Innsbruck, Tirol, Austrian Alps Travel Guide
Lying in western Austria, Innsbruck is the capital city of the federal state of Tyrol. It locates in the wide valley and surrounded by tall mountains in the north as well as in the south, Innsbruck is famous for being winter sports centre. Winters here are cold and snowy; they are colder than those of most major European cities. Summers are generally warm, with highly variable weather. Innsbruck, with its location between high mountains, serves as an ideal place for skiing in winter, and moutaineering in summer. In fact, it attracts more North American winter visitors than any other European ski destination. Some of visitors are interested in the renown of two modern Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976 which made Innsbruck get a very efficient infrastructure for winter sport games. On the other hand, some come here for its historical environment of the Old Town with the focal point known as Golden Roof. We can say that Innsbruck's beautiful town centre with its historic buildings, the friendly ambience and the extensive sport facilities both in winter and in summer.
In the history, Innsbruck became the capital of Tyrol in 1429 and in the 15th century the city became a centre of European politics and culture as Emperor Maximilian I moved the imperial court to Innsbruck in the 1490s. Then many buildings of the middle ages and modern time’s style survived in the heart of Innsbrucks old town. The most well-know tourist attraction that anyone comes here should visit, the most characteristic landmark, The Golden Roof. It located in the middle of the charming Old Town and especially has the features of both Gothic and Baroque style in design. The Golden Roof was built by Archduke Friedrich IV in the early 15th century as the residence of the Tirolean sovereigns. From the initial ideas, the Church was constructed as a political memorial for the Roman-German imperial rule. The completion stage needed more than 80 years, a long time to finish details of the church. One highlighted thing is that the Renaissance organ on the right hand side of the choir wall by Jörg Ebert from Ravensburg counts as one of the five most famous organs in the world and is in addition the largest nearly undamaged organ from the Renaissance in Austria. The historic atmosphere is all around you in Innsbruck, not only with churches but cathedrals, castles, palaces and buildings, and so on.
Innsbruck is a rather small city and the airport here is really close to the centre of town. That way you will not have to pay a lot of money to get there by taxi. No matter, if you arrive by train, private car or airplane. The transport is also convenient with the public local traffic system and a couple of private operators. If you come here by train, there is a free shuttle that will pick you at the main train station and drop you at the resort of your choice. There is also an all-in-one lift pass covers the major ski resorts in the area, including the Olympic villages of Igls and Axamer Lizum and the other small villages only with a reasonable price. You can also take the Sightseer- the exclusive bus that helps you to see the best sights in the city.
One more attractive thing of Innsbruck is that locals are friendly and speak English. And this city will be the host of Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG), held in 2012. So, many points making Innsbruck becoming excellent destination for all visitors who seek a broader European experience. Come and enjoy Innsbruck!
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