A Family Getaway in Innsbruck Post Skiing St Anton
Mountainwatch |Kate Nolan
After an exhilarating ski holiday in St Anton, my family and I decided to make a stopover in Innsbruck before heading back home. Innsbruck is the capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol, a small but historic city with a population of around 135000.
It is also a beautiful city, located on the banks of the River Inn while the Nordkette Mountain Range provides a spectacular back drop.
Innsbruck is just over an hour’s drive from St Anton, perfect for a stopover either before or after you visit to the resort. Other renowned Austrian resorts within a couple of hours of Innsbruck include Kitzbühel, Gerlos, Mayrhofen, Silvretta Montafon and Sölden.
There are also a number of local ski resorts which overlook the city, making Innsbruck one of the few cities in the world where you can enjoy both skiing and snowboarding and the vibrancy of a historic yet modern city.
We were thrilled to learn about the Ski and City Pass, which allowed us to enjoy various activities in the city while also exploring the local ski resorts. It is a must-have convenience if you are spending time in Innsbruck, and with this pass, we were able to visit the Alpine Zoo, catch the gondola up to Nordkettebahnen, and ski at Kühtai, among other things. The pass also allowed us to experience the city’s unique Igloo Village and enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the mountains.
Our first stop with the Ski and City Pass was the Alpine Zoo, which is home to over 2,000 animals. The zoo is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. We were able to see a variety of animals, including lynx, bears, and wolves, and learn about the local wildlife and conservation efforts. Our kids especially loved seeing the Lynx and snow leopards feeding and watching the Eagles swoop and fly though their enclosure. It was really unlike any Zoo we have visited before.
Following our visit to the Alpine Zoo, we eagerly headed to Kühtai for a fun-filled family ski day. This popular ski resort is conveniently located just 35 minutes from Innsbruck, and with our Ski and City Pass, we had the opportunity to hit the slopes and delight in some late-season skiing.
The resort boasts more than 40km of slopes, featuring a mix of challenging black runs for skilled skiers and beginner-friendly options. As we skied, we couldn’t help but admire the breathtaking views from the mountain’s peak, surrounded by the enchanting scenery of picturesque mountains and valleys.
One of the highlights of our trip to Innsbruck was taking the gondola up to Nordkettebahnen, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. At the top of the gondola, we were greeted by an incredible panorama of the Alps and the city below.
We also had the opportunity to visit the nearby Igloo Village, where we enjoyed a drink in the igloo bar and walked through the illuminated ice sculptures as the sun went down. It was a truly magical experience, and one that we will never forget.
Innsbruck has a great food and drink scene, with many traditional Austrian dishes and local specialties to try. One of our favourite restaurants was the Stiftskeller, located in the heart of the Old Town. This restaurant has been serving traditional Tyrolean cuisine since 1491, and the food was absolutely delicious. We tried the local schnitzel, which was served with potatoes and cranberry sauce, and it was one of the best meals we had on our trip.
For drinks, we visited the Hofgarten Cafe, which is located in a beautiful park near the Old Town. We enjoyed some coffee and cake while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We also visited the Bierstindl, a local brewery that offers a variety of beers and traditional Austrian snacks.
The Old Town of Innsbruck is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The Old Town is full of beautiful buildings, narrow cobble-stone streets, charming cafes and shops. Many of the buildings and the old towns architecture showcase the Hapsburg Empire heritage while the oldest buildings date back to the 1200s. We spent a few hours wandering around the Old Town, admiring the stunning architecture and taking in the local culture.
Innsbruck has a rich history as a winter holiday destination, dating back to the late 19th century when the city began to develop its infrastructure for winter sports. The city has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1964 and 1976, and has been a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts ever since.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Innsbruck is known for its ice skating and ice hockey, as well as other winter activities such as tobogganing and snowshoeing. The city’s surrounding mountains and picturesque landscapes have made it a popular destination for artists and writers throughout history, including many famous figures such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Today, Innsbruck continues to attract visitors from all over the world, who come to enjoy the city’s unique blend of culture, history, and winter sports. The Ski and City Pass is one of the many ways to experience everything that Innsbruck has to offer, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore this beautiful city.
During our Innsbruck getaway, we stayed at Hotel Innsbruck, which offered both convenience and family-friendly facilities. Its central location provided easy access to various attractions and activities, while the indoor swimming pool, on-site spa, and playroom catered to the needs of kids and adults alike. The warm and welcoming staff, along with a delicious breakfast buffet, made our stay even more enjoyable.
Hotel Innsbruck’s prime location allowed us to effortlessly explore the Old Town, visit the Alpine Zoo, and access ski resorts with our Ski and City Pass. Its location and facilities are perfect for families looking for a comfortable and convenient base to make the most of their time in this beautiful city.
Overall, our stopover in Innsbruck was a fantastic way to end our ski holiday in St Anton. The Ski and City Pass allowed us to enjoy a range of activities in the city, while also exploring the local ski resorts and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Staying at Hotel Innsbruck was also a great choice, as it provided us with easy access to the city’s many attractions and amenities.
Innsbruck’s rich history as a winter holiday destination and its many notable events and attractions make it a must-visit destination for any winter sports enthusiast or traveller. Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes, explore the city’s rich culture and history, or simply enjoy some delicious Austrian cuisine and drink, Innsbruck has something for everyone.
For more information on this great city head to https://www.innsbruck.info/en/
