Innsbruck

While the view down the splendid Maria-Theresien-Strasse towards the medieval old town is crowned by the majestic Nordkette mountain chain; the baroque Triumphal Arch is set off by the Bergisel ski jump, Innsbruck’s spectacular new icon designed by top architect Zaha Hadid.

Originally built in the 15th century, the sumptuous palace was redesigned several times until the 19th century. In 2010, following extensive renovation and refurbishment works, the former residence of the Habsburg rulers was returned to its original splendour. Now you can follow the traces of Empress Maria Theresia and Empress Elisabeth (‘Sisi’), as you stroll through the Hofburg’s spectacular state rooms and colourful private apartments.

The Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, just 12 km east of Innsbruck, count among Austria’s most visited attractions. Created by the world renowned Tyrolean crystal manufacturer, this unique museum represents a glittering fantasy realm where top artists of international reputation reveal their personal crystalline fables, inviting fasci-nated visitors to immerse themselves in a mesmerizing world of wonders.

At Hungerburg you can board the Nordkettenbahn cable car to continue up to Seegrube (1,905m) and Hafelekar (2,330m), Innsbruck’s popular recreational Nordkette area. Plenty of sunshine and heaps of snow in the winter make it a tempting paradise for skiers, hikers, mountain bikers, hang gliders and paragliders.

First mentioned im 1180 the St James Cathedral hosts the famous „Maria Hilf“ painting – a masterpiece by Lucas Cranach the Elder, that is copied all around the world. Each day at noon the Innsbruck peace bells, with over 57 bells the largest in Austria, rings out. The cathedral’s large doors can be reached via a metallic ramp, which has a gradient of a bit more than 6 percent.

This original 15th century Gothic mansion is an outstanding example of bourgeois grandeur in the Old Town, in later years richly decorated with stuccos. The house is named for Sebastian Helbling, who operated a small Café in there in 1833. The historic structure was completely refurbished in the years 1979 and 1980.

The court church is situated on the east side of the old town next to the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Habsburg emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519) planned an escort of life-size bronze figures, which were designed by prominent artists of his time. The twenty-eight so-called “Schwarze Mander“ (black men) were worked on by painter Albrecht Dürer as well as casters Stefan Godl, Peter Vischer and Peter Löffler, among others. The statues were not completed, however, until Maximilian’s grandson Ferdinand I took over and had this significant piece of Renaissance art displayed in Innsbruck’s Hofkirche.

The old city is enclosed by Marktgraben, Burggraben and Rennweg, marking the boundary along which the city wall once ran. The somewhat younger baroque and classical part of Innsbruck is located outside its perimeter. Here you find Triumphpforte – a triumphal arch built for the marriage of Archduke Leopold (son of Empress Maria Theresia) to Maria Ludovica of Spain in 1765.

Situated on a sun-drenched terrace above Innsbruck, Europe’s highest zoo (750 m) features a unique collection of over 2,000 animals of 150 species indigenous to the Alps. Including an aquarium, terrariums, a farm with endangered domestic breeds, walk-in enclosures, Europe's largest golden eagle aviary, bears, wolves, otters, a play park and much, much more, the zoo offers a memorable experience for young and old!