Planning a Trip to Innsbruck

Modern Ramada Hotel in Innsbruck

Needless to say, skiing is the main objective for most people heading to this beautiful Austrian resort town. But, this is not all there is to Innsbruck. In fact, there are so many things to see, do and enjoy in Innsbruck and even someone who is only an amateur skier, such as me, can enjoy their time in the city. 

If you like going up slope and looking at the view, only don’t particularly like to ski down the slope at the end, or are just taking a break from doing that, the Innsbruck funicular ride can provide a good way to spend some time. The ride itself can be quite amazing, but the real reward is the spectacular views you are offered at the top; both of the town as well of the magnificent Alps. The funicular stations are a futuristic delight in the signature style of architect Zaha Hadid and quite a treat to see. 

If, like me, you are curious about people and cultures, you might like to visit the Folk Museum, which has quite an interesting collection of not just art, but artefacts and objects from the folk history of the region. This includes Tirolean weapons that the Tirloeans used in their battle of independence. This place is truly fascinating and definitely worth a visit. The museum is housed in an old Franciscan monastery and is surrounded by the serene and beautiful park. 

It’s hard to miss the golden roof, beckoning you into old town Innsbruck. So even if you haven’t planned this iconic ‘Innsbruckian’ monument into your schedule, chances are you will end up visiting. This a three storeyed roof covered with gold plated tiles, that covers a porch built for the king Maximillian the first, presumably to sit and enjoy the Alpine views in true royal style. 

Innsbruck is known worldwide for its skiing, but that is definitely not all there is to it. You can certainly find things to do and places to visit other than skiing in Innsbruck and I highly recommend you plan these into your trip!

A Gorgeous Boat Trip Down the Danube

If you suffer from sea sickness like I do, a boat ride on a river, no matter how tranquil it may be advertised to be, may not appeal to your sensibilities. The fact that a celebrated 17^th century composer immortalised the river in question by dedicating a beautiful piece of music to it, may shake your resolve for a second but you may still need more convincing! 

The fact is that a boat ride on the Danube can be an altogether numinous experience. It offers a way to experience and view Vienna in a way that is otherwise impossible. As you gently glide across this gorgeous and iconic river, and enjoy the sights, you can wave goodbye to your aversion to travelling on water. 

And if you are one of the luckier and more numerous people who do not suffer from this strange affliction, well then, you can dive straight into the pleasure of this unique experience! There are different cruises offered, and some boat rides allow you to visit Budapest and Bratislava and get back to Vienna on the very same day by coach, or return the next day by boat. The journey from Vienna to Budapest takes about 6 hours by boat. 

The day boat tour in Vienna, which we took, takes about three and half to four hours. You can enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Danube Island and Danube Tower. The tour takes you through various parts of the city including Vienna Old Town, giving you the opportunity to see the various facets of Vienna in a completely new way. If you have spent the previous days exploring the city on foot, glimpsing it from this perspective can be a special treat. 

The sheer beauty of the views makes the entire experience worthwhile. If you return at sunset, you can watch the sun set over the city while the light glimmers and twinkles on the water, as you drift gently on this fabled river. And if you take a more informative tour, perhaps with some city hopping, such as the tour to Budapest, you can not only enjoy the sights, but also learn much more about this river that has witnessed so much of Europe’s history.

** Photo credit : www.austria.info