Innsbruck is the capital city of Tyrol and is the fifth largest city in Austria. It is located in western Austria between the high mountains of Karwendel Alps in the north and Patscherkofel in the south. Due to this it has become a renowned international sports center having hosted the 1984 and 1988 Paralympics. It recently hosted the winter youth sports in 2012. The city has just a population of 130, 894 as per the last census done in 2016. But don’t let its size fool you for within the town are hidden gems of culture, sports activities, sightseeing and culinary delicacies that will make you see just how majestic Innsbruck really is.

The one thing that sticks out about Innsbruck is that they have a tradition that has been around for over 400 years. It is a play about the Passion of Christ which began in 1613 by the people of Erl in which every few years they would perform in an original play. The whole village comes together as actors, playwrights, directors, dancers and singers thus continuing this grand tradition which has led to the play surviving the test of time. This has made it become a cultural highlight of the region.

And the best part is that the people of Erl invite the visitors to become part of the tradition and share in this wonderful heritage. But don’t worry you don’t need to about learn German as there is a live translation into English. The play is set in a futuristic festival hall and the music, lights as well as the emotional performance makes it an engaging experience for everyone. There is also a classical music festival held every summer for all the classical music enthusiasts.

Another thing about Innsbruck is the contrasting nature of the city. The city has a modern look yet filled with historical treasures. It has untamed nature yet it is filled with the everyday urban hustle. And all this is topped off with the well balanced combination of the city against the mountainous landscape. Some of the best places to go sightseeing are like the historic old town built by Emperor Maximillian in which the heart of this town is the Golden Roof. Other landmarks are the Imperial Palace, the Imperial Garden and the Court Church. You could also take a stroll under the shady arcades or take pictures of the colourful rows of buildings.

If you are more of a nature walker then you will really be impressed by the backdrop of the Nordkette mountain range which is the gateway to the Karwendel Mountains. And since the mountains and the city are closer together in Innsbruck, the Alps will always be around you. Whatever you decide to explore just be sure you will be mesmerized by the beauty of Innsbruck.

 

Just like how wonderful the nature of Innsbruck is, the cuisine is no exception. One of the most famous cuisines is the Weiner Schnitzel which is made up of thin slices of crumbed veal and is served with salad. Another popular one is the Tafelspitz which is made up of broth boiled beef and served with horseradish source and chives. For vegetarians, there are delicacies like the Käsespätzle which is Austrian Macaroni and cheese and other delicious vegetable cuisines.

Since Innsbruck is an international sports center, there are numerous sports activities that take place. Every year Innsbruck hosts one of the 4 ski jumping competitions. Also Innsbruck is home to the FC Wacker Innsbruck, a football club which plays in the first tier of the Austrian Football Bundesliga. Therefore there are numerous football sessions for football fanatics.

If you want to be more active, there are numerous activities during summer and winter. In winter, there are activities like; skiing and snowboarding, cross country, winter walking, snow kiting and ice climbing.

In summer, there are activities like; hiking, Mountain biking, cycling, mountain climbing, golf and rafting.

Innsbruck offers a variety of choices making it hard to pinpoint which activity is best to begin with but the guarantee is that it will become the best vacation ever spent.