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Thanks to its central location in Europe, the Innsbruck region can be reached quickly and easily from all directions. So why go far afield when good things are so close? Here are five convincing reasons why Innsbruck and the surrounding Alpine mountains offer a refreshing alternative to a classic beach holiday in the south.
1.Escape the heat instead of baking in the sunSummersare getting hotter and hotter. Anyone who doesn't want to work up too much of a sweat is guaranteed to stay cool in the mountains around Innsbruck. Travelling uphill from the city is easy - the Nordkettenbahnen cable car takes you to the high Alpine region in just 30 minutes. Once you reach the panoramic terrace at Seegrube station (1,905 metres), it is pleasantly cool even in July and August. If you want to get a taste of the summit air, continue on to the Hafelekar at 2,335 metres above sea level and enjoy the fresh breeze after a ten-minute ascent. The Innsbruck forests at the foot of the Nordkette or the fragrant spruce and pine forest on the Natterer Boden also promise to cool you down. After all, it's not just swimming in the sea that is refreshing and revitalising - forest bathing has the same effect and also has a positive impact on the mind.
2.Quiet mountain instead of crowded beachTheInnsbruck region has an insider tip for those seeking peace and quiet: the Sellrain Valley and its idyllic side valleys, around 25 kilometres from the Tyrolean capital. The small villages of Sellrain, Gries and St. Sigmund can officially call themselves "mountaineering villages", which means that they are characterised by their alpine character, original townscape and archaic charm. Hiking to rustic alpine pastures such as the Almindalm or the Seigisalm is a wonderful way to unwind. Here, the stressful and often noisy everyday life is replaced by the tranquillity of vast alpine landscapes. For equally peaceful nights, the Alpengasthof Praxmar in the rear Sellraintal valley is recommended as accommodation. Situated at an impressive 1,700 metres above sea level, this family-run business has been an ideal starting point for leisurely hikes through the unspoilt valley, but also for challenging tours to the surrounding peaks.
3.Free travel instead of an avalanche of cars on the motorwayThanks tothe numerous train connections, you can reach Innsbruck quickly and comfortably without a car, which saves annoying traffic jams and the search for a parking space. Special offers from ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) such as the "Sparschiene" and "Nightjet into the mountains" or discounts with the WESTbahn make travelling by train particularly attractive. The free Welcome Card guest card can be conveniently loaded onto your smartphone before arrival for onward travel to your accommodation by public transport. The card also gives you free travel on site - it includes all local public transport in the region as well as practical hiking buses. Those who prefer to get from A to B by bike can look forward to using the city bike, which can be used free of charge for 24 hours with the Welcome Card. Tip: Innsbruck is the city of short distances - many sights are within walking distance of each other and can be perfectly explored on foot on so-called "Walks to Explore". More information at www.innsbruck.info/sehenswuerdigkeiten/highlights/walks-to-explore.html.
4.The mountains as a playground instead of digging in the sandBuildinga sandcastle on the beach is nice, but it can't be compared to a trip to the mountains around Innsbruck. The mountains offer a wealth of exciting experiences for young and old - especially the Muttereralm, which has an extensive adventure playground, a marble run and magic water for kids to splash around in. Little explorers are invited to take part in a treasure hunt, where they will be rewarded with a surprise. Families with babies will also feel right at home: the baby carriage simply comes along in the gondola. From the mountain station, a 40-minute walk suitable for pushchairs leads to the Götzner Alm, whose cuisine has even been recognised by falstaff and Gault&Millau. For all those who like tobogganing in winter, there is the option of whizzing down the Muttereralm toboggan run on so-called mountain carts in summer - fun for the whole family. Both budding and experienced bikers will also get their money's worth here: In the bike park, they will find a variety of trails and a kids' park with easy bends and jumps.
5.Colourful rainy weather programme instead of sitting in your hotel roomWhennature shows its wet side, that's certainly no reason to despair in the Innsbruck region - sights and museums can be explored. The Swarovski Crystal Worlds in nearby Wattens are an unforgettable experience for young and old with their sparkling chambers of wonder, the illustrious giant and the play tower. For science enthusiasts, the Audioversum offers an interactive experience centred around the topic of hearing. The Hop-on Hop-off Bus Sightseer not only gives you an overview of the must-sees in Innsbruck, but also the opportunity to take a closer look at them. A longer stop should definitely be planned at the fairytale Ambras Castle, where original collections and magnificent halls await. Exciting events also ensure a good atmosphere in summer when the sky turns grey - such as the Promenade Concerts, which take place in July in the courtyard of the Hofburg Innsbruck whatever the weather, or the Bridge Beat Festival, which enlivens the city with local and international acts. Theatre fans should not miss the Tiroler Volksschauspiele in Telfs. For example, the play "Romeo & Juliet - The Greatest Show on Earth", a promising reinterpretation of the Shakespeare classic, is performed in a tent in the Kuppelarena.
About the Innsbruck regionTheInnsbruck region is a unique symbiosis of vibrant urban space and fascinating Alpine mountains. It stretches from the Tyrolean capital to 40 towns and villages in the surrounding area and comprises a total of six adventure regions: City, Inntal, Kühtai-Sellraintal, Mieminger Plateau, South and West. Diverse city flair and sightseeing are always just a breath away from sporting adventures and the next summit victory. The key to this diversity is the free Welcome Card guest card, which includes numerous experiences and free use of public transport. Innsbruck Tourismus is the official destination management organisation for the region. The approximately 100 employees and eleven tourist information offices of the association create unforgettable holiday memories in harmony with people and nature.
Further links:Website: www.innsbruck.info Blog: www.innsbruck.info/blog Facebook: www.facebook.com/InnsbruckInstagram: www.instagram.com/innsbrucktourism X: www.twitter.com/InnsbruckTVBYouTube: www.youtube.com/user/InnsbruckTVBPinterest: www.pinterest.at/innsbrucktvb/_created