax.  Where better to do that than in and around Innsbruck?  Sit and people-watch at one of the lovely outdoor cafes along Maria Theresien Strasse, walk along one of the many alpine trails, or take a refreshing dip in a crystal clear Alpine lake.

Maria Theresien Strasse

Innsbruck really does offer something for everyone - make it a part of your next holiday to Europe.

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Story and photos by Carolyn Schonafinger