Visitors to Innsbruck in the summer months may be amazed to encounter a glacier-like, futuristic ice formation in the middle of the city, but they are experiencing just one of many examples of innovative architecture that serve to create a stimulating contrast to the numerous historic buildings here in Tirol.
Architectural Highlights in Tirol...Great weather, enviable vertical drops, legendary Après-ski, famous Austrian Gemütlichkeit and unrivaled winter playgrounds are just a few of the reasons why you should consider Austria for your next northern hemisphere ski holiday.
Find out more about a Winter vacation in AustriaIt is Innsbrucks unique setting as a dazzling city inbetween impressive mountain ranges, that the Hungerburg funicular takes advantage of: Just a stone throw away from the famous “Goldenes Dachl” (golden roof) you can start your journey into lofty mountain heights.
Find out more about Hungerburg funicularWith its unique blend of urban flair and winter sports, Tyrol's regional capital names itself the capital of the Alps for good reason. Multi-faceted and full of surprises, Innsbruck is the perfect venue for a skiing holiday with an urban touch.
Find out more about skiing in InnsbruckPure joy on skis - this is what you will find in Austria's top ski resorts. Whether you want to coast down the piste leisurely or fly down the expert downhill run, in these resorts you will be spoilt for choice.
Find out more about Austria's Top Ski ResortsA glass palace with panorama views: in terms of furnishings, The Penz, located in the heart of Innsbruck, is not much different than other 4-star hotels. That special something is to be discovered on the fifth floor, where the bar and restaurant offer spectacular views of Innsbruck by night.
Spectacular views over Innsbruck from "The Penz"A shopper’s paradise on six levels: in the centre of Innsbruck’s historic old town, with its centuries-old buildings, English star architect David Chipperfield’s new Kaufhaus Tirol provides a welcome contrast.
Kaufhaus TirolMarvelling like a child is rare these days, but one cannot help it when standing in the interior of a huge crystal, watching light refracted in hundreds of mirrored surfaces. The imposing Crystal Dome is the showpiece of the “Swarovski Crystal Worlds”.
Swarovski Crystal World WattensA new way to climb a mountain: not far from Innsbruck’s famed “Goldenes Dachl”, an amorphous ice formation glitters in the sun. Upon closer inspection, however, it reveals itself as the lower terminus of the Hungerburgbahn hybrid funicular railway, whose striking appearance sprung from the imagination of star architect Zaha Hadid.
Hungerburg Funicular in InnsbruckPast and future meet in the heart of the Alps, where Innsbruck’s world-famous sights, which testify to the Tirol province’s great past, stand alongside post-modern international architecture to create a fascinating blend.
Find out more about InnsbruckIn the middle of Tirol’s Alpine landscape, one is treated to a close-up look at the lifestyle of prominent Austrians of the past, such as Empress Maria Theresa and “Sisi”: Innsbruck’s Hofburg, one of the three most important historical buildings in Austria, was once a favourite residence of the Habsburgs.
The imperial Hofburg InnsbruckIn the Renaissance and Baroque, Innsbruck was one of Europe’s most important centres of music. The Innsbruck Festival, the oldest existing festival for early music, carries on this tradition each August.
Festival of Early Music in InnsbruckAustria's diverse cultural offerings include over 200 festivals, stretching from world scale events to small regional gatherings. Many of them make use of Austria's beautiful surroundings and most of them offer an outstanding culinary menu to accompany the cultural experience.
Find out more about Austrian festivalsWhen you visit Austria’s major cities, there's an easy way to save money on sightseeing and public transportation.
Find out more about City discount cardsTake a self-drive holiday in Austria and discover its stunning picturesque Alpine scenery.
Find out moreTraveling throughout Austria by car? This route planner helps you find the shortest way to your travel destination and calculate the travel distance.
Route PlannerThe winter sports program of the Olympic Ski World Innsbruck reads like a wish list: easy for beginners, steep for advanced skiers and extreme for free riders. That is all available with just 1 ski pass where you ski in 9 different ski resorts. And once you have finished your last run you can enjoy the amenities the capital city of the Alps has on offer.
Find out more about InnsbruckTour throughout Austria and download a listing on Austrian and European packages offered by Australian and New Zealand tour operators.
Download your essential listingExperience the magical atmosphere of Austria's culture and music performances and download a listing on classical music and cultural tours offered by Australian and New Zealand tour operators.
Download your essential listingThe time from late November to the end of the year hold a very special meaning in Austria. Visit Austria's Christmas markets, try some Glühwein and enjoy the spirit of Christmas...
Find out more about Christmas traditions in AustriaAustria's mountain resorts offer activities for the skier and non-skier alike. Regions like Ischgl, Sölden or Zell am See offer not only great outdoor activities but also great culinary delights.
Find out more about more Austrian ski resortsAfter you have returned back home you can still enjoy the tastes of Austria: Styrian pumpkinseed oil, Zotter chocolate, Manner Schnitten hazelnut wafers and the famous Mozart chocolate balls are all popular culinary souvenirs.
Find out more about edible souvenirsFarmers’ market, flea market or potters’ market: markets are a feast for all senses, a celebration of colors, scents and voices.
Find out more about Austria's most popular marketsHolidays are never holidays without a bit of shopping so visitors will be delighted by many large shopping malls, small souvenir shops and splendid shopping streets across Austria. Go bargain hunting at one of the many colorful markets, stroll along an upscale shopping street or indulge in some serious shopping at 1000m above sea level.
Austria’s cities fascinate with their monumental buildings spanning all major epochs from Gothic to Renaissance, from Baroque to Jugendstil, and Post Modernism. Historic settings for modern events, leisurely shopping tours and wonderful culinary experiences. Let yourself be charmed!
Find out more on Austria's top citiesAustrian artists, architects and designers have long moved beyond the traditional boundaries of their genres. They are and always have been world travelers, connoisseurs - and at times, provocateurs.
Find out more about Art, Architecture & Design in AustriaInnsbruck’s futuristic new landmark is the Bergisel ski jump, known particularly as one of the venues for the international Vierschanzentournee ski jump competition.
Find out more about Bergisel Ski JumpThe amorphous, glowing glass structure is one of the stations on the Nordkettenbahn, designed by architect Zaha Hadid. The 100-year-old mountain railway, which now has four uniquely designed stops...
Find our more about Modern Architecture in TirolThe Hills are still alive in Austria! If you are looking for picture perfect scenery, fresh mountain air and crystal clear lakes, Austria offers an abundance of choices. Following is our selection of some of the most scenic Alpine resorts.
Discover Austria's walking resorts