Innsbruck is the capital of the province of Tyrol and is the 5th largest city in Austria. It is known as one of the eight host cities for the 2008 European Football Championships and as a host to the Winter Olympics. As you can see, Innsbruck is not only an interesting and beautifully situated city, but is also a must-see alpine destination being the largest ski resort in the Alps.
Sightseeing destinations in Innsbruck
There are many sightseeing destinations in this popular year-round destination in Austria, including the medieval Old Town that is known for having narrow, twisting streets and tall houses in late Gothic style. Wherever you go in this fun city, you will be surrounded by beautiful vistas of the huge ring of mountains, including the jagged peaks of the Nordkette, the wooded Bergisel ridge and the rounded summit of Patscherkofel, which is so popular with amateur and professional skiers.
Top tour activities in Innsbruck
Given the many interesting places in Innsbruck, there will be many things to do in the city that can make your visit more worthwhile. Here are two of the top activities that you should include in your itinerary:
- Walking Through the Old Town - This area boasts a lot of fine examples of old Tyrolese architecture and southern influences, as well as many sumptuous Baroque, Renaissance and Rococo buildings. Highlights of your walking tour would include visiting the beautiful Baroque Helblinghaus, which is noted for its splendid stucco façade with interesting decorative ornamentation, like cherubs.
- Skiing - Best-known the leading ski destination in Austria, Innsbruck has many great slopes that are no more than a short bus ride from the city’s resorts and hotels. Here, you can go on a skiing adventure in six different areas that are linked by shuttle services. The ski village of Igls offers ski runs that are suitable for all levels, but if you are an expert skier, you would want to go to the Hungerburg-Seegrube.
Top tour attractions in Innsbruck
Among the Innsbruck attractions, the following are those that you should not miss!
- The Hofkirche and the Emperor's Tomb - A spectacular Court Church, the Hofkirche was completed in the local Late Gothic style in 1563. This building has a narrow chancel and off-center tower, and boasts many notable interior features, especially the 18th-century altars and the 17th-century choir screen. Other features include the Andreas Hofer monument and the one regarded as most important—the Tomb and Museum of Emperor Maximilian I.
- The Hofburg - This old Court Palace is a former imperial residence that was constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries and remodeled in the 18th century in Baroque and Rococo style by order of Maria Theresa. Best viewed as part of a guided tour, the building has luxurious apartments with fine-painted ceilings.
- Ambras Palace - Locally known as Schloss Ambras, this palace was the residence of Archduke Ferdinand from 1563 to 1595. It is composed of the Lower Castle, where you can find two rooms that contain a fine collection of armor, arms, sculptures and applied arts, and the Upper Castle, where you can find the bathroom of Ferdinand’s wife, Philippine Welser, as well as numerous sculptures and paintings.
Innsbruck sightseeing tours and activities
Check out all Innsbruck sightseeing tours and activities here at La Vacanza Travel when planning your trip to this wonderful city!