Innsbruck is the provincial capital of Tyrol. Its 110,000 residents make it the fifth largest city in Austria. It was one of the eight host cities in the 2008 European Football Championships.
Innsbruck became the capital of Tyrol in 1429 and in the 15th century the city became a centre of European politics and culture as emperor Maximilian I moved the imperial court to Innsbruck in the 1490s. Many old buildings from the middle ages and modern times survived in the heart of Innsbrucks old town.
Innsbruck has also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976 as well as the World University Games in 2005. In summer 2008 it will host several games of the EURO 2008 European Football Championship.
The city is well known for its sporting opportunities, especially alpine sports, as it is located in the Alps and surrounded by mountains. Several ski resorts are situated inside the city territory or within short distance.
There are two universities and several colleges in Innsbruck, with over 25,000 students altogether, which makes the city's nightlife very lively.
PLACE TO VISIT
Hofkirche, Innsbruck's Hofkirche has the most important emperor's tomb monument (of emperor Maximilian I) in Europe. Especially characteristic are the larger-than-life bronzes ("schwarze Mander") that show members of different dynasties. trance: 3 EUR, reduced: 1.50 EUR, free with the Innsbruck-Card.
Cathedral at Saint Jacob (Dom zu St. Jakob), Domplatz. Baroque styled cathedral, with works of Lucas Cranach the Elder. From 1717-1724 it was rebuilt (after damage from an earthquake) according to the plans of Johann Jakob Herkomer and Johann Georg Fischer. Free entrance.
Wiltener Basilika, Haymongasse. Baroque styled church with Rokkoko-stucco, built from 1751-1756. Free entrance.
Stift Wilten, Klostergasse. Premonstratensian monastery with a baroque collegiate church, not far from Wiltener Basilika. Free entrance.
Schloss Ambras, Open 10AM - 5PM. A renaissance style castle that was built on behalf of archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol. Interesting things to see are portrait- and armor-collections, art and curiosity cabinets, the spanish hall and the palace garden. April to October: €8. December to March: €4.50.
Bergiselschanze, The Bergisel jump was replaced according to plans of the Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid in 2001. Because of its design and prominent location (on Bergisel, south of Innsbruck) it is considered a new city landmark. There is a cafe on top, which offers views of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains. During sporting events, the jumping tower is not accessible, and a ticket is needed to enter the terrain.
Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), Herzog-Friedrich-Straße. Late-gothic alcove balcony, with 2657 fire-gilded cupreous shingles. It was built on behalf of emperor Maximilian I.
Annasäule (St. Anna Column), Maria-Theresien-Straße. The column, which is made of Tyrolean marble, was created in 1706, in memory of the drawback of Bavarian troops.
Triumphpforte (Triumphal Arch), Maria-Theresien-Straße (Southen end of Maria-Theresien-Straße). It was built in 1765 to mark the marriage of archduke Leopold and the spanish princess Maria Ludovica. The north side displays mourning themes on the occasion of Franz Stephan of Lothringen.
Alpenzoo, The alpine zoo is Europe's highest situated zoo (727 m), and is specializing in alpine animals. It contains outdoor enclosures, terrariums, aviaries, aquariums (world's biggest collection of alpine fish species) and a barnyard with old farm animal races. The zoo is in hillside situation, so there's a certain altitude difference to cover. Free entrance with the Innsbruck-Card.
WHAT TO DO
Nordpark is accessible via the bus lines 1, 4, A, D, E, J and T. The Nordkettenbahn goes up to Seegrube and Hafelekar, where many hiking routes and trip routes start. In August 2004, the Nordpark Singletrail, one of the most ambitious mountainbike freeride routes of Europe, was opened
In winter, the Nordpark can offer several ski routes. They are steep and offer a great view of the nearby Mountains and the city itself.
One ascent&descent is free with the Innsbruck-Card.
Patscherkofelbahn is accessible via the bus line J, destination "Patscherkofelbahn" or "Olympiaexpreß". The Patscherkofel is a skiing region south of Innsbruck, that has a number of timbered ski-runs of the former olympia-routes. In summer it is a great region for hiking along the forestline.
One ascent&descent is free with the Innsbruck-Card.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport (German: Flughafen Innsbruck) (IATA: INN, ICAO: LOWI) is the largest airport in Tirol. Currently regular scheduled flights are available from Amsterdam, Antwerpen, Frankfurt, Gothenburg, Graz, Hannover, London (Gatwick), Rotterdam, Vienna. Austrian Airlines has daily scheduled flights to Innsbruck. The Munich Airport, 2.5 hours away, is another alternative. There are vans that will meet you at the Munich Airport and take you directly to your lodging in or around Innsbruck for the price of a comparable train ticket.
By train - Despite being a smaller city Innsbruck has fantastic train connections to all major cities in its neighborhood. The main station, Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, is located at Südtiroler Platz (South-tyrolean square) in the east of the city center. In addition there are several stations which serve suburban and regional train connections.
Regular (direct) trains operate from Venice, Bolzano/Bozen, Zurich, Munich, Graz, Vienna (via Linz and Salzburg) and many other destinations.
The Austrian train system is operated by the Österreichische Bundesbahnen, OEBB Travelers with ÖBB Vorteilscard get up to 50% discount when traveling within Austria. There is a special Vorteilscard for people under the age of 26 which comes at a reduced price. With a RailPlus dicount cards travelers save up to 25% when traveling by train from any of the surrounding neighbour countries.
By car - Innsbruck is reachable through both of Tyrol's motorways: Inntalautobahn (A 12) and Brennerautobahn (A 13).
