INNSBRUCK

DESTINATIONS A-Z INNSBRUCK Drucken
DESTINATIONS A-Z

FACTS

„Bischt a Tiroler, bischt a Mensch“. This saying is determined by pure national pride and rightly: People in Innsbruck can’t be intimidated by anybody: neither by Napoleon, by the mountains nor by a few atoms.

Coming from the lowlands, the imposing mountains with their raw and superior beauty might seem like something that needs to get used to. In order not to get crushed by the mountains, Tyroleans achieve high goals: Literary, „Aufi muaß I” (which basically means: I have to get up there!) is their motto, that says it all. They always have to go up to something – the next summit or the ski jump of Bergisel in the middle of the city.
Whilst millions of tourists annually try to slide down the slopes without any injuries and are highly proud of themselves after safely returning back to the valleystation – the locals go biking and hiking on over 2000 meter high mountains or clean their spikes after ice-climbing.
Tyrol is unbeatable and imperturbable. 2004 the university of Innsbruck astonished scientists all around the world with the first performed teleportation of atoms. 30 years afore Douglas Adams observed the stars lying in the grass – the outcome was The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Innsbruck travels with speed of light but sticks with its roots, fights stubbornly with hayforks and never doubts in its beliefs. In the „Holly country” everything stays differently.
DESTINATIONS A-Z

FIGURES

During the cold seasons, the motto in Innsbruck is to tie down everything that isn't already stuck or adhered to something else: Wind speed in the small town can reach up to 120 km per hour. At the nearby Patscherkofel, it sometimes even reaches 200 km per hour.

Country
Austria
Geographical position
47° 16' 2" north latitude, 11° 23' 34" east longitude
MSL altitude
574 m above Adria
Population
117,916 (in 2006)
Calling code
+43 (0) 5 12
Currency
Euro
UTC difference
+ 1 h (summer time + 2 h)
CET difference
+ 0 h
Official homepage
www.innsbruck.at
Area
104.91 km²
Population density
1,124 people/km²
Bergisel hill record (ski jumping)
136.0 m (Adam Malysz in 2004)
DESTINATIONS A-Z

GET AROUND

Bus line F takes you from the airport to the main station in about 15 minutes.
Innsbruck has a broad bus and tramway network. Season tickets and multiple ride tickets are available at kiosks, vending machines and ticket agencies run by the Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe. A seven-day ticket, for example, costs € 11.90, one-way tickets for € 1.70 are also sold directly by the drivers.
Night owls can use night liners that go at 60-minute intervals between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Some lines, however, only go on Friday, Saturday and in the night before holidays.
For € 3.30, it is also possible to use an ASTI, a shared taxi. There are two possibilities: either you call the number 1719 for an ASTI to pick you up at the stop of your choice within Innsbruck, or you can arrange for one with the help of the night liner drivers.
Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe: www.ivb.at

Innsbruck Card
Free admission to numerous sights, free use of public transportation and the sightseeing bus TS. The ticket is available for 24, 48 or 72 hours at the Innsbruck Information at Burggraben 3, in the larger museums, at the mountain railways and at tourist agencies. Further information: www.innsbruck-tourismus.com

DESTINATIONS A-Z

SIGHTSEEING

Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
Somehow it is a little disappointing standing in front of Innsbruck’s primary landmark, after all it looks bigger on pictures than in reality. Nevertheless the pompous bay can not be missed, especially not when the sun is shining and 2675 fire-glided clapboards leave/let the visitor go blind.
In honour of Maximilian I artistic frescos decorate the bay; the extravagance addicted emperor almost went broke thanks to the construction of this masterpiece.
Herzog-Friedrich-Str. 15, Tel.: 58 11 11
www.goldenes-dachl.at

Town Tower
Even during midsummer it is better to climb up the 148 stairs instead of staying downstairs in the heat – in the 57 meter high tower (built 1442 – 1450) it is pleasantly nippy. Arrived at the top one gets rewarded with the most magnificent view over Innsbruck.
Herzog-Friedrich-Str. 21, Tel.: 56 15 00

Imperial Hofburg
A residence of Tyrol’s sovereign, nowadays you can book the pompous decorated imperial apartments for festivities. Not inexpensive: for the imperial Rococo ambience with ceiling-frescos you pay approx. € 3000,- a day
Rennweg 1, Tel.: 58 71 86
www.hofburg-innsbruck.at

Hofkirche
According to the not quite modest imaginations of Maximilian I the grave of Maximilian was built in the Hofkirche. This largest burial site in the entire occident is watched by 28 over-life-size bronze statues, designed by Albrecht Dürer. 24 alabaster tablets and one of the 5 most famous organs worldwide complete the masterpiece of a splendour thirsty emperor.
Universitätsstr. 2, Tel.: 58 43 02
www.hofkirche.at

Ambras Castle
The exhibits in this famous renaissance castle hold all kinds of curiosities, for instance the lifelike figure of the Grim Reaper dressed as hunter (the “Tödlein?) or a primed polyhedron, which resembles the sphere system of the macrocosm. After all the curiosities, a walk through the spacious park is recommended.
Schloßstr. 20, Tel.: 525 24-48 02
www.khm.at/ambras

Bergisel ski-jumping hill The 47 meter high jumping platform is not recommendable for people who get dizzy easily. It is hardly imaginable that ski-jumpers voluntarily take a seat on the balk. By the way this hill was artificially shaped – quite quaint concerning the surrounding mountainscape.
Bergiselweg 3, tel. 57 56 90, adult admission fee € 8.30, www.bergisel.info

DESTINATIONS A-Z

INSIDER TIP

Bogenmeile ("arc mile") - Whilst above the train is clattering, the guests are sipping their cocktails underneath: Alongside the viaduct arches on Ing.-Etzel- Straße various bars and clubs were established. “Die Bögen? (the arches), as they are commonly known, are opened until well in the morning, that is way they are a popular place for night owls.


Since 1908 Hans Sporer’s shop sells glass and ceramic ware, commodities and kitchen supplies. Even the 100-year-old cash register is an eye-catcher and is worth a quick detour to this popular souvenir shop.        (Seilergasse 3)

 
Since we already know about lady’s parking lots, now there are even lady’s cabs: 1711 is the number for female night owls to feel completely secure – for € 4,70 the cab driver even waits in front of your house until the light is on and the door safely closed. The lady’s cab goes within the urban area from 9 pm – 2 am.

DESTINATIONS A-Z

EAT & DRINK

Elferhaus
This typical beer tavern with large wooden benches and tables is located in the Old Town right next to the Golden Roof. Different beer brands as well as simple dishes ranging from goulash to "Griebne Burschn" (a kind of potato pancake) attract both tourists and local regulars. In the summer you can also take a seat outside and enjoy the pleasant sidewalk café atmosphere until 11 p.m.
Herzog-Friedrich-Str. 11, tel. 58 28 75, www.elferhaus.at

Hofgarten Cafe & Restaurant
The guests at this popular summer hotspot are just as diverse as the international and national cuisine: the bourgeoisie prefers the hearty Tyrolean spareribs ("Ripperl") while the scenesters sip on their cocktails and the students try the ciabatta. The romantic park is opened until 4 am during summer!
Rennweg 6a, tel. 58 88 71, www.hofgarten.net

Buzihütte
This restaurant which is famous for its peculiar menu is hidden right at the skirts of the woods. “Eiterbeule? (furuncle) is not a Halloween joke, but a stuffed Schnitzel. Real insider tip!
Berchtoldshofweg 14, tel. 28 33 33, closed on Mondays
www.buzihuette.at

Krahvogel
Food in balance: Ayurveda- guidelines say that you should eat according to your type and that is way this restaurant offers pomegranate salad to people with average comprehension. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Non-believers do not have to starve, the menu also offers pasta, scallops and wraps.
Anichstrasse 12, Tel.: 58 01 54,
www.krahvogel.at

Kranebitter Klammstub’n
Tyrolean „Schlutzkrapfen“, an earthy Tyrolean schnapps, an open chimney, a marvellous view over the Tyrolean mountainscape: More hearty tradition is basically impossible to offer.
Klammstraße 11, Tel.: 28 55 92 www.klammstube.at

Papa Joe’s Innsbruck
A Caribbean dream surrounded by Tyrolean tradition: Papa Joe’s is Innsbruck most inventive restaurant. Buffalo wings meet Santa Fe Poppers meet Chicken Jambalaya. The walls are motley decorated and convey Cuban lifestyle in middle of snow-capped mountains. Relax and start dreaming about your next holiday!
Seilerg 12, Tel.: 58 30 46
www.papajoes-ibk.at

DESTINATIONS A-Z

HOTELS

Hotel Europa Tyrol
Go to bed in a wooden box: In the former “Grand Hotel de l’Europe? a comfy, rustic ambience was accomplished with focus on wood, which appears in all kinds of variations starting at the rooms and the bar over to the restaurant. A very dignified house, conscious of tradition, perfect for well-heeled nostalgics.
Südtiroler Platz 2, tel. 59 31-0, double room starting at € 174.00, www.europatyrol.com

The Penz Hotel
Clear edges, glass facades, demure interiors: The first design hotel in Innsbruck puts emphasise on modern architecture and puts traditional ambience aside. This clearly is the place to be for fancy businesspeople, who didn’t come here for a romantic carriage ride.
Adolf-Pichler-Platz 3, tel. 225 14, double room starting at € 180.00, www.thepenz.com

Hotel Weißes Kreuz
This traditional house was built in 1465 – in top location, nearby the “Goldenes Dachl?. Andreas Hofer and Mozart used to reside here, however, over the years the historic atmosphere of the hotel mixed with a hint of modernity.
Herzog-Friedrich Strasse 31, Tel.: 594 79, DR starting at € 45,50 per person www.weisseskreuz.at

Innsbruck Youth Hostel
This is the place for people who don’t care about sharing a room with five others. The hostel is the cheapest accommodation in Innsbruck and offers a wide variety of leisure activities: ping-pong, basketball, Internet, bike rental outlet. And whoever is still bored – the mountains are calling!
Reichenauerstraße 147, Tel.: 34 61 79, DR starting at € 25,–, accomodation in a 6-bed-dorm starting at € 15,50, www.youth-hostel-innsbruck.at
www.youth-hostel-innsbruck.at/deutsch/index.html

DESTINATIONS A-Z

NIGHTLIFE

Café-Bar Plateau
This popular dancing temple at the “Bögen? (arches) is a hip spot for Innsbruck’s students and is open until way in the morning. Furthermore this location is always good for gossiping thanks to the excessive parties. Who prefers partying a bit calmer, is better off in the nearby bars.
Viaduktbogen 51, Tel.: 58 53 34
www.cafe-plateau.com

Down Under
Aussie flair in Tyrolean basement vault: The Down Under is the quieter rivalry to the “Plateau? and also located in the “Bögen?. Weekdays you will find good conversation to good beer; on weekends the party gets going on, partypeople celebrate until dawn.
Viaduktbogen 22

Couch Club
This club is so comfortable that you could almost fall asleep: dancing sourpusses can chill and enjoy their beer on the soft couches and dimmed light. All the others move their hips to the beats on the dance floor.
Anichstraße 7, Tel.: 0699/11 88 90 39
www.couchclub.at

Hafen
Once it was the most famous place of activity of the autonomous scene, nowadays Innsbruck’s largest function hall serves more commercial purposes. Exhibitions of the “Acadamy of Advertising?, country festivals and proms take turns with death metal events, classic rock concert and goas.
Innrain 149, Tel.: 56 22 22, www.hafen.cc
www.hafen.cc

Kulturgasthaus Bierstindl
Cabaret, poetry slams, puppet theatre for kids and readings for the upscale audience – the Bierstindl offers a wide range of entertainment for an even wider range of people. Furthermore they offer a great jazz-brunch every Sunday.
Klostergasse 6, tel. 58 67 86 or 57 57 57, www.bierstindl.at

Mausefalle
This club is worth seeing, even if it is only because of its imaginativeness. In order not to bore the guest, the club hosts theme nights every now and then: Whether it is “the wheel of fortune?, karaoke, slumber parties or “bottle-time? (cheap sparkling wine), the Mausefalle offers a diversified show to party people. Hangover guaranteed!
Tschamlerstraße 7 (at Cineplexx), Tel.: 56 69 31
www.mause-falle.at

DESTINATIONS A-Z

SHOPPING

Shopping centres from inside out. The Herzog-Friedrich-Straße forms the inner circle of the shopping adventure. The main street leads directly to the Goldenen Dachl. Here, but also on Maria- Theresien Straße souvenir hunters find whatever their heart desires.

Also quite centrally located are the pedestrian zones, which occupy small boutiques and big chains. In this context to be noted is the Franziskanerplatz where every Sunday a market takes place, furthermore the Anichstraße, the Sparkassenplatz and partly the Museumstraße.
Outside the city you will find the bigger shopping centres: The “DEZ? at the feeder road to Innsbruck-Ost and the “Cyta? in the western suburb Völs.
Additionally a lot of supermarkets settled down in the suburb “Neu-Rum?.

Sillpark shopping mall
The shopping centres in the Old Town houses over 70 shops and offers everything to ski-bunnies, freestylers and yodellers. Next to sport shops and big labels you also find cosmetics and same fast-food restaurants.
Museumstraße 38, Tel.: 56 74 00-0
www.sillpark.at

Wagner!sche
This bookshop already opened 300 years ago and it still enjoys great popularity. Bookworms can browse through the latest bestsellers in the café-bar or listen to a reading.
Museumstraße 4, Tel.: 595 05-0
www.wagnersche.at

Tiroler Heimatwerk
Remaining true to tradition without ignoring the modernity: You will find designer traditional clothing and contemporary craftwork here.
Meranerstraße 2-4, Tel.: 58 23 20
www.heimatwerk.at

DESTINATIONS A-Z

SOUVENIRS

The Old Town is all about gold. Do not spend your savings too fast! “Schindeln vom Goldenen Dachl? or “Goldschindel? (golden clapboards) are not to be taken literary – they actually are sweets made by the confectionary Mundig (Kiebachgasse 6) and the confectionary Zimt & Zucker (Herzog-Friedrich-Gasse 9). Who is not satisfied by that, should visit Vinothek’s Culinarium (Pfarrgasse 1), where they don’t only offer wine, schnapps, liquor and jams but also champagne called “Goldenes Dachl? which contains gold leaves. Nearby at the “Tiroler Wachszieher und Lebzelter" (Pfarrgasse 3) you get candles and gingerbread.
At the Speckschwemme (Stiftgasse 4) you find the one and only Tyrolean bacon.
To round things off you can even make a detour to the capital: in Innsbruck’s Café Sacher (Hofburg, Rennweg 1) you can enjoy the famous Sacher cake.

Benediktiner Seifenmanufaktur
Attention: Giving a soap to a friend can easily lead to serious misunderstandings. Yet with candles you are definitely on the safe side- those always resemble good gifts. Both are available here.
Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 8, Tel.: 58 15 96
www.seifenwelt.com

House of Tea & Coffee
Coffee junkies and British fellows will be in seventh heaven. Over 220 kinds of coffee and tea are sold in here.
Seilergasse 9, Tel.: 56 34 13
www.tea-coffee.at

Gläserkastl
Here you find everything concerning glass
Domplatz 4, Tel.: 58 06 60
www.glaeserkastl.com

Kunstklause Basilius
Rural china and adequate furniture in typical Austrian style.
Kiebachgasse 3, Tel.: 58 23 14

Swarovski Crystal Gallery
If you have not seen the crystal world outside of Innsbruck, you should not miss Swarovski’s great flag store.
Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse 39, Tel.: 57 35 30
www.swarovski.com/crystalgallery

DESTINATIONS A-Z

MAP