Innsbruck, located in the centre of the Tirol region in Austria,
is a mountain lover?s paradise. The Tirol region is surrounded
by huge mountain ranges in three directions, and whether you
love winter sports or summer hiking, you?re sure to be satisfied
with the choices available.
Although Innsbruck makes a wonderful starting point for an
extended exploration of the Tirol region, it would be a mistake
not to spend some time enjoying the city?s own attractions. In
recent times it has become an important centre for winter
sports, and has staged the Winter Olympics twice in the last
fifty years.
Innsbruck is tucked into the valley of the Inn River, with
mountain ranges to the north and south. It seems that in every
direction there are stunning mountain views. The city itself,
however, has some beautiful buildings to look at, when you can
take your eyes off the mountains.
The Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) is certainly a good place to
begin. Covered with over 2,500 gilded copper tiles, the roof
shimmers and shines and provides lots of beautiful reflections
above a Gothic oriel window. There is also a small museum
inside, mostly devoted to Emperor Maximilian.
The Hofburg (Imperial Palace) is fascinating to explore, with
both baroque and rococo styles in evidence. Close by is Dom St
Jakob (St James? Cathedral) which has a completely amazing
baroque interior. No expense spared, and it?s hard to find an
inch of space not covered by art and stuccowork.
Another interesting church is the Hofkirche (Imperial Church),
which contains the sarcophagus of Maximilian I. The tomb itself
is magnificent, but it is the sight of the twin rows of giant
bronze statues on either side that remains in the memory.
There are many more baroque facades to be seen along Herzog
Friedrich Strasse and around the centre of town, so taking a
stroll is the best way to take it all in.
If you like to see wildlife up close, then it?s worth travelling
the couple of kilometres to the Alpenzoo (Alpine Zoo), where you
can explore a substantial collection of alpine animals,
including elk and wolves.
In the end, though, it?s impossible to ignore the call of the
mountains, which is what makes Innsbruck so special. It also
makes Innsbruck a great place to stay while you explore the
surrounding region. There is good transport to nearby skifields,
or if you feel adventurous, you can even ski on a glacier!
If you have plans to visit Austria, then make sure you include
Innsbruck and the Tirol Region in your itinerary. There is so
much to enjoy and admire, and something to suit everybody?s
taste. Except of course if you don?t like to either look at or
visit mountains!
Copyright Felicity Walker 2005
About the author:
Travelling in Austria is a much loved past time for the author.
To find out more, check out
href="http://www.travelaustriainfozone.com">http://www.travelaust
riainfozone.com or
href="http://www.travelaustriainfozone.com/innsbruck/">http://www
.travelaustriainfozone.com/innsbruck/ for more information.
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