Travel Eye on Innsbruck (Austria)

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Overview:

Innsbruck is the only major city in the European Alps, and offers a combination of culture, history and nature unequaled anywhere else. Timeless beauty in the mountains - Innsbruck's 25 Village Resorts blend in perfectly with the natural environment. They also offer visitors countless opportunities for sporting activities, recreation and relaxation.

Twice host to the winter olympics, it is a cultural center which has taken 800 years to evolve. A town of art treasures, worthwhile attractions and varied cultural pursuits. The love of music is reflected in a huge range of special occasions arranged throughout the year, many with an international flavor. Highlights in the annual Calendar of Events include folklore and brass music concerts, the Innsbruck Dance Summer, the Festival of Early Music and the versatile and atmospheric Innsbruck Advent Events.

The holiday villages around Innsbruck have maintained their quiet, rural charm typical of the Tyrolean countryside and like central Innsbruck they offer, a wide range of accommodation, from inviting hotels to comfortable self-catering apartments. Traditions are still lived and cherished here. Visitors have the opportunity to get a deeper insight into the Tyrolean traditions by watching the colourful cattle processions returning from mountain pastures, farmers' markets, famous Carnival events including "Wampelerreiten" (riding of plump men) in Axams, the "Krippeleschauen" (Christmas crib exhibitions) or the sumptuous Easter sepulchres.

Locality:

Innsbruck is in western Austria, in the heart of the Tyrol Province. It is 85 mls S of Munich (Germany), 100 mls SW of Salzburg, 3 mls NE of Innsbruck airport. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Inn and Sill with the Karwendel Mountains to the N.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

There is a wide range, in both summer and winter. Summer visitors enjoy the historical and architectural diversions, Tyrolean culture, walking opportunities and scenic mountain setting. In winter, the array of winter sports attracts people of all ages and walks of life, but particularly Americans, Italians and French; suitable for all grades of skier.

In summer, sporty types simply switch from skis to mountain bikes or just set off into one of the many hiking areas, which extend from the "Alpenpark Karwendel" nature conservation area to the famous stone-pine path "Zirbenweg" on the Patscherkofel. The Innsbruck Card entitles guests to visit all of the major sights in Innsbruck free of charge, and includes free use of public transport, numerous mountain lifts as well as a visit to the "Goddess of Fortune" at the Innsbruck Casino.

Innsbruck is surrounded by the eight different ski regions of the olympic ski world, which offer boundless winter fun. No matter whether you choose Axamer Lizum, Patscherkofel, the Stubai Glacier - which also provides skiing pleasure during the summer - or the ski slopes in the region Kühtai-Sellrain valley, the areas surrounding Innsbruck have got something to offer skiing enthusiasts as well as to off-piste skiers, snowboarders and cross-country fanatics. In addition, free transport is provided linking up the ski areas to both the town and the ski villages.

Take the free Mountain Bike Programme for example: Explore the stunning Alpine scenery accompanied by an experienced mountain guide and experience unspoilt nature in abundance. Nowhere else in the world you can take advantage of such a versatile and free mountain hiking program - with the majestic grandeur of the Alps as stunning backdrop!