Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a city with a rich cultural and religious history, and more recently has become famous as a world-renowned snowboarding hub. In the warmer months you’ll be within easy reach of some great hiking trails as the Alps come alive with wild flowers. The wealth of restaurants and cafés, as well as the large student population, means that there’s also plenty going on in town in the evenings.

The Old Town should be top of the list for any visitor to Innsbruck. The pastel-coloured buildings that line the cobbled streets create a singular atmosphere, and you’ll find some of Innsbruck’s most famous sights here. Among these is the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) which shines out as a reminder of the Habsburg Empire, and houses an interesting museum where you can learn more about the city. Not far from the Old Town is the iconic St. Anne’s Column (Annasäule) which rises up against a backdrop of Mount Hafelekar’s white peak.

If you’re in town it’s also worth popping into the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) which provided a home to the Habsburg family for four and a half centuries. Just next door you can visit the elaborate tomb of Emperor Maximilian I in the Court Church (Hofkirche). A short trip out of the city will take you to Ambras Castle (Schloss Ambras). This castle complements the Palace and the Church in displaying the wealth of Austria’s past emperors and includes a room full of curiosities collected from around the world, as well as a hall containing the suits of armour in which Ferdinand II jousted.

Innsbruck became the centre of the world snowboarding revolution at the end of the 20th century and those interested in winter sports can try out some tricks at the snow park where it all happened. There are also plenty of runs up in the mountains and the Nordkette Cable Car is a great way to go and explore some of these. The funicular will hoist you high above the city opening out great views over mountains and valleys all the way to the Italian border.

Whatever floats your boat, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in Innsbruck. The great thing is that whenever you feel your energy lagging you’re never too far away from a lovely thick hot chocolate and a tasty pastry.