Saturday, August 29, 2009

Visiting Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is known internationally for its winter sports, having hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. Innsbruck is located in a broad valley between high mountains, and it is also close to the Brenner Pass that connects Italy with Austria via the easiest route through the Alps.

Innsbruck has been fought over many times throughout the centuries dating back to Roman times. This history is apparent in the very architecture, starting with the impressive Schloss Ambras Castle, also the Imperial Palace, the Baroque Cathedral of Dom zu St. Jakob, along with many churches, civic buildings and a triumphal arch which was erected in 1765. Also be sure to check out the Golden Roof building which was constructed for Maximilian in 1500 under gilded copper tile.

Skiing is obviously a major attraction for tourism, but the old town is quite an attraction of its own. Pedestrian streets Maria Theresa and Herzog Friedrich provide an endless shopping delight for any serious shopper, and the restaurants and cafés are top-notch. Tourism is the main industry in Innsbruck, as you will notice the city is set up to cater to tourists.

The Schloss Ambras Castle is not to be strictly admired from without, as it is an art museum of the highest order, housing a portrait gallery with about 300 portraits from the 15th to 19th century. Be sure to check out the Chamber of Art and Curiosities while you are there. There are many other fine museums in Innsbruck as well, including the Bell Museum and the Riesenrundgemälde.

Wintertime is for skiing and winter sports, but there is much to do and enjoy in the summertime, including cable car rides to the magnificent Alpine Garden south of the city. There is no shortage of outdoor activities in summer to keep you entertained and getting lots of mountain air.

Charles has been writing and publishing articles on the web since 2001. Check out his latest website where you can find out about the different types of solar cover reels and when and why you should consider using swimming pool solar covers on swimming pools.

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