The capital of Tyrol, Innsbruck is a great destination year round, but particularly beautiful during Christmastime when it becomes a winter wonderland. Here are some of the many places you should see while visiting this picturesque Austrian town.
# HofkircheBuilt in 1553 as a memorial to the Emperor’s grandfather, Maximilian I, this gothic church can be found in the Old Town of Innsbruck.
# Nordkette Skyline ParkA favourite among snow-sports lovers, the Nordkette Skyline Park boasts some incredible views of Innsbruck and the jagged distant mountains.
# Maria-Theresa StreetTake a stroll down the Maria-Theresa Street (Maria-Theresien-Straße) to admire the stunning architecture on either side of the street. This is also one of Innsbruck’s most popular shopping stretches.
# Hungerburg funicularThe breathtaking views from the Nordkette mountains above Innsbruck can be accessed via the state of the art Hungerburg funicular, which hisks you from the medieval old town to the top in minutes. The stations, built in 2007, were designed by the late “starchitect” Zaha Hadid, who took her inspiration from the Tyrolian glaciers and ice.
# Goldenes DachlThe shimmering tiles of the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) are considered one of the central landmarks of Innsbruck. The mural on the structure’s façade tells stories of the town’s imperial past.
# Helblinghaus HausOne of the main attractions of the Old Town, this decorative townhouse built in the 15th century has an embellished façade revealing both gothic and baroque influences, giving it a unique architectural style.
# Bergisel Ski JumpThe Bergisel Stadium has hosted two Winter Olympic games, and this epic ski jump was designed by Zaha Hadid in 2001. A climb up 455 steps takes you to a restaurant with panoramic views of the spectacular surroundings.
# Glockengiesserei GrassmayrThe Bell Factory is a quaint and charming museum with extensive collections and exhibitions about the craftsmanship of the Grassmayr family.
# Schloss AmbrasThe museum inside the Ambras Castle houses a collection of artefacts from the 1500s relating to the history of Innsbruck. The castle sits on a hill, so you can get some lovely views of the surrounding countryside here.