Innsbruck is a natural haven and cityscape all rolled into one. Nestled in the Austrian Alps, Innsbruck is for mountain lovers, golfers, hikers, skiers, cycling enthusiasts or strollers like me.The golden lights reflected off Nordkette, the jewel of the Alps pleases all visitors who flock to this urban city.You can take a cable car to get to the peak to get a good view of the valleys and mist-shrouded summits.
We arrived here on a Sunday morning, hence, practically had the streets to ourselves. Since all the museums were closed we started our random walk from the railway station towards the Old Historic center.Undeniably, no matter where you are the city has endless views.
Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo style buildings share spaces and stand together in timelessness.
We started our stroll from the railway station and reached near Landestheater, near the historic Altstad. The theater is surrounded by the imperial Hofburg, Hofgarten and The University of Innsbruck. Innsbruck is home to about 30,000 university students. Walked through to the Golden Dachl - Golden Roof- city's most famous sight. Built in 1500 by Emperor Maximilian to honor his marriage to Bianca Sforza. It is decorated with about 2,657, fire-gilded copper tiles.The emperor and his wife used to sit in the balcony and watch celebration of festivals, tournaments and other events that took place in the square below. A jazz group was playing in the balcony of the building entertaining the crowds sitting and relaxing or eating in the eateries below.
There is a beautiful Baroque style building in the corner opposite the Dachl that you can gawk at.
We walked along the golden roof side of the path a little way down and came to an opening and saw the beautiful view of the Alps.There is a small bridge on river Ine. Wondered around this place taking in the views and took innumerable pictures of the houses lined along the river.
Walking through the narrow streets couldn't help noticing the souvenir shops selling beautiful handcrafted things- aprons, bags, crocheted table linen, funky hats, sweaters and a myriad of other stuff. Tracht- is a traditional attire comprising leather breeches for men and frilly corset dresses for women.This alpine attire is a beautiful local costume. Some other unique items you can pick include tree hangings, wooden and fabric puppets, locally made honey or Honig as called in German, house shoes called Doggin. Tirolean bacon and schnapps and for a delicacy- Tirolean grey cheese- with a bold flavor, served with vinegar , oil and onions. Not to forget the irresistible snow globes, now a staple souvenir in stores worldwide. Snow globes were created by a surgical instrument mechanic Mr. Perzy I , an Austrian in 1900. He came up with the idea when attempting to improve the brightness of the newly invented electric lamp.
Right around this area is a Swarovski store. If you do not want to venture out of the town to the Swarovski Crystal World, this store is enough to smother you with shimmering stones.
From here we came to the Maria Theresien Street walking towards the iconic Triumpforte. It is a Roman inspired triumphal arch gate built by the Empress Maria Theresa. It commemorates the wedding of her son Archduke Leopold on its south side and a tribute to the death of her husband Francis I, on the north side.
Innsbruck is a very walkable city and in a day we had a great time exploring and soaking in the sights.
We arrived here on a Sunday morning, hence, practically had the streets to ourselves. Since all the museums were closed we started our random walk from the railway station towards the Old Historic center.Undeniably, no matter where you are the city has endless views.
Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo style buildings share spaces and stand together in timelessness.
We started our stroll from the railway station and reached near Landestheater, near the historic Altstad. The theater is surrounded by the imperial Hofburg, Hofgarten and The University of Innsbruck. Innsbruck is home to about 30,000 university students. Walked through to the Golden Dachl - Golden Roof- city's most famous sight. Built in 1500 by Emperor Maximilian to honor his marriage to Bianca Sforza. It is decorated with about 2,657, fire-gilded copper tiles.The emperor and his wife used to sit in the balcony and watch celebration of festivals, tournaments and other events that took place in the square below. A jazz group was playing in the balcony of the building entertaining the crowds sitting and relaxing or eating in the eateries below.
There is a beautiful Baroque style building in the corner opposite the Dachl that you can gawk at.
We walked along the golden roof side of the path a little way down and came to an opening and saw the beautiful view of the Alps.There is a small bridge on river Ine. Wondered around this place taking in the views and took innumerable pictures of the houses lined along the river.
Walking through the narrow streets couldn't help noticing the souvenir shops selling beautiful handcrafted things- aprons, bags, crocheted table linen, funky hats, sweaters and a myriad of other stuff. Tracht- is a traditional attire comprising leather breeches for men and frilly corset dresses for women.This alpine attire is a beautiful local costume. Some other unique items you can pick include tree hangings, wooden and fabric puppets, locally made honey or Honig as called in German, house shoes called Doggin. Tirolean bacon and schnapps and for a delicacy- Tirolean grey cheese- with a bold flavor, served with vinegar , oil and onions. Not to forget the irresistible snow globes, now a staple souvenir in stores worldwide. Snow globes were created by a surgical instrument mechanic Mr. Perzy I , an Austrian in 1900. He came up with the idea when attempting to improve the brightness of the newly invented electric lamp.
Right around this area is a Swarovski store. If you do not want to venture out of the town to the Swarovski Crystal World, this store is enough to smother you with shimmering stones.
From here we came to the Maria Theresien Street walking towards the iconic Triumpforte. It is a Roman inspired triumphal arch gate built by the Empress Maria Theresa. It commemorates the wedding of her son Archduke Leopold on its south side and a tribute to the death of her husband Francis I, on the north side.
Innsbruck is a very walkable city and in a day we had a great time exploring and soaking in the sights.
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