The unique location of the city, embedded in the broad Inntal, surrounded by high mountain chains, opens up a splendid panorama, which seems to unify architecture and nature in a brilliant work of art.
Capital of Tyrol
Innsbruck
Innsbruck – The city in the heart of the Alps
The provincial capital of Tyrol, rich in history and former Imperial city during the Habsburg Empire, has long been a favoured destination for visitors from all over the world.
The city's famous landmark –
the Nordkette mountain range
the Nordkette mountain range
The city is surrounded by spectacular mountains. The Nordkette range is particularly impressive and is known as the gateway to the Karwendel mountains. From the city, the journey up to the Nordkette's jagged grey peaks only takes 20 minutes.
You can ride the Nordkettenbahnen lifts all the way from the Congress lift station in the city centre and be up at the Seegrube at 2,000 metres above sea level in no time. It is even possible to take another lift from there up to the Hafelekar, which is located over 2,200 metres above sea level. City streets and high alpine terrain: these two worlds couldn't be more different. Yet in Innsbruck they are so closely bound together.
The medieval old town
Visitors really appreciate Innsbruck's beautiful architecture and this also presents many different facets. The medieval old town features beautiful arcades and is ideal for taking a stroll.
You can stop at one of the many sidewalk cafes or guesthouses and simply let this historic setting work its magic. At the heart of it all shines the Golden Roof, built by Emperor Maximilian I. The old town also features a City Tower that watches over the colourful hustle and bustle in the narrow streets and an Imperial Palace that bears witness to Innsbruck's Habsburg heritage. You can visit the sights and attractions on a sightseeing tour.
Modern architecture
An old cityscape intertwined with modern architecture. This is yet another facet of Innsbruck.
Star architect Zaha Hadid designed several buildings in Innsbruck, including the Bergisel Ski Jump and the lift stations for the Hungerburgbahn funicular. The city also features many other modern architectural highlights that blend harmoniously into the cityscape. This combination of historic and contemporary features give Innsbruck a very special charm.
The Olympics in Innsbruck
Innsbruck has written Olympic history several times. The Winter Olympics were held here in 1964 and 1976. Since then, the Youth Olympic Games and the International Children's Games have continued the city's sporting legacy. You can walk in the footsteps of Olympians on a visit to one of the many sports venues, for example Bergisel Ski Jump or the ski slopes at Patscherkofel and Axamer Lizum.
Innsbruck's history of hosting major sporting events continues today: in 2018, the city hosted the Climbing World Championships and the UCI Road World Championships. The local facilities for cycling, biking and climbing are world class. Speaking of biking: mountain biking is particularly popular in Innsbruck and the various trails and mountain bike routes are sure to conquer every biker's heart.
