Innsbruck is surrounded on all sides by the Alps – the city is famous for its picturesque views and ski resorts. Fans of outdoor activities are attracted by a variety of tracks and excellent infrastructure, preserved from the time of the Olympics. In the vicinity there are several ski areas, slopes of varying difficulty and many opportunities for outdoor activities, so even those who do not plan to ski will not be bored. Check JIBIN123 for Austria customs regulations and visa requirements.
Innsbruck is also the capital of the Tyrol region, which has a rich history spanning more than one century. It carefully preserves the culture and traditions, which can be found in the museums, palaces and temples of the city. Souvenir shops are full of national Tyrolean costumes that convey the identity of this people. In addition, in the vicinity there is a factory where the famous Swarovski crystals are produced, and a museum dedicated to these artificial diamonds.
Communication and Wi-Fi
Mobile communication in Austria is quite expensive, it will be more profitable for subscribers of some Russian operators to stay on their SIM card. There is only one minus for this option – most likely you will also have to pay for incoming calls. There are many mobile operators in Innsbruck, the most popular being T-Mobile, Telering and Drei. The latter has the most favorable prepaid tariff – a call to Russia costs 1.50 EUR. To buy a SIM card, you do not need to conclude an agreement, a passport is also not required. Calling plans are sold at every grocery store and newsstand, and there are cell phone shops. The average price is 19-25 EUR.
Internet cafes are widespread in the city. They are available at the airport, in the historical center, in restaurants and other public places. Free Wi-Fi is also found, but not as often. It is available in most cafes and hotels, as well as at the airport, at the railway station, in some buses and shops. And of course, do not forget about the international fast food McDonald’s, Subway and Burger King, where you can also go online for free.
Innsbruck Card
The guest card is a travel pass, thanks to which you can significantly save on traveling around the capital of Tyrol.
The map includes almost all the sights of the city and its environs. You won’t have to pay for the entrance to the Golden Roof Museum, the Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Tyrolean Museum of Folk Art, the Alpine Zoo and 17 other objects, and you will also get a ride to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds exhibition for free. Under the same conditions, it will be possible to ride around Innsbruck on the Sightseer sightseeing shuttle, climb the mountains on the Norkettenbahn funicular and relax on the Natterer See lake.
There is a 10-50% discount for bike rental.
There are 3 types of subscriptions on sale – for 24 hours (43 EUR), 50 EUR and 59 EUR, for children under 15 the price is 2 times lower. The Innsbruck Card is sold at the Information Office at the railway station, the tourist offices of the resort villages, at the ticket offices of the ski lifts and the main attractions, as well as in some hotels. You can apply for a card in advance via the Internet (official site in English)
Skiing in Innsbruck
The main tourist destination of Innsbruck is skiing. There are 9 small districts in the vicinity of the city. It is unrealistic to try all the routes in one visit, their total length is more than 300 km. Here is the highest point on the Austrian ski map – the Stubai Glacier. All resorts are located within a 15-60 minute drive from the city, a free shuttle bus runs from Innsbruck railway station. The high season lasts from late December to early April.
On all slopes there is a single ski pass – OlympiaWorld SkiPass. The cost is from 387 EUR for 5 days. In addition to funiculars, cable cars and other services, the price includes half board or breakfast. There are also cards for 1-3 days, but they apply only to 5 ski areas, the price is from 95 EUR.
The resorts of Innsbruck offer a wide range of opportunities for outdoor activities – trails for cross-country skiing, hiking and climbing, as well as half-pipes and fun parks for snowboarders. On the slopes there are ski slopes of any complexity – from green to black, so both experienced athletes and those who just started skiing yesterday will get an adrenaline rush. The length of the longest route (in the Glungetzer region) is 9 km, the elevation difference is 1500 m.
For holidays with children, it is best to go to Patcherkofel or Muterer Alm, where there are children’s areas and easy trails. However, you can go sledding in almost any resort. Experienced skiers should pay attention to Axamer Lizum. This is one of the Olympic regions of Tyrol, the infrastructure here was built specifically for the winter games. The snow cover is stable, and the majority of the runs are red, although there are also blue ones and a couple of black ones.
The Nordpark ski area has the steepest ski slope in the European region, its slope is 70%. Only experienced skiers can overcome such a descent. But most of the tracks are still designed for the average level of training, there are several for beginners. There are ski schools for adults and children. And those who came to the resort for company can play tennis or swim in the indoor pool.
What to bring
The most popular souvenirs from Innsbruck are Swarovski crystals and jewelry made from them, because this is where the production is located. However, not everyone can afford such a present – products cost from 160 EUR, stones – from 40 EUR.
As a memento of the trip, you can take with you Viennese porcelain, as well as handicrafts made of ceramics, embroidery and lace. A special place among the souvenirs of Innsbruck is occupied by national costumes – old clothes made of linen, leather, cloth and other materials. Headdresses are the most interesting – the famous Tyrolean hat will be a great gift.
For the symbols of the Olympic Games and other souvenirs, you should go to the flea market, which takes place on Adolf Pichler Square twice a month – on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays.
Tyrolean smoked meats, honey and sweets, including the Sacher cake, are famous for edibles. In the confectionery, it will be securely packaged so that the dessert can be taken with you and delivered without loss. Fans of high-quality alcoholic beverages will enjoy Austrian schnapps, and ladies – wines and liqueurs.
Cuisine and restaurants in Innsbruck
Despite the small size of the city, there are more than 400 cafes and restaurants of various levels and formats. The city has establishments with American, Greek, European, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Japanese cuisine, but in most of the food places the emphasis is on hearty Tyrolean and Italian cuisine. Authentic dishes include pork ribs, dumplings with salty or sweet fillings, Viennese schnitzels, fresh herb salads and appetizers, homemade cheeses and, of course, the famous apple strudel. Of the drinks, coffee, invigorating mulled wine and radler – beer half-diluted with lemonade – are especially loved by local residents.
Local taverns offer meat and fish dishes, light salads and appetizers. Here you can also taste freshly cooked game and juicy steaks. When placing an order, it should be borne in mind that the portions will be huge – one dish can be safely divided into two. And there will definitely be an appetizer or salad as a compliment from the chef. At the same time, prices in institutions are quite affordable: even in a tourist center, a lunch with beer will cost about 30-45 EUR.
It is customary to leave 10% of the bill for tea.
Local coffee houses deserve special attention, most often having the format of a family pastry shop. Here you can try an excellent strudel or the famous Sacher cake. And drinking sweets is supposed to be hot chocolate or strong, fragrant coffee, in which the Austrians definitely know a lot. Visiting a coffee shop for local residents is a kind of ritual during which you can not only cheer up, but also chat about the weather, learn the latest news from the newspapers, meet an old friend. The bill for coffee and dessert usually does not exceed 8-10 EUR.
Street food is represented by hot sausages in a crispy bun, pizza, sandwiches and all kinds of fast food from dough, fried meat and vegetables. In addition, there are international fast food chains, where lunch will cost literally 5-8 EUR.
After an active day, it is nice to relax in the bar. You can drink a couple of cocktails or a mug of local unfiltered beer (3-5 EUR), for example, on the terrace of the 12th floor or on the roof of the building with breathtaking views of the city and the Alps.
Restaurateurs in Innsbruck pay special attention to the atmosphere of their establishments. Many cafes are located in old buildings and are made in a classic Austrian interior, they are incredibly cozy and warm in every sense.
Cafes and restaurants usually receive guests from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 22:00. Pubs and bars are open until midnight, and to continue the party you will have to move to a nightclub.
