In Innsbruck, idyllic Alpine landscapes, culinary delights and breathtaking views always go hand in hand.
The Innsbruck region brings together panoramic views, mountain huts, natural beauty and Alpine cuisine, creating experiences and memories that last a lifetime. This summer, the region is offering a practical guide with four recommendations to help you make the most of the area around the capital of Tyrol.
Head up high and gaze out over the horizon: mountain air amidst peaks and rooftops
The mountain Nockspitze or Saile, situated to the west of the Tyrolean capital, stands out not only for its proximity to Innsbruck and its varied hiking trails, but also for an unforgettable natural spectacle. Upon reaching an altitude of 2,404 metres, early risers are rewarded with a magnificent sunrise and a 360-degree panoramic view over the Kalkkögel mountains and the Alps of the Zillertal valley.
To the south, meanwhile, the Patscherkofel mountain offers, on clear days, incredible views of some 400 peaks. Easily accessible by cable car, the mountain station is also the starting point for numerous scenic hiking trails, including the Jochleitensteig circular route, which circles Innsbruck’s local mountain at an altitude of around 2,000 metres. Meanwhile, an urban viewing terrace has recently opened near Innsbruck Central Station: on the central rooftop of RAIQA, the mountain ranges blend with the urban landscape to create a backdrop that allows visitors to experience the region’s alpine-urban character.
Head up and enjoy: haute cuisine where North Tyrol meets South Asia
The rustic Alpine restaurant Götzner Alm embodies the essence of Tyrolean Alpine cuisine in its most authentic form: regional produce, seasonal homemade delicacies and a cosy, traditional atmosphere. From steaming Kasnudeln (a type of ravioli) to tender roast pork and fluffy Kaiserschmarren (an Austrian dessert similar to shredded pancakes, famous as a favourite of Emperor Franz Joseph I), the cuisine at the Götzner Alm is a treat for both body and soul.
The Mieming Plateau, for its part, is one of the regions with the highest level of local production in the area around Innsbruck, and the menu at the alpine restaurant Stöttlalm reflects this perfectly: local producers supply the high-quality ingredients with which the kitchen team creates classic local dishes and a varied selection of international fare.
At the cosy alpine restaurant Lanser Alm, at an altitude of 1,735 metres, a stop here becomes a journey for the palate, as Nepal meets Tyrol in dishes such as momos with cheese dumplings and curry with bacon.
Hiking and taking photos amongst idyllic lakes and imposing gorges
The Three Lakes Trail in the Kühtai Valley offers a high-mountain landscape that can be enjoyed even without any mountaineering experience: seven kilometres with an elevation gain of around 440 metres, two idyllic mountain lakes and a reservoir that invite you to stop, cool off and take photos.
The Ehnbach Gorge, in the Inn Valley, also captivates with its wild and romantic natural beauty, where the Ehnbach stream, evocatively framed by lush vegetation, winds its way through the rocks. The gorge invites you to take a brief break and capture this impressive landscape. The Sill stream gorge, close to the city, with the Drachenfelsen viewing platform, offers a striking juxtaposition of architecture and nature. The transparent floor hangs over the abyss, allowing you to let your gaze wander over the sheer rock faces and lush flora, with the iconic Bergisel ski jump behind you. What’s more, this gorge offers a place to cool off on hot summer’s days.
Enjoy the Welcome Card
For stays of two nights or more at one of the accommodation providers affiliated with Innsbruck Tourismus, visitors receive the Welcome Card free of charge on their smartphone at the time of booking. This means that, from the moment you arrive in the Innsbruck region, you can benefit from numerous discounts at attractions and on some of the cable cars, as well as free use of public transport in the city and its surroundings. Travelling by train, which is also environmentally friendly, is another straightforward option, thanks to direct connections from Munich, Vienna, Zurich and other European cities to the capital of Tyrol.
About the INNSBRUCK REGION
The Innsbruck region offers a unique blend of a dynamic urban environment and a fascinating Alpine landscape. It encompasses the capital of Tyrol and 40 surrounding towns and villages, and is divided into six tourist regions: Innsbruck, Inntal-Telfs, Kühtai-Sellraintal, the Mieminger Plateau, the Patscherkofel region and the Westliches Mittelgebirge plateau. Within a radius of just a few kilometres, it offers both sporting challenges and routes to majestic peaks, as well as a diverse urban atmosphere with many monuments and places of interest. The key to accessing this attractive range of activities is the free Welcome Card, which includes numerous experiences and free use of public transport. The region’s official tourism organisation is Innsbruck Tourismus, an organisation with around 100 staff and eleven local tourist offices that help create unforgettable memories in harmony with nature.
Further information: www.innsbruck.info
Opening image: Sellrain mountain route. Finstertal reservoir. ©Innsbruck Tourismus/Danijel Jovanovic