Nearby excursion sites

Urban contrast to Ötztal's mountains: a leisurely stroll through the historic old town with the famous Golden Roof. Encircled by magnificent Baroque houses, the landmark of Tirol's capital attracts everyone's attention. Other must-sees on your city walk include the Imperial Palace, the Imperial Church (black bronze statues), the City Tower, the traditional coffee houses and an infinite number of shops and elegant boutiques.

www.innsbruck.at

One of Europe's highest zoos nestles on the steep mountain flanks north of the provincial capital. Some 2000 animals of about 150 different species live on 4 hectares - the world's most complete collection of past and present wild animals in the Alps. All year round, visitors can observe the animals in enclosures, terrariums and aquariums that are designed in close touch with nature.

www.alpenzoo.at

Three highlights located in the south and southeast of Innsbruck: The elegant Bergisel Ski Jump was designed by star architect Zaha Hadid and houses a panoramic restaurant with stunning 360-degree views. The Tirol Panorama & Kaiserjäger Infantry Museum are also located on Bergisel, where the Tirolean struggle for freedom took place in 1809. The heart of the exhibition is the Giant Panorama Painting. At beautiful Ambras Castle, towering above Innsbruck, the Habsburg Museum displays art, wonder and armor chambers as well as portraits of the ruling dynasty.

www.bergisel.info

www.tiroler-landesmuseen.at

www.schlossambras-innsbruck.at

A unique place of fantasy, marvel and wonder: The Swarovski Crystal Worlds were designed by multimedia artist André Heller and opened in 1995 on the occasion of the centenary of the company. To date, more than 14 million visitors from all over the globe have visited this popular destination at the heart of Tirol. Sparkling underground chambers of wonder, a magic garden and play areas for children make time fly by.

kristallwelten.swarovski.com

The perfect family excursion program in any weather as the mine features 12° Celsius all year round. Some 500 years ago, the Fugger City of Schwaz was the most important silver mining town in the world. More than 11,000 miners were digging for silver and copper. Today, visitors can make an underground train journey back in time into the 800 m deep Sigmund Tunnel and explore the world underground with a professional mine guide.

www.silberbergwerk.at

A truly rewarding trip leads along the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road through romantic Passeiertal valley straight to the vineyards of South Tyrol. The spa resort of Meran is well known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate and stimulating cultural variety. An absolute must-see: the lovely old town with arcades, the spa promenade and Dorf Tirol with the popular Tirol Castle. Special tip: Friday is market day in Meran!

www.suedtirol-meran.com

Located in the Tirolean Unterland region, east of Lake Reintaler See, this open-air museum gives an insight into everyday life and work of the Tirolean farmers. Original farmhouses from different Alpine valleys were rebuilt in this picturesque area and are open to visitors. Also a village smithy, a saw, a mill and a school invite you to join a journey through time.

www.museum-tb.at

Who has got a nerve? The Highline 179 south of Reutte is the world's longest Tibetan-style pedestrian suspension bridge. It is 114 meters high, 406 meters long, only 1.20 meters wide and connects the important medieval Ehrenberg castle ruins with Fort Claudia. As a reward for so much courage you can indulge in picture-book views.

www.highline179.tirol

In the Tirolean Unterland region near the Bavarian border, the Fortress of Kufstein nestles high above the town of Kufstein. The 800-year old fortress offers a variety of different museums and exhibitions, exciting guided tours and tasty "lord of the castle" menus in the fortress inn. An absolute must-see: listen to the Heldenorgel organ every day at 12 noon, the world's largest covered outdoor organ with 4948 pipes.

www.festung.kufstein.at

The magnificent Cistercian Monastery in the Tirolean Oberland region is the country's spiritual center. A guided tour reveals the precious treasures of the monastery complex, for example the collegiate church, Bernardisaal, Heilig-Blut chapel and "Prälatenstiege". The museum provides insights into the monastery's (art) collection while the monastery shop offers delicious homemade products.

www.stiftstams.at