PlanetSKI Visits Innsbruck in the Summer

12th July 2023 | James Cove, Innsbruck, the Tirol

Last modified on August 4th, 2023

Innsbruck is the fifth largest city in Austria and is steeped in history.

Not least its skiing history as it hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, as well as the 1984 and 1988 Paralympics.

It also hosted the first Winter Youth Olympics in 2012.

Its name means “bridge over the Inn”.

It has been an importing trading post over the centuries as it sits at the bottom of the Brenner Pass into Italy.

Innsbruck became the capital of the Tirol in 1429 and in the 15th century the city became a centre of European politics and culture as Emperor Maximilian 1 lived in Innsbruck in the 1490s.

The Hofkircher is an attraction well worth a visit.

Innsbruck, the Tirol.
Image © PlanetSKI

We only had one day and one night, and decided to take it easy – to wander round the city and soak up its summer atmosphere.

Innsbruck, the Tirol.
Image © PlanetSKI

The main street leading up to the Golden Roof is busy year-round.

Innsbruck, the Tirol.
Image © PlanetSKI

This time a Tirolean military band was playing under the Golden Roof.

Innsbruck, the Tirol.
Image © PlanetSKI

Innsbruck, the Tirol.
Image © PlanetSKI

Some architectural details never fail to impress.

Innsbruck, the Tirol.
Image © PlanetSKI

Innsbruck, the Tirol.
Image © PlanetSKI

Innsbruck, the Tirol.
Image © PlanetSKI

And we’re glad the local building regulations mean all, even global US food/drink chains, must follow suit.

Innsbruck, the Tirol.
Image © PlanetSKI

Innsbruck, the Tirol.
Image © PlanetSKI

Innsbruck, the Tirol.
Image © PlanetSKI

Window shopping in Innsbruck is always enjoyable especially if, like us, you enjoy ski memorabilia.

Innsbruck, the Tirol.
Image © PlanetSKI

Innsbruck, the Tirol.
Image © PlanetSKI

Then there are the must-see visits in the city, including the Cathedral of St James, and other sights.

Innsbruck, the Tirol.
Image © PlanetSKI

Innsbruck in the summer. Image © PlanetSKI

Innsbruck in the summer. Image © PlanetSKI

Innsbruck in the summer. Image © PlanetSKI

And lets not forget the river views:

River Inn, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI

River Inn, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI

The River Inn rises in Switzerland near St Moritz and flows into the Danube.

Outside Innsbruck, there are plenty of attractions if you are staying for a few days.

Worth a visit are Ambras Castle:

Around Innsbruck. Image © PlanetSKI

Karlskirche Volders:

Around Innsbruck. Image © PlanetSKI

Then there’s the Swarovski Crystal Works, Nordkette and plenty of outdoor activities to do including hiking, biking and rafting.

It was a fitting place to end our summer visit to the Tirol after passing through Hintertux, St Johann and Kitzbuhel.

See here for a re-cap on all our adventures and activities:

Hintertux: Glacier skiing and exploring 30m deep inside

Hintertux in the summer. Image © PlanetSKI

St Johann: PlanetSki goes hiking & E-mountain biking

E-biking in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI

Kitzbuhel: PlanetSKI visits Kitzbuhel as our summer Tour of the Tirol continues

Kitzbuhel in summer. Image © PlanetSKI

• Tirol in the summer

Thank you the Tirol and Innsbruck, see you next winter…

• Innsbruck: A city made for skiing

Innsbruck. Image © PlanetSKI

For more on the Tirol see here.

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