Warmth is for the weak. Winter is a real season, and no country showcases and embraces winter quite like Austria. Whether it’s spicy mulled wine by the fire or a sunny day on the slopes, winter in Innsbruck is a must. Even more so for anyone dreaming of a white Christmas.
The host city of both the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympic Games is best known as an international sporting destination. However, it also boasts a unique cityscape with holiday lights, bustling markets, and great local cuisine.
Here’s our take on why you should spend winter in Innsbruck.
A Winter Wonderland
If you can dream up a winter activity, chances are you can make it come true in this magical town, nestled in a stunning valley between two towering mountains. Innsbruck in Winter is not to be missed, offering up a huge array of options all crammed into a reasonably-sized region, which affords you the opportunity to take it all in with a limited amount of time. There are no less than nine different ski resorts within the immediate area of Innsbruck to explore. Whether you’re a family looking to send the kids off to ski lessons, or an expert seeking a true challenge, there is something for everyone. We don’t know how long it would take to ski down all 260 km of ski slopes in the Innsbruck area, but if you manage to do accomplish the feat, be sure to let us know!
Of course, you don’t have to go hurtling down the side of an Austrian mountain to get your winter in Innsbruck fun. Take in the surrounding nature at a more leisurely pace while snowshoeing or cross-country skiing through the snow-packed trails overlooking the stunning valley vistas. Or ride the elevator to the top of the Bergisel Ski Jump and behold the view that Olympic ski jumpers take in just before hurtling themselves down the jump at 92 km per hour. It’s a breathtaking view from the top of the jump.
The Magic of the Markets
Maybe a market is more your style, and there are plenty to choose from, especially when the holiday season rolls around. Christmas in Innsbruck — with its glittering Golden Roof, towering, lit-up Christmas trees, and joyful carolling in the streets, is enough to warm the heart of Scrooge himself. For a truly unique experience, be sure to visit late in the year and check out the Old Town Christmas Market. Like stepping into a living fairy tale, the 70-stall market will delight your senses while the brass band playing on the rooftop above serenades you with holiday classics.
Nothing says holiday cheer like sipping on a warm Glühwein (mulled wine) while shopping for unique Christmas crafts and mingling with the locals, so be sure to make the markets a priority.
Stay for the Summer
Of course, Innsbruck is much more than just a winter destination. The summer brings abundant opportunities too.Hiking and biking the surrounding Alps is popular. Your best bet for the finding out about everything Innsbruck has to offer in all four seasons is by checking out Innsbruck.info. There you’ll find everything you need to know about the city and its surrounding region, complete with interactive maps, videos, sightseeing opportunities, and you can even book a tour, too.
Why endure another holiday season at home when a winter in Innsbruck awaits?
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Austria is the best place to spend your Christmas vacation. A nice and real Winter Wonderland. It’s my dream to be there.
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