First-time visitors to Innsbruck are struck by the majestic Hofburg imperial
palace, invigorating Alpine views and the history that seeps through the Old
Town's cobbled lanes. And there's always a reason to return to the Tyrolean capital
to explore the fortified Schloss Ambras and the ski slopes of Hafelekar.
Background
The jagged Nordkette Alps tower above Innsbruck and the turquoise Inn
River. Innsbruck's major sights cluster in the pedestrianised Old
Town on the south bank. Here, cobbled lanes twist to the shining Golden
Roof, the grand Hofburg palace and arcaded Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse,
where the Christmas market twinkles in December. North of the river,
Hafelekar's ski slopes and the brown bears at the Alpenzoo sit
above the leafy St Nikolaus district. Schloss Ambras castle and the
Bergisel ski jump lie south of the Old Town.
First-time visit
Rise early to see the first rays spotlight the Golden Roof's 2657 gilded tiles
then spend a regal morning roaming the Hofburg's lavishly frescoed
apartments. Step across to the Hofgarten's greenery or peek inside the gothic
Hofkirche church to contemplate Emperor Maximilian's marble tomb. The
nearby Tyrolean Folk Art Museum provides insight into time-honoured local
crafts. Board the futuristic Hungerburgbahn funicular to 2300m-high Hafelekar
for winter skiing and summer hiking. After dark, indulge on cheese-rich Tyrolean
dishes in the Old Town's low-ceilinged inns.
Return visit
South of Innsbruck, Zaha Hadid's space-age Bergisel ski jump rises like a
vision - zoom to the top for giddy views over Innsbruck to the Nordkette massif.
Just east is fortress-turned Renaissance palace Schloss Ambras, where the
Hapsburg Portrait Gallery showcases Velázquez paintings. Speed demons go further
south to race 100km/h down Igls' adrenaline-loaded Olympic Bobsled Run.
Marmot squirrels and ibex mountain goats are kid magnets at the Alpenzoo.
Find gifts from crystals to creamy Alpine cheese in the Old Town's
boutique-lined lanes.
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