Innsbruck, a meeting place for 500 years

Innsbruck, a meeting place for 500 years Capital of the western region of Tyrol in Austria, the Alpine city of Innsbruck has long been a destination for winter sports. But Innsbruck is also famous for its imperial and modern architecture.

The legacy of the Habsburgs is plain to see everywhere in the city. For example, you can visit the Court Church, also known as the Black Men's Church (Schwarzmander-Kirche), where 28 larger-than-life bronze statues stand guard over the cenotaph of Emperor Maximilian I, one of the most splendid imperial tombs in all of Europe.

Nearby is another place worth visiting: the Imperial Palace, one of the three most important cultural monuments in Austria, along with the Imperial Palace of Vienna and the Schönbrunn Palace. And of course, a must-see place for a stroll is the pedestrian Maria-Theresien-Strasse, a legacy of the city's baroque past and home to numerous stately mansions, cafes and elegant shops.

From the city to the mountains: Nordkettenbahnen cable car

In no other European city of a similar size to Innsbruck are the vibrant city life and the serenity of the high mountains so close. Just 20 minutes from the old town, you can enjoy nature and mountains of up to 2,300 metres in the heart of nature.

Fantastic panoramic views await you in these unparalleled natural landscapes, as well as the opportunity to see Alpine flora and fauna.

Plus, the route to this Alpine world passes through architectural jewels of the 20th and 21st centuries. For example, the Hungerburgbahn cable car stations designed by Zaha Hadid, who drew inspiration from the region's landscapes of snow and ice to create a futuristic aesthetic reminiscent of the ice formations of glaciers, and Franz Baumann's cable car from the 1920s with its stunning vistas of the surrounding scenery.

The Innsbruck Alpine Zoo

Alpine bears and owls, golden eagles, turtles and otters are some of the species you will see. In no other zoo in the world will you be able to observe such a wide variety of native Alpine animals as here, at the Innsbruck Alpine Zoo, where exciting animal observations await you in a perfectly preserved natural environment.

The Alpine Zoo also collaborates actively in the protection of endangered species while allowing visitors to observe wild animals up close. A fascinating experience for families with children and for anyone who wants to learn more about the native wild animals.

The Alpine Zoo is open all year round, and while inhabitants like the reptiles, amphibians and marmots hide and hibernate throughout the winter, most of the zoo's animals spend the coldest months outdoors. A unique experience.

Concerts by the Wilten Boys' Choir

Another must-see place to visit in Innsbruck is Wilten Abbey. Legend has it that this abbey was built as a result of a duel between two giants, and to this day it holds a Gothic statue of the one who won, the giant Haymon.

The baroque style dominates the rest of the interior of the collegiate church, which also features magnificent frescoes and hand-made wrought-iron grilles.

But if there is one thing that characterises this abbey, it's voices and canticles, a true delight for the ears. It's a privilege to hear the world-famous Wilten Boys' Choir (Wiltener Sängerknaben), whose delicate voices flood the abbey with peace. Their concerts and repertoires of sacred and Alpine music delight all audiences.

Ski competitions on Mount Bergisel in Innsbruck

The Bergisel is a 746-metre hill that lies south of Innsbruck, where the River Sill River meets the River Eno. This ski jump marked a milestone in the sports architecture of Innsbruck, serving as a landmark for the city. It's also unique in that its appearance changes depending on the point from which it is viewed and the daylight that falls upon it, further enhancing its beauty.

Designed by the architect Zaha Hadid, this emblematic ski jump 98 metres long and with an inclination of 35 degrees is the scene every year of exciting competitions during the Four Hills Tournament.

In fact, its steel construction is designed to withstand the vibrations of the structure and the weight it supports. Right next door is the Tirol Panorama museum, which tells the story of the battles between Tyroleans and Napoleonic troops in the 19th century.

Spa relaxation in Innsbruck

Tyrol offers a wide variety of spas and fine places to relax.

The Innsbruck region in particular offers excellent facilities for relaxing. Spa relaxation is a prominent feature of this area. One of the most iconic venues is the Aqua Dome - Tirol Therme Längenfeld, which combines medical and holistic therapies in a luxurious setting. Another option closer to the city is the Olympisches Dorf, which offers heated pools, slides and saunas, ideal for families and relaxation.