Austria: Innsbruck

[bjorn]

How about a ski weekend? Skiing was born in Austria, and this small city, built in the shadow of the Alps, provides ample opportunity to take part in the Austrian national pastime. If you enjoy brisk mountain air - whether you're skiing, hiking, or just walking from sight to sight - Innsbruck is a great place to spend a few days. The baroque architecture, amazing views, and friendly locals are just a couple of reasons to visit. With Innsbruck, you get a sweet taste of Austrian culture and history - plus the benefit of great skiing and hiking.

When to go:
Austria's tourist calendar has two main seasons: the summer season runs from May to October and the winter ski season runs from December to April.

What to Do:
History/Ruins:
The city's baroque architecture abounds, and there are a few cathedrals and palaces dotted about the area. Visit the Altstadt (Old Town) and gaze at the Goldenes Dachl (Little Golden Roof) a gold shingled balcony built to commemorate a Habsburg marriage.

Museums:
Museums here house everything from medieval to modern art. The Old Town in particular has a wealth of sights and landmarks to soak up Austrian and Alpine history. The Maximillianeum Museum celebrates Austria's favorite emperor. The Handicrafts Museum has all sorts of Tyrolean culture on display. Other museums include the Regional Museum of Tyrolean Art, and the Crystal Museum is a funky, new age art experience that's worth the short ride out of town to see.

Shopping:
It's a typical European shopping scene, with some quaint shops selling local handicrafts, but theres not a huge market here.

Side Trips:
There are day trips aplenty from Innsbruck, with ski areas, historical sights, plus the Olympic ski jump, which are easily accessible by public transportation. Try Wilten for some history, or Schloss Ambras, once a castle, now a museum.

Food/Culinary Info:
Eating can be expensive if you stay on the main drag of Maria-Theresien Strasse, but the university district, across the river on Innstrasse will provide you with some options that are easy on the palate and on the wallet. Stop at a market for inexpensive incidentals.

Adventure:
You can ski year round in the Tyrolean Alps, and there are buses and clubs that will get you there and back - often at a discount. The Club Innsbruck will take you on guided hiking tours, and help facilitate a great skiing experience. While you're there, take a quick ride on a bobsled to really get your pulse going.

Natural Wonders:
Alps anyone? Mountains and glaciers form the backdrop of this city, so you get lots of opportunity to take in the scenery or climb a mountain if you want. If you want to stay in the city, there's the Alpine Zoo (Alpenzoo), which houses all kinds of creatures native to the region, and the Imperial Garden (Hofgarten), a lovely green oasis.

Cultural Comments:
This is a pretty heavily touristed area, so it's a challenge to see through all the schmaltz to understand what Innsbruck is really all about. It's definitely worth the effort.Those locals are friendly and warm, and talking to university students will give you a great idea of what Innsbruck (and Austria) are all about.

Arts:
In addition to a Symphony Orchestra, Innsbruck is home to a couple of arts centers presenting music (early, chamber, and classical), dance, opera, and dramatic performances year-round.

Festivals/Events:
There are a few festivals that visit Innsbruck's Congress Theater throughout the year. The Festival of Early Music visits Innsbruck each August.

Nightlife/Bars:
There's plenty to do after dark in Innsbruck, but most of it revolves around the university district where you can find some cool bars that aren't swarming with tourists.

Cafe Quotient:
There are plenty of cafés throughout the city though most are pretty expensive. Check out the ones in the university district, for a cheaper cup of coffee and some atmosphere too.

Gay & Lesbian:
Austria is somewhat gay-friendly, but there's not a big scene here.

Cost:
If you come during the summer months, make sure to make reservations in advance, because June brings with it a hostel shortage. However, the university opens its dorms to travelers in July and August to make up the difference. The Innsbruck Card translates to discounts if museums are your thing. The one, two, or three day pass includes free transport on public buses and trains too. Austria's unit of currency is the Euro.

Getting Around:
Fly into the Innsbruck Airport (Flughafen Innsbruck) which is about 4 miles from the heart of the city. Trains and buses will take you there from the airport, but you can rent a car if you're feeling particularly adventurous. The sights of Innsbruck are relatively close together, though, so you can get along pretty easily on foot or by the easily accessible public transportation, which comes in the forms of bus, train, and tram. Purchase an Innsbruck Card and you'll get access to public transportation for one, two, or three days, as well as to many museums and other attractions.

Safety:
Use your common sense and keep track of where you are and where your stuff is.

Language:
Mostly people speak German around here, but you'll hear a smattering of languages from the surrounding areas. This area is so well-touristed, though, you can generally find English-speakers, too. Bring your phrasebook just to be safe.

Party/Social Scene:
The nightlife is good in Innsbruck if you have the strength after a day alpine excursions. The university district is the best area with inexpensive cafes, rocking clubs, and cool, un-touristed bars.

Other Info:
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