Innsbruck Things to Do Tips by dinhyen

The Triumphpforte Triumphpforte Review

The Triumphpforte rises at the south end of Maria-Theresienstrasse, the main tourist drag in Innsbruck. Like many structures in Austria, it was modeled on those in Rome. Built by Maria Theresa's order in 1765, it commemorated two events: the marriage of her son, later Kaiser Leopold II, to Maria Ludovica of Spain, and the death of her husband Francis I, who died during the celebrations. One side of the arch (the south side) represents happiness, while the other represents sadness.

Notice the bicyclists. I always thought Dutch people are avid bicyclists. Austrians are even more so! Along every highway in Austria there are bicycle paths, even in the tiny towns in the Alpls.

We later drove through the arch even though it was out of the way, just for kicks :)

Cast-iron signs

I'm a sucker for these decorative cast-iron store signs. There are numerous signs adorning shop fronts along Friedrichstrasse, the street in front of the Goldenes Dachl, continuing on to Maria-Theresienstrasse.

McDonald's has a presence here. I'm normally fond of seeing American companies abroad, though in the case of McDee's my feelings are a little ambivalent. At least they tried to fit in.

Colorful houses along the river At the river Inn Review

The river Inn is just steps away from the old town. Here you'll find the row of colorful facades.

The Hofkirche Hofkirche Review

This splendid Baroque church contains the tomb of Duke Ferdinand II. Its most unique feature is the array of 28 bronze statues of various noble gentlemen and ladies. You can rub some of them for good luck, including a very private spot on one statue :)

The Stadtturm Stadtturm (City Tower) Review

The City Tower is the tallest structure in the Old Town and gives you a wonderful panorama of the city. Innsbruck doesn't have as many brilliant rooftops as Prague or Rothenburg, but the vistas of snow-covered mountains are breathtaking.

Hofburg, the Imperial Residence in Innsbruck Hofburg Review

Empress Maria Theresa turned the existing 15th-century mansion into a Baroque showcase. Halls after halls with exceedingly rich furnishing and decorations are testaments to the opulence of the Habsburgs. I prefer this museum to the Hofburg in Vienna. Its exhibits are more interesting, it's practically deserted, and, most importantly, you can take photos!

Friedrichstrasse Goldenes Dachl Review

This pedestrian-only street right in front of the Goldenes Dachl is lined with stores, some interesting, some not. I'm not a shopper (I was with people who are :) but I just loved the colorful buildings and of course the cast-iron signs.

The Goldenes Dachl Goldenes Dachl Review

Undoubtedly Innsbruck's most well-known attraction. The two-story Golden Roof isn't actually gold, but made of 2738 gold-plated copper tiles. It was built in from 1497-1500 by Niklas Tuering for Emperor Maximilian I. Reliefs on the balcony depicts Maximilian and his two wives, coats of arms, and Moorish scenes, among other things.