SKI RESORTs
There are many charming Alpine villages. One of the largest and most lively is Innsbruck. Here, you can get a bit of a big city feeling, while just a few minutes later find yourself standing at the top of the famous Nordkette (2,400 metres above sea level) – with dizzying views of the city.
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In Innsbruck you will find old and authentic buildings, pleasant town squares, taverns, restaurants, and clubs, which are as much for the locals as all the ski tourists. Few Alpine villages have their own university, but you will find one in Innsbruck, where the young people create an extra lively and active atmosphere in the city.
The many students like to take the lift up the mountains before lunch. They then ski a few times down the perfect, freshly groomed slopes before it's time to return to more academic pursuits at school. That's how short the distance is from the city to the top of the Alpine peaks.
SKIING OVER THE STREETS OF INNSBRUCK
From the paved streets of Innsbruck, the ski train takes you much of the way to the mountains in minutes.
From the paved streets of Innsbruck, the ski train takes you much of the way to the mountains. The last stretch to Nordkette, which forms a fantastic skyline over the city, involves a journey by cable car. The entire trip from the centre of the city, with its 132,000 inhabitants, to the highest point takes just 25 minutes!
Up here, nine ski areas have merged to form a giant skiing adventure. The lift pass is valid everywhere, regardless of whether you want to take an excursion to the spectacular Stubai Glacier or ride any of the buses and trams. Named Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck, this winter paradise includes the freeride paradise of Axamer Lizum, the much more family friendly Rangger Köpfl, and the Stubai Glacier, which stretches all the way up to 3,210 metres above sea level. Each of the ski areas has its own individual personality and charm.
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The proud Olympic history is felt everywhere in the city and the surrounding area. For there are not many Alpine villages that have been credited with hosting the Winter Olympics twice, as Innsbruck has, even though it is now approaching fifty years since the last time.
NORDKETTE
The Nordkette mountain range, gives Innsbruck its unique character.
"The location in the middle of spectacular mountains in the Alps is fantastic for both short day trips out of the city or an expedition where you stay a couple of nights. But it's just as much the "skyline", consisting of the Nordkette mountain range, that gives Innsbruck its unique character. It is more majestic than any building," said one of the world's most famous Alpine skiers, Aksel Lund Svindal.
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It is worth noting that Innsbruck is also a perfect choice for a weekend getaway in December, since the city is world famous for its Christmas markets in the old town.
The Austrian city is packed with history. In the state of Tyrol's capital, counts, dukes and emperors have left their mark on the city since the 1400s. And the Romans before that time. The university dates all the way back to the 1600s. With its central location, Innsbruck is a hub for all traffic in the Alps, whether it is south through the famous Brenner Pass, or through Arlberg to the west. All railways through the Alps run through Innsbruck.
SHORT DISTANCE TO EVERYTHING
It is no wonder that many professional Alpine skiers choose to move here – to have a short distance to both training and all the competitions nearby.
It is no wonder that many professional Alpine skiers choose to move here – to have a short distance to both training and all the competitions nearby. One of those who chose to move here is Norwegian skier Aksel Lund Svindal.
"The Alps are also fantastic in the summer. There is a lot of good cycling around Innsbruck. Since there are quite a lot of tourists here, there are also many cabins that serve food up in the mountains. You can spend a few hours cycling up a mountaintop, sit in the sun and enjoy a fantastic meal made from local ingredients, and then cycle fun and technical trails back down to the city," says former Olympic medallist Svindal.
When you're here in the middle of the Alps, you should also head across the Brenner Pass and experience the Dolomites and northern Italy with its stunning mountains and amazing food. It's just as good in summer as in winter. Or if there's a dearth of snow further north, go west towards the snowy valley of Arlberg and have some fun off-piste.
You also have several other great options. The Axamer Lizum ski resort is just 20 km from Innsbruck, where skiers and snowboarders will find fantastic powder slopes, a snow park, and a racetrack.
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Tyrol cuisine
Tyrol and Innsbruck are known for their distinctive cuisine, where the Alps put their own stamp on traditional dishes.
Tyrol and Innsbruck are known for their distinctive cuisine, where the Alps put their own stamp on traditional dishes. Here are a few of the most famous and popular restaurants in the Olympic city.
Ottoburg is located in one of the oldest buildings in Innsbruck's old town and has what are maybe the city's best views. From the second floor, guests can look out over the Inn River, as well as the Northern Mountain Range and Goldenes Dachl, Innsbruck's most famous landmark. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and offers high-quality Austrian gourmet cuisine. Ottoburg is perfect for your last meal in the city or a romantic dinner.
A lively beer lounge and restaurant in the centre of Innsbruck's Old Town that's popular with a young clientele, Stiftskeller is the perfect place to get a taste of Tyrolean cuisine. From Austrian classics such as roast pork, schnitzel and goulash to local specialties like bacon buns, you are sure to find something tasty here. In summer, you can lounge outside in the beer garden (with a litre of beer in hand, naturally), while in winter, Skiftskeller has its own Christmas garden.
The restaurant at the famous landmark Goldenes Dachl is frequented by locals and tourists alike, as well as actors from the neighbouring theatre. Here, you can be sure to find a good mix of people, all of whom enjoy delicious Tyrolean food as well as a beer or a spritzer or two, of course. The hosts offer Tyrolean hospitality to everyone who walks through the door, whether it's just for a coffee, a quick lunch, or a leisurely dinner.
Enjoy your trip to Innsbruck, Austria
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