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| Innsbruck-Stadt, Tyrol, Austria |
Innsbruck is a historic city and the major cultural, economic and provincial capital of the Federal State of Tyrol in the western area of the Republic of Austria. The city, with a population of approximately 120,000 residents, stands in a broad valley surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Eastern Alps making it one of the most beautiful cities in Austria. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Alps’, Innsbruck is a well known winter sports centre having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1964 and 1976, leaving the city with an enviable winter sports centre with modern facilities. Innsbruck and the surrounding area is a major tourist destination all year round. It offers not only the attractions of a small, friendly, cosmopolitan Tyrolean town, but also during the summer months it is an ideal centre from which to tour the surrounding picturesque countryside or enjoy the hiking, climbing and cycling that is available. During the winter months the snow clad slopes offer 8 ski areas, 75 ski lifts and 285 marked runs and varied backcountry terrain covered with deep powder stashes!!
Innsbruck is located on the Inn River and has been a centre of trade and commerce for hundreds of years being at the northern end of the Brenner Pass, one of the major passes that cross the Alps to Italy. This was originally opened by the Roman’s, who established the town of Oenipons (Innsbruck) to protect the pass, which for them became an important commercial artery from the Roman Empire to Germany. During the medieval period the pass again became an important transport and communications link across the border enabling Innsbruck to flourish. Later during the 15th century, Innsbruck became a major European centre when the Hapsburg Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I resided in the city. At this time, Tyrol reached the heights of its cultural and political importance and Innsbruck inherited its most characteristic landmark the ‘Golden Roof’. This three storey balcony was built on the central plaza at the heart of the ‘Old Town’. It was originally a viewing balcony for Emperor Maximilian I to enjoy the tournaments conducted in the square below. Roofed in nearly 3,000 fire gilded copper tiles the ‘Golden Roof’ is today where most visitors start their sightseeing of the Altstadt, ‘Old Town’.
Amidst the charming ‘Old Town’ there is a classic hybrid of Gothic and Baroque architecture adding to the interest of walking around the streets. When visiting Innsbruck you should see the beautiful Hofkirche or Imperial Church of Innsbruck, built to house the body of Emperor Maximilian I. It is today only a memorial which consists of an ornate sarcophagus covered in marble reliefs, beautiful screen and 28 bronze statues of ancestors, relatives and heroes. Plus Ambras Castle, which stands on the hills above the city and is considered to be one of the most important sights of Innsbruck. Built in the 16th century this Renaissance styled castle stands amidst beautiful parklands and is well known for its portrait gallery, Spanish Hall and historic armories. Then there is the Imperial Palace, built in the 15th century for the Emperor Maximilian I, it was expanded and renovated in the 18th century on the Baroque style for Empress Maria Theresa. The building consists of 25 state apartments and has four wings including a splendid two storey ‘Giants Hall’!!
There is quite a lot to see in Innsbruck and some other attractions include the 18th century Baroque St Jacob’s Cathedral with its domed twin towered facade and lavish interior, just outside town is the Wiltener Basilika, considered to be one of the most splendid houses of worship in Tyrol, the 12th century Wiltener Abbey with its collection of precious tapestries, paintings and furnishings contained in its sumptuous abbey halls and a plethora of museums!! Just to give you a few examples there is the City Museum which displays the history of the region over the last 800 years, the Bell Museum presents the unique traditions of bell making, the Alpine Club Museum located in the Hofburg relays the story of Alpine climbing revealing the mystery of the commitment climbers endure through mind, body and heart!! Then there is the Winkler Museum which offers an insight into more than 400 years of pharmaceutical and cultural history through the example of an Innsbruck chemist’s family, a Museum of Tylorean Folk Art which displays exhibits from the diverse folk culture of the ‘Land in the Mountains’ and a Tyrolean Railway Museum which houses historic rolling stock and early information on the early years of the tram and railway networks in the area.
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| Accommodation | Tours |  |
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Hotel Innsbruck
Innsbruck
 |  Hotel Innsbruck is located in the heart of Innsbruck and offers wonderful Tyrolean hospitality. Surrounded by mountains Innsbruck has a lot to offer in summer or winter. Skiing, snowboarding or just hiking through the Tyrolean Alps.
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Hotel Grauer Baer
Innsbruck
 |  The Hotel Grauer Baer is located in the immdediate city centre, just a two minute walk away from the historic Old Town. The Universitaetsstrasse is part of a very quiet area and is well known for its numerous cafes and bars. From here you can reach important places of interest, shopping malls, par... |
Dollinger Hotel
Innsbruck
 |  The Dollinger Hotel is family-run and has been a traditional Inn for over 500 years. It is situated in the Austrian mountains, on the outskirts of Innsbruck. |
Hotel Sailer
Innsbruck
|  The Hotel Sailer Innsbruck was built in 1896 and is currently in the hands of the fifth generation. A typical family run traditional style Gasthof hotel giving guests the true Austrian flavour. It is in a very central location being 2 minutes from the main railway station and just 10 minutes walk ... |
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European Discovery
12 days |  Let Contiki do the navigating while you explore Western Europe in all its glory, from the serene canals in Amsterdam to the dazzling Eiffel Tower in Paris. This tour breezes through 8 fantastic countries in 12 exhilarating days. Experience local traditions and customs in every country like a gondola... |
Traditional Europe
18 days |  Explore Europe's most traditional areas, visiting 10 countries in total! This is a great opportunity for first-time Europe travellers as the tour will give you the best insight to what Europe was, is and where it's headed! See London, Amsterdam, Venice, Rome, Pompeii, Nice, Cannes, Paris and more.
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Continental Introduction
14 days |  The name already tells you that this trip from Paris to London is paced to give you a quick taste of Europe. Start with a special welcome dinner with wine at a fine Parisian restaurant on your first night. Enjoy two-night stays in Paris, Rome, Venice and Amsterdam including major sights like the s... |
European Spotlight
11 days |  This tour appeals to the first-time visitors to Europe and gives a good introduction to Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and a little bit of France. There are two night stays in Amsterdam, Venice, Lucerne and Paris. Relax on a scenic cruise along the Rhine River, spend time in Heidelberg bef... |
European Encounter
16 days |  The European Encounter tour is perfect for adventurers and romantics alike. You’ll have the opportunity to take a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside, go white water rafting in Austria, take in a Parisian cabaret show and enjoy a relaxing gondola ride in Venice all on the same tour! If that sounds... |
Europe's Highlights
13 days |  This tour will suit those travellers who have a limited time and want to see as much as possible. The tour moves at a fast pace through the first half of the trip and then there are two nights in Rome and ending the trip with three wonderful nights in Paris.
Leave London in the early morning and... |
European Spotlight - Start Amsterdam
11 days | This tour appeals to the first-time visitors to Europe and gives a good introduction to Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and a little bit of France. There are two night stays in Amsterdam, Venice, Lucerne and Paris. Relax on a scenic cruise along the Rhine River, spend time in Heidelberg bef... |
Wonders of Europe
12 days |  This tour moves at a fast pace and covers 7 countries in 12 days. It will suit those travellers who have limited time and want to see quite a bit. There are two night stays in Rome and Paris. Begin in London with a full day to explore the city, then cross the Channel by ferry and continue by motor... |
Traditional Grand European
19 days |  This trip perfectly fits its name. It covers all the "must see" cities and sights in Europe, bu also includes a Eurostar train ride from London to Brussels, a canal cruise in Amsterdam, a Rhine cruise, the Black Forest, the Rhine falls, Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Sound of Music Salzburg, a private bo... |
The Grand Alpine Tour
15 days |  Grand is an understatement when you experience the mountainous regions, beautiful rivers and valleys of these five fabulous countries. Enjoy a Rhine River Cruise, a visit to the Bavarian Alpine Resort of Berchtesgaden and scenic drives through the Rhine Valley, Black Forest, Italian Lakes and more! ... |
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