IN A NUTSHELL
WHAT: Innsbruck
WHERE: Two-time Winter Olympic host city (1964, 1976) in
the heart of the Tyrolean Alps
WHY: Alpine Skiing, mountain scenery, woodcarvings, and
Tyrolean culture
WHEN: Any time of year
HOW: International flights into Innsbruck International
Airport, or via car/bus/train: the city is in the North-South
running Brenner Pass |
Innsbruck began
as a Roman garrison town on the site of a crossing over the Inn
river. In the 14th Century the Hapsburgs acquired the town and
a century later Innsbruck would become their empire's administrative
and cultural center.
During the Napoleonic Wars Innsbruck became a part of Bavaria,
before returning back to Austria. The city also became a part
of Italy after World War I, and suffered much damage in World War
II. Since World War II, Innsbruck has prospered and become a
major tourist destination for travelers heading for Austria's
Tyrolean Alps.
A fantastic circle of mountains surround the city and provide
visitor with a magnificent backdrop in every direction. The
picturesque slopes offer up year-round activities from hiking and
rafting in warmer months, to world-renowned skiing in the winter.
FOR A PANORAMA OF INNSBRUCK SKIING,
CLICK HERE
Innsbruck's city center is small, and most hotels are within a short
walking distance of the Old Town (Altstadt). This old section
of the city, dating back to Roman times, hosts the typical European
maze of pedestrian streets.
There are several ski
areas within a quick bus ride of Innsbruck. This large
selection of ski areas keeps visitors coming back for more as they
explore new areas and go down new routes.
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