Though less well-known than Vienna and Salzburg, Innsbruck is
one of Austria's largest and most interesting cities, home to more
than 100,000 people. Despite its size though, the Alpine city oozes
small-town charm and makes a great base for exploring the many
popular mountain and ski resorts in the Alps. Visitors to Innsbruck
will be struck by its picturesque location, affording spectacular
views of the region, and by the dazzling displays of sparkling
stones at Swarovski Crystal World, one of its most popular
attractions.
Established in the Stone Age, Innsbruck has at various times
been the property of Rome, Bavaria, Germany, and finally Austria.
The capital of the Tirol province, the city's beautiful buildings
are reminders of its history with Renaissance-style castles,
Baroque cathedrals, and Gothic monuments, including the Imperial
Palace, Ambras Castle, and the Cathedral St Jacob.
There is much to see and do in Innsbruck. The city boasts a
number of museums dedicated to art, history and science; many parks
and zoos; and plenty of shopping malls and markets. Innsbruck is
the cultural heart of the Austrian Alps and hosts a world-class
opera, along with a wide range of restaurants, live music venues,
bars, and clubs. The two universities and numerous colleges in town
ensure a lively nightlife.
For many tourists, however, Innsbruck is simply a port of call
on the road to the powdery slopes of the Alps, due to its location
near Alpine ski resorts like Kaunertal, Stubaier, and St Anton.
Innsbruck has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and sponsors many
winter sports events each year.
