Sights in Innsbruck
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Schloss Ambras
The city’s biggest stunner is Schloss Ambras. Archduke Ferdinand II acquired the castle in 1564, the year he became ruler of Tyrol, and transformed it from a fortress into a palace. He was the mastermind behind the Spanische Saal (Spanish Hall), a 43m-long banquet hall with a wooden inlaid ceiling and Tyrolean nobles gazing from the walls. Also note the grisaille (grey relief) around the courtyard and the sunken bathtub where his beloved Philippine used to bathe.
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Hofkirche
Opposite the Hofburg is the majestic Hofkirche, which shelters the empty sarcophagus of Emperor Maximilian I. Elaborately carved from marble, the tomb is one of the finest examples of German Renaissance sculpture. The twin rows of 28 giant bronze figures that flank the sarcophagus include Albrecht Dürer’s statue of the legendary King Arthur, apparently Maximilian’s biggest idol. Tyrolean hero Andreas Hofer (1767–1810) is also entombed in the church.
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Zeughaus
Emperor Maximilian’s former arsenal, the Zeughaus runs chronologically through Tyrol’s cultural history. It kicks off with geological and mineral history, including the silver that made Hall and Schwaz medieval powerhouses, but mostly concentrates on Tyrol’s much-loved historical figure, Andreas Hofer. If you’re a fan of Tyrolean music, check out the room housing over 100 CDs from the province’s musical stars.
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Hofburg
The state apartments are a rococo feast, adorned with gold swirls and chandeliers, but the real eye-catcher is the 31m-long Riesensaal (Giant’s Hall). The hall is embellished with frescoes and paintings of Maria Theresia and her 16 children (including Marie Antoinette), who look strangely identical –maybe the artist was intent on avoiding royal wrath arising from sibling rivalry in the beauty stakes.
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Grassmayr Glockenmuseum
If you’re heading for Bergisel, listen out for the bells at Grassmayr Glockenmuseum, which explores 400 years of the Grassmayr family’s bell-making tradition and exhibits some formidable Romanesque and Gothic examples. It’s a hands-on kind of place where kids can watch the casting process and make loads of noise ringing bells to achieve different notes.
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Bergisel Schanze
Rising above Innsbruck like a celestial staircase is the glass-and-steel Bergisel Schanze, the brainchild of Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. From May to July, fans pile in to see athletes train, while preparations step up a gear in January for the biggest event on the ski jumping calendar, the Vierschanzen-Tournee (Four Hills Tournament).
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Volkskunst Museum
For an insight into Tyrolean craftwork, nip into the Volkskunst Museum. This rambling attic of a museum covers the entire spectrum of folk art, from handcarved sleighs and Christmas cribs to carnival masks and cow bells. On the 1st floor is the Gothic Stube (living room) complete with low-ceiling, wood panelling and antique tiled oven.
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Rundgemälde
The Rundgemälde is a 1000-sq-metre panorama painting depicting the Battle of Bergisel. The circular building that houses the painting also features an extremely evocative exhibition detailing epic overland trips by Austrian travel writer Max Reisch (1912–85) in the days before long-distance travel became so easy.
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Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum
A treasure-trove of Tyrolean history and art, the Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum showcases everything from Bronze Age finds to religious works and pewter creations. Highlights include brooding Dutch and Flemish masterpieces, Gothic altarpieces and famous paintings from the likes of Klimt and Kokoschka .
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Museum
A treasure-trove of Tyrolean history and art, this museum showcases everything from Bronze Age finds to religious works and pewter creations. Highlights include brooding Dutch and Flemish masterpieces, Gothic altarpieces and famous paintings from the likes of Klimt and Kokoschka.
reviewed
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Kaiserjäger Museum
Kaiserjäger Museumis the site of the famous battle in 1809 at which heroic Andreas Hofer defeated the Bavarians. On display are memorials to Tyrolean freedom fighters from this and other battles, and a handful of paintings from WWI by Albin Egger-Lienz.
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Dom St Jakob
Dom St Jakob3 is where over-the-top baroque. The Asam brothers from Munich completed much of the sumptuous art and stucco work, though the Madonna above the high altar is by the German painter Lukas Cranach the Elder.
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Alpenzoo
North of the centre, the Alpenzoo is home to cuddly alpine animals including bears, chamois and ibex. To get there, walk up the hill from Rennweg or take bus W from the Marktplatz.
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Stadtturm
Stadtturm7 climbs its 148 steps for 360-degree views of the city’s rooftops, spires and surrounding mountains.
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