Weekend getaway options in the Austrian Alps
"The bridge over the Inn" — that is literally how this town gets its name, after the eponymous river Inn. The Tyrolean capital has a history going back at least 800 years, yet in modern times it has built quite a reputation as a skiing capital and a hub for all things outdoors.
The first item on every itinerary has to be a stroll around the Altstadt to soak in the general vibe and the gorgeous natural mountain scenery that frames the entire city. The old town sits right at the foot of the Nordkette range, making every street corner feel like a painting.
For the best views of the city, we made our way up the spiral staircase to the top of the Innsbruck Stadtturm. The intricate design, added to the original 450-year-old structure, allows two-way traffic and ascends 51 metres to offer panoramic views of the entire city and its surrounding landscape.
Another magical journey is the trip up Innsbruck's local mountain Hafelekar via the Bergbahn. Once up in the Nordkettes, on a clear day you can catch views extending far into the Karwendel Mountains and down into the valley below. If you are lucky, you might even encounter a herd of Wild Ibex.
On a good visibility day, views extend far into the Karwendel Mountains.
Rounding out the trip was a short excursion outside the city centre to Schloss Ambras, known for housing the eccentric collection of Archduke Ferdinand II. The castle is a fine example of German Renaissance architecture and is most famous for its Spanish Hall and an extensive Habsburg Portrait gallery.
Location
Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
Our weekend getaway to Innsbruck occurred in the Fall of 2021. © Zubin John