In the thick of it instead of just being there

OFF TO THE MOUNTAINS

Right outside the door, bus line J stops. Running every 15 minutes, it takes you straight to Innsbruck’s local mountain, the Olympic mountain Patscherkofel. Skiing fun in winter, hiking in summer. A breathtaking panorama stretching from Germany across the glaciers of the Zillertal and Stubai Alps all the way to Italy – here you can truly enjoy the mountain world.

Freeriders and downhillers will find their paradise on the Nordkette – just a short walk across the Inn River to the Hungerburgbahn designed by Zaha Hadid, and in no time you ascend about 1,800 meters to the Nordkette and the Hafelekar. If you want to be in the know in Innsbruck, you head to the Seegrube – summer or winter. Skiing, enjoying the wonderfully sunny terrace, staying fit with mountain running or biking... the Nordkette is Innsbruck’s largest and most popular playground and open-air fitness studio. On weekends, locals flock here – from babies in carriers or bike trailers to sprightly retirees on e-bikes or with hiking poles. The world’s freeride elite regularly gather here, and you’ll have a good chance to watch the stars at their favorite pastime.

Mountain bikers also get their money’s worth. The trail network around the Nordkette is expanded year after year (Arzler Alm Trail), and downhillers find ideal conditions on the Mutterer Alm and Berger Alm. https://www.innsbruck.info/radsport/mountainbike/mountainbike-touren.html

EVERY YEAR in June, mountain bike fans mark an absolute highlight on their calendars: that’s when the Crankworx World Tour stops in Innsbruck. Once you’ve experienced the insane stunts live against the backdrop of the mountains, you’ll want to see them again and again.

CLIMBING IN AND AROUND INNSBRUCK

At the Climbing Center Innsbruck, bouldering and climbing are in full swing. Stars of the climbing scene regularly come here for their training sessions. National teams from Austria, Slovenia, Germany, Japan, and beyond make use of the top-class infrastructure – and you can even watch them train.

Of course, climbing also takes place in the mountains. The Innsbruck via ferrata follows the steep ridge of the Nordkette from Hafelekar to Frau Hitt, complete with spectacular views down over the city.

In and around Innsbruck, there are numerous climbing crags – from the Höttinger Quarry to the crags at Martinswand, offering countless opportunities.

Innsbruck – A City for Architecture Lovers

As early as the 1920s, Innsbruck set standards for building in the mountains. The Seegrube cable car was designed by Franz Baumann and is a prime example of alpine Bauhaus architecture.

The tradition of combining winter sports facilities with high-quality architecture was continued in the years that followed. At the beginning of the 21st century, the Hungerburgbahn was designed by Zaha Hadid, as was the new Bergisel ski jump.

The new buildings of Kaufhaus Tyrol (David Chipperfield) and the Town Hall (Dominique Perrault) also attracted international attention.

But building has always been a passion of Innsbruck’s residents. The Golden Roof reflects the wealth of past centuries, when Tyrol was home to the richest and largest silver deposits of its time; the Imperial Palace and the Cathedral showcase the festive spirit of the Baroque era; Ambras Castle recalls the princes who resided here in splendor…

There is plenty to discover in our small city, which has been thriving for centuries at the heart of Europe and along one of Central Europe’s most important trade routes.

FESTIVAL OF EARLY MUSIC

Every year in July and August, the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music is a true cultural highlight. Particularly atmospheric and beautiful are the Ambras Castle Concerts, held every Tuesday evening in the Spanish Hall. From the summer heat of the city up into the cool castle park, with the magnificent Spanish Hall featuring Renaissance frescoes and the original coffered ceiling, and music performed on period instruments… Last-minute tickets are almost always available, and the concerts are always worth an evening outing.