Travel for Food Hub The Food Blog for Travel Lovers
Last Updated on March 13, 2023
Vacation in Innsbruck is for the ones who want it all – whether you fancy the urban city ambience or prefer some alpine action. Why decide when you can have both? Only in Innsbruck is it possible within a few minutes to change your shoes and camera into skis or snowboard and find yourself in the beautiful Tyrolean high mountains.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic accommodation facilities and gastronomy are provisionally closed at the moment. However, from 24 January 2021 tourism will start to reopen. And having in mind there will soon be vaccination for all of us, there is nothing in your way to plan your up-coming holiday!
All in One – urban meets alpine
Skiing, hiking, shopping or sightseeing – In Innsbruck you are spoilt for choice. Fortunately, the SKI plus CITY pass makes it easier for you to experience both urban and alpine Innsbruck. It includes 13 ski resorts around Innsbruck and along the Stubai Valley, selected public transport, lift and cable cars and attractions in the city such as museums and other must-sees. Certainly, the perfect companion for adventure seekers!
Innsbruck Classics
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When in Innsbruck, you cannot miss out on the “Goldenes Dachl” (Golden Roof), Innsbruck’s most famous landmark. Shining in the heart of the historic old town, it got his name from the 2.657 fire-gilded copper tiles that adorn the roof. Looking closely, you might find some curiosities among the variety of images and figures on the structure below the roof.
Other must-sees include the historic Imperial Palace, the Ambras Castle or the Roman-inspired Triumph Arch built under Empress Maria Theresia. 20 kilometres east of Innsbruck the marvellous Swarovski Crystal Worlds await, with exiting attractions and 17 wondrous chambers full of installations of international artists.
You can also visit the “Bergisel”, one of the ski jumps where the “Vierschanzentournee” takes place, the famous ski jump competition. The distinctive architecture by architect Zaha Hadid with its panorama-restaurant Bergisel SKY is a popular tourist attraction throughout the year. Those who cannot wait to see the unique area can go on a brand new virtual 360-degree-tour and experience corners even regular visitors have not known yet.
Adventurous winter wonderland
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Tired of the city? Just take a bus and head out towards one of the nearby ski areas. Innsbruck’s numerous ski resorts promise fun for beginners as well as action and adventure. Skiing and snowboarding for all abilities is possible at the resorts Free Ride Lounge Nordkette, Vital Park Patscherkofel and Kühtai ski resort, among others. At Stubai Glacier, Austria’s largest Glacier ski area, the slopes start at over 3.200 m above sea level and guarantee perfect, natural ski runs from October until June. By the way, have you tried out a funpark yet? If not, you definitely should!
But also for non-skiers there are endless options such as ice-skating (with the most beautiful mountain view!), tobogganing or bob-sledging on the Olympian ice channel (accompanied by a professional pilot). If you feel particularly adventurous you may even try out ice climbing – experiencing one of the many glistening frozen waterfalls is something you will surely never forget! And if you are not much of a sports person, you can still enjoy the tranquillity and peacefulness of a relaxing winter walk.
Frozen on Cloud 9
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Have you ever partied in an igloo? In Austria, you can! Part of the ski resort Nordkette, next to Innsbruck’s Seegrube lift station, the Alp’s highest club is located at 1.905 m above sea level – an igloo called Cloud 9! No more words needed; the name says it all. Unfortunately, this year there will be no après ski. But while waiting for the pandemic to subside and the party to start you might even get a tan lying back on sun loungers and relishing the wonderful view over the city.
Hearty and tasteful food
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After having spent a sporty day outside, there is nothing better than awarding yourself with some typical Tyrolean cuisine. You will fall for the hearty local delicacies in one of the many traditional guesthouses or the tasty snacks in the mountain huts. If you get the chance, make sure to try Kaspressknödel! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, Innsbruck locals rate these cheese dumplings made of Graukäse (Tyrolean grey cheese) as their favourite food. Traditionally served in a steaming hot beef soup, this delicacy is the perfect choice for warming up from the inside after a day spent in the Tyrolean mountains.
An insider tip for those who like it more cosmopolitan is “Oscar kocht”. In the smallest restaurant in the city, Oscar indulges you with his own creations of Mediterranean dishes mixed with Mexican accents, colourful just like the city itself and always using seasonal, preferably regional and organic food. But be quick to make your reservation since there is only space for eight people!
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