What attractions Innsbruck will show you when you meet? What to see in Innsbruck: ski resorts, museums, galleries and castles

In the place where the confluence of the rivers Sill and Inn occurs, the main city of Tyrol, Innsbruck, stretches from the southern slopes of the Nordketta Range. People in these territories have lived since Celtic times, but as a city, this settlement became known from the 13th century, when Duke Leopold III began to execute the court at the place where the Hofburg now stands. His grandson in the mid-1490s turned this inconspicuous alpine town into one of the most famous in Europe, making it the imperial capital. Over time, Innsbruck never ceased to be in the spotlight. Today it attracts thousands of tourists. Here you can see the unique architecture, visit numerous museums, galleries and exhibitions, get acquainted with the history and culture of the city, taste all the charms of an excellent ski resort and enjoy the view of magnificent landscapes.

What are the attractions Innsbruck offers its guests in the first place? Of course, these are architectural monuments of history, which managed to survive to this day. We will get acquainted with the most significant of them in more detail.

The Imperial Palace of Hofsburg

One of the first places in the list of "Main Attractions" Innsbruck took the imperial residence of the rulers of Tyrol - Hofsburg. This beautiful castle developed along with Austria. In the 15th century, Duke Zygmunt Rich built it for his own use. Having inherited the castle, Maximilian almost completely changed this structure, turning it into one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe, built in late Gothic style. In accordance with the fashion, luxurious chambers periodically changed their appearance. In addition, each succeeding sovereign supplemented the palace complex with new and new buildings: additional towers, chapels and castles were erected. Having come to power, Maria Theresa in the 18th century transformed the palace complex into a baroque realm. This is how we see Hofsburg today. Its beauty does not leave any tourist indifferent, it is beautiful both outside and inside. In the luxurious halls you can see the old royal furniture, chandeliers, gold moldings, various luxuries and much more.

The Golden Roof

Near the Imperial Palace stands a building, a unique feature of which is the golden roof. Innsbruck considers this landmark an emblem and a symbol of the city. Built in the early 15th century by Frederick IV, the building did not attract attention until Maximilian I, coming to power, ordered the construction of a royal loggia (bay window). From it, the Habsburgs watched tournaments, performances and various events held on the square. The roof of the bay window is held by two columns, but not they glorified this structure, and 2657 gold-plated copper tiles. It was thanks to this decoration that the building got its name.

City Tower

Next to the "Golden Roof" on Herzog-Friedrich-Straße, there is another attraction of the city - the city tower. This gothic structure, with a height of 56 meters, attracts numerous tourists with its extravagance. Its construction was carried out in two stages. The lower part was built in the 15th century and has a cylindrical shape. Supplement in the form of a roof in the Renaissance tower style received by the end of the 18th century. From its observation deck, you can see magnificent views of the local landscapes.

Ambras Castle

We continue to consider the city's sights. Innsbruck offers to visit an equally impressive structure - the castle Ambras, which was once a symbol of Tyrolean power and glory. The building, which we see now, was built in the late 16th century by the order of the Archduke Ferdinand II. The castle consists of two parts: a lower fortress with an entrance gate and a spacious courtyard and an upper palace. Both parts are interconnected by the Spanish Hall, an attractive feature of which is the original coffered ceiling, mosaic doors, wall murals and mosaic doors. In the castle there is a gallery of portraits of the Habsburgs, costume and armory.

Hofkirke - the court church

But that's not all. Innsbruck does not cease to amaze his guests. Another building, located in the heart of the city, rightfully occupies a place in tourist booklets - this is the court church of Hofkirke. The building was erected by the order of Ferdinand I as the mausoleum of Maximilian I, who in the last years of his life even sketched out his own sketch of the sarcophagus. Fathers of the church felt that the height of the sarcophagus at the altar level is an insult to the church, so it was left empty. Now this tomb is surrounded by 28 bronze statues and occupies one of the first places in the list "Most Popular Sights".

Innsbruck offers its guests to visit other architectural buildings of a religious nature. In the city there are 5 monasteries and 11 churches, among which we can not fail to mention the Cathedral of St. James, where we will dwell in more detail.

St. Jacob's Cathedral

For many years this cathedral was a modest parish church, built in strictly Gothic style in the early 12th century. After the establishment of the diocese of the city, the structure turned into a Cathedral, but could not survive to this day in its original form. The earthquake of 1698 almost completely destroyed it. When restoring the architectural monument to the interior and exterior decoration, baroque elements were added. Now this is a unique structure, the facade of which is rich in windows of various shapes. It is crowned by a large dome, and small domes are decorated with two attached towers with a clock. The vaults of the Cathedral depict drawings depicting the life path of St. James. The look of visitors attracts a bright blue organ, decorated with gilding, the sound of which still arouses every listener today.

For connoisseurs of religious architecture, the map of Innsbruck with sights will help you to familiarize yourself with other similar facilities.

Museums of the city and its environs

Particular attention deserves the museums of Innsbruck, allowing you to plunge into the past of the city, get acquainted with its originality and culture, learn something new and interesting. A magnificent collection is offered to see the museum of bells "Grassmeier". Already from the title it becomes clear what is at stake. For four centuries, the foundry works, run by representatives of one dynasty. It will be interesting to visit the museum of the imperial hunt or the Anatomical Museum. Particular attention should be paid to the Swarovski Museum in Innsbruck. Once in this place, you understand that the heads of giants exist not only in fairy tales, because the attraction is located in one of them! Inside the museum has the form of a labyrinth - seven rooms are interconnected by rather narrow corridors and stairs. In these rooms you can see the crystal in different variations. A pearl is a faceted crystal "Centennial Jubilar" measuring 3 million carats.

Alpine Zoo

After visiting the architectural sights of the city, the question arises: "What to see in Innsbruck yet?" On Mount Nordkette lies the Alpine Zoo, which has collected almost all animals living in the Alps, and has no analogues in the whole world. Here, visitors will meet with 150 species of animals, located on an area of more than 4 hectares. The zoo allows all guests to appreciate the beauty of the Alpine mountains. Here you can hear the "aria" of wolves, howling bell ringing, to admire the "dance" of fish in the aquarium and much more. An excellent addition to this will be a unique view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Ski holidays

Do you have a weakness for ski resorts? You are fabulously lucky! Because this city is also a center of winter recreation and sports. Ski resorts Innsbruck - a great combination of all the charms of high-class recreation and sophistication of one of the most attractive cities in the world. Around there are seven famous areas for snowboarding and skiing, including the Stubai Glacier, where all the conditions for skiing and excellent winter recreation are provided.

Especially popular is the easily accessible village of Igls, located 7 kilometers from the city of Innsbruck. The ski resort is at an altitude of 900 meters and successfully combines a measured rural life and urban rhythm. To the west lies the equally popular Mutterer-Alm ski area, which is located on the slopes of Zayle. The main area of central Tyrol is the Aksamer-Litsum tract, located 9 kilometers south of Innsbruck. At all ski resorts there are trails of various complexity, including for beginners. The season lasts from December to April. The exception is Stubai, where you can skate almost all year round.