Before the year ends, we had the chance to explore and visit Innsbruck in Austria. It was actually a spun in the moment , nevertheless, Innsbruck is the beautiful capital of the Alps, a city framed within the gorgeous rings of snow-capped mountains, an Olympic place for the Winter Sports and the famed Olympia Skiworld. I’ve learned that Innsbruck is the first city to host the Olympic Games a third time (Olympic Winter games in 1964, 1976, and the Olympic Youth Winter Games in 2012).

But more than a winter sport magnet, Innsbruck is such a vibrant city. Well, not everything looks inviting especially in Winter time but I wish I could find more words to describe this city, so far, its one of the most diversified cities I’ve ever visited. We are traveling with a toddler so of course our interests are best fitted for her needs. It has by far the most modern architecture in the Alpine region, rich historical sites, stunning nature views, and a winter paradise for all ages. Quite impressive that within minutes you can reach the highest mountain peaks, marvel at the Glacier, and come down to the sophisticated town surrounded with great splendor of Tyrolean rural heritage and history.

I have seen so many photos of Innsbruck in Instagram and I had wished to see this place. It came true and I couldn’t be thankful enough to marvel at the Alpine adventure at the start of this brand New Year. Our New Year spent in Schlick 2000 Wanderzentrum is really unforgettable, especially for my daughter.This beautiful city nestled in between the Alps mountains and the Inn river makes a winter getaway, especially with children something that is enjoyable for parents as well.

Here are some of the sights we’ve visited and the photos I took while we explore the city and the nearby villages in this place.We were standing in front of the Triumphforte facing Theresien Str. with the gleaming mountains and planes passing by, I knew that this city has a lot to offer!

” Use every moment, dance every dance, you can’t take anything with you.”

We stumbled on this square with the giant Christmas tree in front of it and loaded with tourists. I found it  fascinating that this structure is still  impeccably preserved centuries up until the modern times.  I read that the scroll on the relief of this famous Golden Roof  bears this beautiful quote.  This, however, is mere speculation as the writing remains undeciphered. The Golden Roof is decorated with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles (all still original). Some were stolen but reappeared. One was replaced with a wooden tile while a hay barn was adorned with a shiny one. The exchange was reversed. The Goldenes Dachl in the Old town is still one of the most important gem of Innsbruck.

From where we stand and explored Innsbruck by foot.In New Year’s day, where almost all shops are closed, this street is still filled with tourists and locals celebrating New Year. Innsbruck  Christmas Markt still noticeable in the far end corner and I can still smell the glühwein and baked goodies.

The moment we stepped into the city, this is the view we get. The gorgeous Bergisel floating amidst the fog on a cold winter day. A day before we left, the city was already packed with tourists for the upcoming Winter Ski-Jumping  World Cup tournament of Vier Schanzen Tournee (Four Hills Tournament) 2018.This eye-catching tower is designed by Architect Zaha Hadid, the “Bergisel Sky” panorama restaurant and the panorama terraces.It takes only 20 minutes ride to conquer 2,000 meters.This is definitely one of the best Alpine experience you can have.

We continue walking through the narrow streets and as we reached the Markplatz,we decided to walk through the Hofburg. I am so glad that visiting the Hofkirche is not boring for my 3-year old daughter and not “too historical” for her age. I was surprised that she actually enjoyed marveling at the 28 ( Twenty-Eight) larger than life Bronze statues guarding the cenotaph of Habsburg Emperor Maximilian I.

We noticed that the sun starts to shine so we head off to admire the beautiful country side near the river. Of course we didn’t miss to admire this Swarovski Christmas Tree in front of the Inn river facing the Markhall.This one really shimmer against the bright sun. We had a pit stop inside the market and had coffee. Compared to the Markthal in Rotterdam, this one in Innsbruck is smaller and not really touristy.

It was a cold day and yet we enjoyed all the surrounding sights along the Theresien Str. with all the Baroque architecture and heavily ornamented buildings and shops.This street is so full of charm and the rows of tempting shops are full of  high-end brands, Christmas displays, enticing tourists and showing that sophistication and modern fashion is totally into this city amidst framed by the mountains.Take for example this unique facade of the Taxispalais. For a second you would think what’s inside.The Taxispalais is a Kunsthalle with an international exhibition profile.Its mission is to debate contemporary life through art and cultural discourse.If you are into Arts, you should not miss to explore this place.

Innsbruck is definitely a city with a high-end Architecture! Another eye-catching landmark unique to Innsbruck is the Nordkettenbahnen cable railways, designed once again by famed Zaha Hadid. This is totally the jewel of the Alps.The new Hungerburg Funicular was officially opened in 2007. The funicular set new international standards for modern architecture due to the extraordinary design of the stations. According to Zaha Hadid herself, she was inspired by the ice and snow landscapes of the region. As a result, the four stations, Congress, Löwenhaus, Alpine Zoo and Hungerburg resemble icy glaciers, giving the impression that the nearby mountain is right in the heart of the city.

The contrast between the arched shape of the roofs and the firmly anchored concrete bases make the stations unique, and gives them an almost magical sense of weightlessness. If you’re in Innsbruck, I highly recommend to check this out!

At the end of Theresien Strasse, I was intrigued at the row of colorful houses along the Inn river, just in front of the bridge and the Markthalle because it reminds me of the leaning houses along the canals in Amsterdam. With the background of the mountains, this is definitely a postcard worthy of visiting!

 

To cap off our #MyInnsbruck sightseeing experience, we head off to Wattens to visit the headquarters of Swarovski. The trademark image of Swarovski, The Giant is the face guarding the entrance of the Chambers of Wonders. Multimedia artist André Heller created a world of wonder to celebrate Swarovski’s hundredth anniversary in 1995. Heller’s thematic centerpiece for Swarovski Crystal Worlds was the shape of the Giant. And he developed the story of a Giant who set out to experience the world and all of its treasures and wonders.One of the highlights of our Crystal experience is seeing the enormous 800,000 crystal jewels hand-mounted in the Crystal Clouds!

The Giant, guarding the entrance to the Chamber of Wonders inside the Swarovski Kristallwelten

Even if the weather was not hundred percent perfect for our winter sightseeing, we really had a great time exploring all the sights that Innsbruck had to offer, especially for families. Visiting Innsbruck is totally a kid-friendly place and there are further more attractions to try on our next visit.

Of course, not only our eyes have feasted on this trip, our tummies as well. I can’t leave this place without trying once again one of Austria’s pride ; the Kaisersmarnn!

Have you ever visited Innsbruck?

Do you also take time to explore a city and its historical sights?

 

 

Thank you for reading my friends! Wishing you all a lovely start of a brand new week!

 

Tschüss!