Innsbruck: The City

Cowbells or Baroque tunes? Hiking boots or high heels? Making the right decision could be a bit of a struggle, as Innsbruck and its surrounding villages offer you the best of both worlds with modern city flair AND serene mountain scenery. One minute you relax in one of the many street cafés surrounded by magnificent medieval buildings in Innsbruck’s historical old town - and less than thirty minutes later you enjoy the most magnificent panoramic views from a mountain restaurant terrace located at 2,000 metres above sea level. This truly amazing experience is the result of the recent reconstruction of Inns-bruck’s Nordkettenbahnen cable railways, which allows you to board the stunning new funicular in the very heart of the city. Designed by star architect Zaha Hadid, who has passed away in 2016, the unique construction of its four station buildings and cable-stayed bridge across the river Inn not only set new standards in international architecture but are also striking landmarks reflecting the organic shapes of nature. A mere twenty-minute ride whisks you up to high-alpine terrain, where great starting points for glorious hikes and thrilling mountain-climbing adventures await you at See-grube and the Hafelekar summit station. Also ‘après-hike’ entertainment options are many and varied in the capital of the Alps. Why not start with a relaxing stroll along Maria Theresien Street with its modern ur-ban design, stop for an aperitif in one of the many charming bars before moving on to the culinary heights of Innsbruck's gourmet dining scene. While we can warmly recommend the tender and succulent Tyrolean mountain lamb, the tempting offer includes also a rich variety of internationally inspired dishes created by several award-winning chefs. While the renowned Innsbruck Festival of Early Music celebrates the masters of music from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. And as the popular Innsbruck Promenade Concerts fill the air of the Imperial Palace’s inner courtyard with beautiful waltz melodies full of nostalgia, and the Bridge Beat Festival on the square in front of the Landestheater brings swing and good vibes.