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    Tourist Attractions in Innsbruck

    The most interesting tourist attractions places in Innsbruck. Photos and a brief description.

    Innsbruck
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    About Innsbruck

    Innsbruck is surrounded on all sides by majestic mountain ranges. First of all, the city is known as a first-class ski resort and the venue of three Winter Olympics. Since the beginning of the season, numerous skiers and snowboarders come here to experience the excellent trails.

    However, Innsbruck has much more to offer tourists than just skiing on snowy slopes. This picturesque Tyrolean city is built up with Baroque mansions of the Habsburg period and is filled with the special spirit of the Austrian province, where the way of life may not change for centuries.

    The Hofburg Palace and Helblinghaus, the Triumphal Arch on Maria Theresa Street and St. James Cathedral are all the legacy of the brilliant imperial era, carefully preserved by descendants. The fabulous Swarovski Crystal Museum is able to impress the most sophisticated imagination, and the magnificent views of the Alpine valleys will remain in memory for a long time.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Innsbruck

    Ambras Castle

    The history of the castle began in the XII century. In those days it was a harsh medieval fortress. Under Archduke Ferdinand II in the XVI century, Ambras was rebuilt by Italian architects in accordance with the canons of the Renaissance. After the construction was completed, the ruler placed his collection of works of art in the castle, many of the exhibits of which are now decorated by the best museums in Austria. Part of the collection remained on the territory of Ambras and is now available for inspection.

    Ambras Castle
    Imperial Hofburg Palace

    Imperial Hofburg Palace

    A palace complex belonging to members of the Habsburg dynasty. Until the XIV century, even under the Tyrolean counts, medieval defensive structures were located on its territory. The construction of the palace was completed under Maximilian I at the turn of the XV and XVI centuries. After the abolition of the monarchy, the complex went to the state. Nowadays, official events are held periodically in the Hofburg. Part of the palace's chambers is given over to a museum.

    Maria Theresa Street

    The alley is named after Archduchess Maria Theresa of the Habsburg dynasty. It is one of the central streets of Innsbruck, where it is almost always noisy and crowded. At the beginning of the alley is the triumphal arch of Franz I Stephen of Lorraine. One of the local iconic monuments is the column of St. Anne in 1706, which is dedicated to the liberation of Tyrol from the Bavarian army. The obelisk is crowned with a statue of the Virgin Mary and surrounded by figures of four saints.

    Maria Theresa Street
    Triumphal Arch

    Triumphal Arch

    The monument is installed at the entrance on Maria Theresa Street. It was created in 1765 in honor of the marriage of Archduke Leopold and Princess Marie Louise. However, before the wedding, Maria Theresa's husband Franz I died, so the arch perpetuates not only a happy marriage, but also acts as a memorial monument in honor of the emperor. The arch is decorated with bas-reliefs depicting representatives of the Habsburg dynasty, as well as state coats of arms.

    Golden Roof

    The house is the residence of the Tyrolean kings, built in the XV century. It got such a poetic name thanks to the golden-colored tiles that cover the roof of the large external balcony on the front facade. The tiles have survived to the present day, for more than five centuries the coating has undergone only minor reconstructions. Today, the residence is a museum where personal belongings of emperors, court costumes, furniture and household items are displayed.

    Golden Roof
    Helblinghouse

    Helblinghouse

    A luxurious mansion with a Rococo facade, located in the center of Innsbruck. The building was erected in the XV century under Frederick IV, it acquired its modern appearance only in 1730. The Gothic facade of the house was rebuilt by order of its owner J. Fischer. Architect A. Google decorated the walls with rich stucco and remodeled the roof, retaining only the arches of the first floor from the original appearance. Helblinghaus is still a residential building.

    City Tower

    The structure was erected in the middle of the XV century for purely practical purposes – monitoring the approaches to the city, determining the location of a fire that broke out, etc. Moreover, members of the Innsbruck government worked in the rooms inside the tower. The reconstruction of the building was carried out in the 70s of the XX century. At the top there is an observation deck, where a staircase of 150 steps leads.

    City Tower
    Tyrolean Folk Art Museum

    Tyrolean Folk Art Museum

    After visiting the museum exposition, the visitor will have a complete idea of the ethnographic heritage of the historical region of Tyrol. The collection exhibits interior items, clothing, handicrafts, tableware, furniture and other exhibits recreating the atmosphere of the past centuries. The museum was established in 1888 on the initiative of the trade association of the city of Innsbruck. In 1926, the exposition moved to the territory of the former Franciscan monastery.

    Ferdinandeum Museum

    The exposition is located in a building located near the Hofburg Palace. The museum is named after Ferdinand II, the Austrian Archduke revered in Innsbruck. This ruler was a philanthropist and collector. He collected valuable works of art in his Ambras Palace, which were later transferred to various museums. Ferdinandeum boasts an extensive collection of artifacts from the periods of the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages.

    Ferdinandeum Museum
    Grassmayer Bell Museum

    Grassmayer Bell Museum

    The museum's exposition consists of bells collected by the Grassmire family. Representatives of this family have been engaged in the manufacture of bells for 400 years. During this time, the masters have developed a unique technology of ebb, which allows making melodious sounds of specimens. An integral part of the museum is the foundry, where they are engaged in the restoration of old and the creation of new bells.

    Panorama of Tyrol Museum

    The museum building is located on the top of Bergisel Hill, where in 1809 the invincible Napoleonic army faced a handful of brave Tyrolean peasants led by the brave A. Gopher. Despite the numerical superiority, the Tyrolese still managed to defeat the enemy. The exposition "Panoramas of Tyrol" is dedicated to this heroic feat. A monument to A. Gopher was erected near the museum building.

    Panorama of Tyrol Museum
    Crystal worlds of

    Crystal worlds of "Swarovski"

    Not far from Innsbruck in Wattens is the Swarovski Crystal Museum, opened in 1995 for the 100th anniversary of the brand. There used to be a factory here. The museum's exposition is a magnificent installation made of crystals, which famous designers have worked on. The collection is united by the concept of a fabulous underground giant kingdom filled with wonders and treasures. The entrance to the museum is made in the form of a giant's head with eyes made of green stones.

    St. James Cathedral

    The main Catholic church of Innsbruck, built at the beginning of the XVIII century in the Baroque style. The first Romanesque church on the site of the cathedral existed since the XII century. The interior of the cathedral can be confidently called one of the most beautiful in Austria. It is decorated with frescoes, stucco and sculptures. During the Second World War, the building was badly damaged due to bombing, but was soon restored.

    St. James Cathedral
    Basilica and Monastery of Wilten

    Basilica and Monastery of Wilten

    The first mention of the monastery dates back to the IX century, but the creation of a full–fledged abbey occurred later - in the first half of the XII century. The basilica was built towards the end of the XVII century, when the monastery reached its peak. The temple is executed in the elegant style of the "Austrian" Baroque. The monastery complex is located about 2.5 km from the center of Innsbruck at the foot of the Bergisel Mountain.

    Hofkirche Church

    The temple is located in the historical center of Innsbruck in close proximity to the Hofburg Palace. It was built in memory of Emperor Maximilian I. The building was erected in accordance with the canons of the Renaissance style. The interior space is dominated by Baroque features. The basilica houses a commemorative ketonaph made of black marble (not containing the remains of a sarcophagus) of Maximilian I.

    Hofkirche Church
    Hofgarten Park

    Hofgarten Park

    In the XV century, a court vegetable garden was located on the site of the modern park, from where vegetables and herbs were delivered to the imperial table. Centuries later, a magnificent landscape park was laid out here in the English manner with flower beds, lawns and pavilions for recreation. There is a group of trees in the park that were planted by Archduchess Maria Theresa herself. The Hofgarten is located next to the royal palace.

    Alpine Zoo

    A high-altitude zoo, home to 150 species (more than 3 thousand individuals) of representatives of the Alpine fauna, many of which are on the verge of extinction. Goats, cows and sheep also live here. The menagerie was founded by zoologist H. Penner in the 1960s in order to preserve the species diversity of the animal world of the Alps. Educational and research programs operate under the auspices of the zoo.

    Alpine Zoo
    Springboard

    Springboard "Bergisel"

    "Bergisel" is used for the 3rd stage of the Ski Jumping World Cup. The very first competitions were held in 1925. The Olympic Flame was lit here three times. A large-scale reconstruction of the springboard was carried out in the period 2001-2002 under the direction of the famous architect Zahi Hahid. The springboard complex has an observation deck and a panoramic restaurant, which can be reached by funicular or on foot by stairs.

    Funicular "Hungerburgbahn"

    The "Hungerburgbahn" connects the center of Innsbruck with the district of Hungerburg. He is another creation of the talented Zaha Hadid. The funicular makes four stops along the way. The last station is located at an altitude of 860 meters, from where the Nordpark ski area begins. The modern funicular was built to replace the old mechanism, which functioned properly from 1906 to 2005.

    Funicular
    Cable car Nordkettenbahn

    Cable car Nordkettenbahn

    The road leads to the top of Mount Hafelekar, whose height is 2334 meters above sea level. During the trip, passengers can enjoy dizzying views of Innsbruck, the Oberes-Intal Valley and the 3800-meter-high Grossglockner Peak in the cabins. The cable car consists of the stations "Hungerburg", "Zeegrube" and "Hafelekar", located on different levels. It will be interesting to ride it not only for skiers, but also for ordinary tourists.