Innsbruck in Tyrol
It is an interesting question: what is the capital of the Alps? The Alps are a mountain range in Europe with an area of more than 200,000 km. And the Alps spread across eight countries: Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Slovenia, Liechtenstein and Monaco. A total of around 13 million people live there. If you ask me, the Austrian city of Innsbruck is the capital of the Alps.
Capital of the Alps: Grenoble or Innsbruck?
A 2nd good contender is Grenoble. In fact, this city is the capital of the French Alps. The reason it is not the capital of the Alps for me is because it lies at the foot of the Alps and not, like Innsbruck, in the middle of them. Innsbruck is really in a Tyrolean valley, surrounded by impressive three-thousanders. In addition, more mountainous surface falls in Austria (29%) than in France (21%). (Granted, Grenoble, with 160,000 inhabitants, is a slightly larger city than Innsbruck, with 130,000.)
Sightseeing in Innsbruck
1. The old town
Innsbruck's old town is great fun to stroll through. In fact, there are many interesting things to see. One of them is Innsbruck's most famous landmark: the Golden Roof. On Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse, you can see the roof with gilded, copper tiles. The emperor of the Habsburg Empire lived in that building. In the 15th century, Emperor Maximilian I had a lodge built there with a golden roof. From there, he had a good view of the tournaments held there. Today, the building houses the Museum Goldenes Dachl. In this museum, you can learn more about Innsbruck in the Middle Ages. Also worth a visit! From the city tower you have a nice view on the roof and can take beautiful pictures of the entire city.
Further, you'll also find the Triumphal Arch in the old town. It was built as a wedding gift for Archduke Leopold and his wife Princess Maria Ludovica of Spain. On one side you can see references to the wedding and on the other side references to the death of the emperor, who died during the wedding party. One place to shop is Maria-Theresien Strasse. Modern shops in old buildings and with a view of the mighty Alps: what more could you ask for?
2. Schloss Ambras
Just outside the city, Schloss Ambras stands on a hill. This 16th-century castle was built by Italian architects for Archduke Ferdinand II. A visit to the castle is recommended. You will find a museum with a weapons collection, a cabinet of curiosities and an art gallery. The beautiful garden is also worth a stroll.
3. Alpenzoo
At an altitude of 727 metres, this is Europe's highest zoo. At the zoo, you can see more than 150 animal species, all found in the Alps. From bears and ibexes to marmots. Tip: take the Hungerburgbahn to the Alpenzoo, and you'll catch an attraction as well. The stations of this railway are an architectural highlight and although hyper-modern, they still fit in with the city's old buildings.
4. Bergisel
Towering over the city is the ski jump Bergisel. You can also visit this ski jump and you can even eat at the top of the tower. From here, you have an impressive view of the city and a dizzying idea of what height ski jumpers have to ski from.
Mountains around Innsbruck
Nordkette
The most famous mountain near Innsbruck is the Nordkette. To get here, first take the Hungerburgbahn (a funicular railway) and take the Nordkette Bahn to the top. Here you have the best view ever. In summer, you have beautiful trails you can hike and in winter you can ski down the mountain.
Patscherkofel
You can recognise the Patscherkofel by the big transmitter mast on the summit. And unlike the jagged Nordkette, this is a somewhat rounded mountain, towering high above the city of Innsbruck. The cable car takes you to the top of the mountain in a few minutes. The new Patscherkofelbahn takes you to the mountain station in a few minutes. In winter, many pistes are open here for different levels and in summer you can enjoy beautiful alpine meadows.
Tip: Innsbruck Card
If you're visiting Innsbruck, get an Innsbruck Card from the local tourist office. That card gives you free entry to lots of attractions. You can go up the Nordkette and the Patscherkoffel for free, and use all public transport in the city for free. It also allows you to use the Sightseer, a hop-on, hop-off bus that passes all the city's attractions.
