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Interesting Facts
- Innsbrück is a world famous resort for skiers and a paradise for hikers. This popular mountain sports center is surrounded by 150 mountain lifts, 1250 miles of trails, and 250 hikers' huts.
- The city is well-known for its Goldenes Dachl, or "The Golden Roof." Built by Emperor Maximilian in 1496, the 2657 tiles were added in the 1490's to cover a window, which had before been used by the imperial court to observe the square below. Although the name implies a more precious metal, the tiles are actually copper.
- It's a wild life at the Alpenzoo! This attraction is one of Innsbrück's most popular. On the way up, be sure to check out the animals that make their homes in the Alps, such as wildcats, owls, elk, and vultures just to name a few!
- Located high in the Alps, Innsbrück is rich in history. It was in the 1490's that Maximilian I based the imperial court in Innsbruck, placing the provincial Alpine town in the center of European politics and culture.
- For a true taste of the traditional Tyrolean lifestyle, a trip to the Tyroler Volkskunst Museum (Folklife Museum) is a must! Exhibits include a wedding dress, painted cribs and nativity scenes, and even maternity clothes! Be sure to grab the English handbook or you may have a difficult time appreciating the exhibits.
- Innsbrück, one of Europe's most beautiful and lively cities, boasts a population of nearly 120,000. The city has hosted the Winter Olympics twice – once in 1964 and again in 1976!
- Innsbrück's main street is Maria-Theresien-Strasse, which is famed for its view of the great rock wall of the Nordkette, the mountain that dominates the city. It is on this same street that St. Anne's Column marks the center of the old marketplace. At the far end lies a Triumphal Arch, the gate Maria Theresa built to celebrate the marriage of her son.
- Despite the fact that Emperor Maximilian is buried at the other end of Austria in Wiener Neustadt, Innsbrück has an impressive monument devoted to him – The Cenotaph of Emperor Maximilian. Originally it was to house 40 giant statues, 100 statuettes, and 32 busts of Roman Emperors that would represent both real and spiritual ancestors of Maximilian. However, only 32 statuettes and 20 busts were completed. Nonetheless, it is still very impressive.
- Just off the Brenner Pass road on the south side of town, lies the great ski jump of the Olympics. For a great view, hike to the Olympic Rings under the dish that held the Olympic flame. It is here that Dorothy Hamill and other gold medallists are honored.
- That's some knee-slappin' fun! Almost every summer night, Innsbrück hotels offer entertaining evenings of slap dancing and yodeling. Be sure to catch it if you can, for it's the best in Tyrolean folk fun!
