Innsbruck, Austria travel resource.

Innsbruck,Austria.

Founded in 1180 and twice the site of the Winter Olympics, Innsbruck is the capital of the gorgeous state of Tirol (also spelled "Tyrol"). It merits a three-night visit. Set at the base of the spectacular Alps, the city is fairly compact (with an old town reminiscent of the Middle Ages), but you'll need to do a good amount of walking to appreciate it fully.
We recommend starting your walking tour on Maria Theresien Strasse, where you can see the views of the Nordkette mountain range, Triumphal Arch (built in 1765 to commemorate the marriage of Leopold II and mourn the death of Emperor Franz I-one side is happy, the other sad) and St. Anne's Column (erected in 1706). From there, walk into the Old Town toward the Goldenes Dachl (it sports a 15th-century gilded, copper-tiled roof, built by Maximilian I); visit the Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum (a collection of folk art and historical objects); and tour the 18th-century Hofburg (a former imperial palace) and the unintentionally humorous Hofkirche, or Imperial Church, which has 28 oversized bronze statues of royal relatives-don't miss the statue of the Emperor Rudolf. Then, see the beautiful exterior of the Gothic Helblinghaus, take the cable car to the top of the Hafelekar for a spectacular view, stroll picturesque streets past the pastel-colored houses and covered shopping arcades, and make a stop at the 15th-century Stadtturm (City Tower).
Of the city's museums and collections, the one we found most entertaining is Schloss Ambras. This castle includes medieval armor and weapons, paintings of the Austrian royal family and curious collectibles. If you have time, visit the Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum at Museumstrasse 15, which has a good collection of Gothic statues and altarpieces. The city's casino is located in the Holiday Inn. For skiers, there is usually good snow from early December to mid April. The winter ball season is nearly as exhaustive-and exhausting-as Vienna's.
An excursion can be made to the top of Patscherkofel Mountain (there's a beautiful view)-take the bus to the village of Igls (an attractive ski resort and former Olympic site) and then a cable car to the peak. Other nearby sites include Seefeld (a lively ski resort), Imst (a scenic, historical town) and the Zugspitze (this peak is actually in Germany-take the cable car up to the 9,730-ft/2,965-m level).
Innsbruck can also be used as a base for day trips to the Sellrain Valley and the Mieming Plateau-gorgeous Alpine vistas and a chance to visit additional ski areas, including Mutters. Be aware, however, that many of the routes are closed during the winter (mid November until mid May) because of snow. Innsbruck is 235 mi/375 km southwest of Vienna (60 mi/95 km south of Munich, Germany)