Inclined to enjoy winter
RENOWNED winter sports centre and fifth largest city in Austria, Innsbruck is the perfect winter getaway in the heart of the Alps. With festivals and fairs occurring throughout the year, including music festivals, New Year’s Eve events and Christmas fairs, you don’t need to be a winter Olympian to enjoy this beautiful city.
Must sees for free
Decorated with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles, the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) is not to be missed for those with a penchant for Instagram photography. There is a museum inside that charges a small entry fee, but the view from the outside is free.
In the heart of the city lies Innsbruck’s Altstadt (Old Town), home to 500-year-old buildings. Littered with cafes and shops, a wander around here needn’t cost a thing if you just want to take in the
culture of preserved architecture.
If you fancy a break from the bustle of the streets, take a picnic to Innsbruck’s Hofgarten. Located just outside of the Old Town, the park is home to plants personally planted by the Austrian Emperess, Maria Theresa.
Top sees for a fee
Ambras Castle is a stunning renaissance building housing a multitude of displays for you to peruse. One of the highlights of which is the Chamber of Art and Curiosities; the only kunstkammer that remains in its original place to be viewed. Collected by Archduke Ferdinand II, entry to the castle costs €10 (around £9).
Obsessed over death, Emperor Maximilian I envisioned a grand tomb as his burial place.
Taking 53 years to craft the 28 figures that would watch over him after death, Maximilian’s remains never actually made it to the tomb, where the figures now stand guard over nothing. Entrance costs €7 (around £6.30).
For the daredevils out there, try Innsbruck’s famous Europabrucke bungee jump. Location for the first ever bungee jump in 1993, you can follow in Rupert Hirner’s footsteps and bungee from the very same spot on weekends. Tickets from £153 per person and €27 (around £26) for a video recording of your jump.
Getting around
Innsbruck is widely serviced by buses, trains and trams, with
weekend and day tickets available from ticket machines or IVB service centres. The city even runs, in some areas, all-night and women’s night taxis to ensure everyone gets home safely.
Eating out and going out
For some traditional Austrian food, try Buzihutte. Open til late one weekends and serving up daily specials, homemade dumplings and varieties of schnitzel, this restaurant’s menu revolves around the seasons.
For some comfort food away from home, try Franky’s Restaurant for cheap burgers, pizzas and chips. With prices starting at €4.90 (around £4.40) and vegetarian options available, everyone can get something here.
A more adult night out can be found at M + M Bar. With a cocktail menu spanning over 150 different concoctions and an atmosphere they describe as a ‘living room’, treat yourself to a tipple or two before you go.