Innsbruck

Overview

Innsbruck is the capital of Tirol and - contrary to some expectations - it is not only an alpine ski village; it's a bustling city of over one hundred thousand inhabitants. Nonetheless, it attracts more North American winter visitors than any other European ski destination. Undoubtedly, some are drawn by the renown created by two modern Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976, which is perpetuated in the form of a very efficient infrastructure for winter sports fans.

Other visitors are attracted by the historical environment of the Old Town with the renowned Golden Roof as focal point. The Habsburg kings held court in Innsbruck and you will find many historic sights, the most important one being the Ambras castle with its good art collection. Everywhere around Innsbruck's heritage of two "golden ages" can still be found: the first around 1500 under the Emperor Maxmilan I, the second in the mid-1700's under Empress Maria Thérèsia.

Overall, the city's location, nestled into a narrow valley right beneath rugged mountain peaks, together with its old-world atmosphere, historic churches and buildings, interesting monuments, rich museums and galleries, and active commerce, all combine into an interesting sports-plus-culture attraction. It simply makes an excellent destination for those who seek a broader European experience than simply skiing, or for families where some members are less assiduous skiers.

The Austrian city of Innsbruck is one of Europe�s oldest and most beautiful ski centers. Nestled in the Tyrolean Alps, the area has some 200 trails covering 500 kilometers (310 miles) and is...more

History