Innsbruck, a man sized city

The impression of a man sized city hits the visitor on his first impact with the Tyrolean capital.
Everything here, from viability to the courtesy of people, takes the tourist into another dimension, far away from the chaos of our metropolis. Life here goes more slowly than elsewhere, people are relaxed and healthier. And the magic background of the mountain chains behind the city is a unique show.
With a population of 120.000 inhabitants, Innsbruck lies on a bend where river Inn and Sill join together, and is dominated by the Karwendel mountain chain. Its name means  “bridge on the Inn”.
Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and the seat of the Bishop, and it is extremely rich of monuments and historical places of interest, like the baroque church of St James, the Golden Roof, the Hofkirche and the Emperor’s palace.   Once a Roman colony and afterward the seat of the Augsburg family in the 14th and 15th century, Innsbruck has hosted two times the Winter Olympic Games, and this Olympic atmosphere is still palpable when strolling around the city.
Innsbruck is a very lively and active capital, offering attractions not only in winter, but 365 days in year.  
You will be overwhelmed by the courtesy received in Hotels, something that has made Innsbruck famous all over the world.  
If you arrive by car, you will soon notice how easy it is to drive around. Precise street signs, numerous car parks, an extended network of cycle paths and the efficient public transport service all contribute to make your stay a relaxing and pleasant one.


Around Innsbruck
A tour of the city usually starts from the main street, Maria-Theresien-Strasse, where you can admire the Triumph Arch, raised on the occasion of the wedding of the future Emperor Leopold II.
Also, you can see the column, Annasaule, which was raised in 1704 to celebrate the liberation of the city from the Bavarian troops. Following the main street you will get to the Covered Market, open every day, which offers a wide selection of typical products.
Getting out of the market continue in Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse, a very characteristic street, completely paved with pebble stones.
The Old Town includes the majority of the old buildings, like the Altes Rathaus, the city council which is towered by the civic tower of 1442. From the top of this tower you can enjoy a magnificent view over the city, the palace where Mozart lived (1769), and the Neuer Hof,  the residence of the dukes Friedrich IV and Sigismund of Tyrol. The façade of this building is dominated by the famous Golden Roof (Goldenes Dach). The balcony is decorated with coat of arms and dance scenes, while the protruding part is covered with 2657 copper tiles.
Other interesting places to visit are Hofburg, the Emperor’s palace, mainly used by the Empress Elisabeth, surrounded by the wonderful garden, and the Hofkirche, once the court church.
Finally, the court theatre, today a place for congresses, is worth of visit.

Museums
As for museums, we suggest a visit of the Ferdinandeum, which hosts a rich collection of pre historical collections and the biggest Austrian gothic collection; the Alpine Club museum, exhibiting the alpine art of the last two centuries; Weiherburg Castle (1480), where contemporary art exhibitions are occasionally held; and the Swarowski Crystal museum.
The most ancient guesthouse of Austria, the Golden Eagle, or Gasthof Goldener Adler, is also worthy of visit. At the entrance you will see a list of all the famous persons who stopped by.

For further information on Innsbruck we recommend the following dedicated Tyrolean  website:  

INNSBRUCK
INNSBRUCK HOTELS

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