Innsbruck

Innsbruck is the capital of the Austrian Alps — a Baroque city in the Inn Valley completely surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, including the Nordkette range that rises almost vertically from the city's edge to 2,334 metres. It has hosted the Winter Olympics twice (1964 and 1976) and remains one of Europe's premier ski and outdoor destinations, yet the historic old town is genuinely excellent in its own right. The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) — the ornate Gothic loggia with gilded copper roof tiles built for Emperor Maximilian I in the 15th century — is the defining image of Innsbruck. The Hofburg (Imperial Palace), the Hofkirche (court church containing the extraordinary cenotaph of Maximilian I surrounded by 28 oversized bronze statues of Habsburg ancestors), and the Triumphpforte (triumphal arch) form the core of the Baroque heritage. The Tyrolean Folk Art Museum adjacent to the Hofkirche is excellent. The Nordkette cable car rises directly from the edge of the old town to the high Alpine terrain above — in 25 minutes you can be at 2,334 metres amid Alpine scenery. Skiing from Innsbruck is exceptional: 9 connected ski areas are accessible via the Innsbruck Ski Pass. In summer, hiking and mountain biking replace skiing. The Swarovski Crystal Worlds at Wattens (30 minutes) is a remarkable arts and design attraction. Innsbruck is genuinely excellent year-round.