Ask me which city in Austria you need to visit first, and I will answer: "Of course, Innsbruck!". "Why not Vienna?" you may ask. I'll explain now.
Innsbruck, known primarily for its ski resorts, is so rich in cultural and natural attractions that it seems as if it has absorbed the whole of Austria.
This city looks like a brilliant showcase of an expensive Austrian boutique or an elegant lady of mature age, who over the years has not only not lost her grace, but even prettier. There are ups and downs in her past. In her present — the peaceful nature of the Alpine mountains and memories of a stormy youth.
The former residence of the Habsburgs, the center of the federal state of Tyrol, the Mecca of skiing, the venue of the Olympic Games — all this is Innsbruck.
In this city you can not only do winter sports, but also taste Austrian delicacies, admire the splendor of ancient architecture and patch up your health. In general, Innsbruck can offer you everything you expect from Austria and even more.
How to get
Innsbruck is surrounded on all sides by mountains with a height of about 2000 m. The Karwendel massif supports the city from the north, the Stubai Alps from the southwest, and the Tuk Alps from the southeast.
However, transport links with other cities are very well developed here. You can get to the capital of Tyrol not only by plane, but also by car, train or bus.
Whichever method you choose, start looking for tickets in advance.
From Innsbruck Airport (Kranebitten), the regular bus F runs every 15 minutes, which will take you to the central station of the city in just 10 minutes.
If you don't recognize public transport, take a taxi.
When is the season? When is it better to go?
Most tourists go to Innsbruck in winter to enjoy skiing down from the snow-capped mountains. But, in my opinion, Innsbruck retains its solemnity and grandeur at any time of the year.
For skiing, it is better to choose the period from November to March.
Food and drink:
The gastronomy of Tyrol was greatly influenced by the cuisine of Germany and Italy. The first courses necessarily include hot soups to combat the cold Ural winters.
Traditional dishes:
Frittatensuppe - pancake soup with herbs.
Rindssuppe - pork soup.
Specknödelsuppe - soup with meatballs (Knödel). One of the most typical dishes of Tyrol.
Wurstsalat is an Austrian salad with sausage and cheese.
Käsespätzle - potato gnocchi with fried onions.
Innsbruck Gröstl - potatoes with sauce and meat.
Schlutzkrapfen - classic ravioli.
Tafelspitz - beef tenderloin with potato salad.
The Old Town of Innsbruck:
The Old Town or Altstadt of Innsbruck is filled with beautiful examples of old architecture, as well as luxurious Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo buildings. The historical center is located on the banks of the Inn River, surrounded by magnificent Alpine landscapes.
The old town has the shape of a semicircle and is called Graben. Most of the old streets with narrow medieval houses and arcaded facades are pedestrian.
When you go up into the mountains, the view is simply amazing from above!
You can just stand for hours and admire the local beauties.
These fabulous lands will not leave you indifferent, and the locals will only try to decorate your vacation.
Traveling is a flirtation with life. It's like saying, "I'd like to stay with you, I'd like to love you, but I have to get out, this is my stop." © Lisa Saint-Aubin-de-Teran.
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