Tyrol is known for its skiing as well as the charm of the Alpine mountains, small rustic villages, medieval country churches and entertainment, but especially for its 800-year old historic capital, Innsbruck.
The old capital of the Tyrol is the only major city in the Alps and its unique location has made it a favorite destination for tourists. The majestic grandeur of the Alps, the proximity of nature and the distinct imprint left by the Habsburg dynasty have made this 800-year old city an ideal vacation spot. The perfect geographic location of Innsbruck, the "hub of the Alps", has greatly contributed to its attraction for tourists - in winter and summer.
Today, Innsbruck still bears many marks of having held a special place in the heart of the Habsburgs: Emperor Maximilian, also known as "The Last Knight", loved mountain climbing, hunting and fishing, much like today's tourist, and simply set up court in Innsbruck's Imperial Palace (Hofburg) to be close to his favorite hobbies. One of the numerous mementos left of his extended sojourn in his favorite. city, the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), has become the landmark of Innsbruck. The memorial devoted to his memory, the Court Church (Hofkirche) with its impressive row of bronze statues, attracts thousands of visitors each year. A magnificent view of the city and its surrounding mountains from the well-preserved center of the old town can be seen from the very heart of Innsbruck, from the street named after its most august benefactress, Empress Maria Theresa. Also, it seems imperative to pay a visit to Ambras castle, a renaissance gem, whose history is closely linked to that of the Habsburgs.
The city's musical and artistic activities have left an indelible mark on the Austrian calendar of cultural events: above all, the Festival of Early Music has attracted a great number of renowned artists, playing orchestral music on historic instruments or staging Baroque operas. The concerts at Ambras Castle provide great listening in a beautiful renaissance setting. In addition, Innsbruck deservedly has been called the "organ town", for two of the most magnificent organs in Europe, the Ebert Organ in the court chapel and the Italian renaissance organ in the silver chapel; at Whitsuntide, the International Organ Weeks concerts are held at several locations in the area. During the rest of the year, organ recitals may be enjoyed regularly. "Innspiration" - not misspelled, but a pun that works in both English and German - is a relatively recent cultural program that encompasses everything from gala concerts, rarely heard musical theater performances, brass band parades, typical Tyrolean evenings and even jazz and pop concerts. This is where some exciting avant-garde events take place.
During this century, Innsbruck has earned a (well-deserved) reputation for being the capital city of the Alps and of winter sports. The city and the area surrounding it were so expertly prepared for the first Olympics held there in 1964 that Innsbruck was awarded the rare honor of being chosen by the Olympic Committee a second time in 1976. Small wonder: the site is simply ideal for lovers of all winter sports - particularly those who want to combine daytime athletic activities with evenings on the town. Countless opportunities to ski the world's most beautiful slopes present themselves in Innsbruck's immediate vicinity.
But skiing and winter sports are not the only diversion enjoyed by visitors to Innsbruck: more and more tourists flock to the city during the summer for mountain climbing, hikes through the woods, biking on tranquil paths, horseback riding, tennis or golf.
