Innsbruck, Austria: A Sightseeing Stroll

Maria-Theresien Strasse looking north

Having recounted some of the Innsbruck attractions in earlier posts, (see: Panorama and Hofkirche), and to break up the long line of troops marching off the painting desk, time to explore the beauty of Innsbruck, itself.

The Maria-Theresien Strasse is a major pedestrian area with shops lining both sides of the town square.  Our hotel was situated on this square near the church on the left.  The column seen in the photo is that of St. Anne commemorating the liberation of the Tirol from Bavaria in 1703.  On the top of the column is a statue to St Mary. 

Maria-Theresien Strasse looking south

Maximilian I's Golden Roof

Clock Tower

Nancy posing for a photo op

Triumphal Arch

River Inn

With high mountains dominating the Innsbruck skyline and easy access via public transportation, we opted to spend a few hours making the excursion to the top of Hafelekarspitze using a combination of tram and two gondolas.

Schematic showing routes up the mountain

Once up on top of the mountain and enjoying partly sunny skies, the Innsbruck Valley below unfolds.  Looking south, the winding River Inn is seen with the Brenner Pass in the center background.  Even from this height and distance, the Olympic ski jump at Bergisel can be seen in the center background.  The Bergisel ski jump is only a stone's throw from the Tirol Panorama featured in an earlier blog post. 

Innsbruck Valley with Brenner Pass in back center

Zoomed: Bergisel ski jump is seen in upper center

The views of the Innsbruck Valley below are spectacular as is the high mountain scenery on top.  The rough, jagged rock outcroppings are plentiful and still capped with snow in May.

Innsbruck Valley looking east

From the upper gondola station, the Hafelekarspitze juts out from the mountaintop.  With a well-maintained and worn trail winding its way to the top, it is obvious that the hike to the top is a popular activity.   

Hafelekarspitze 

Hafelekarspitze 

Small warming hut above Gondola station

Upper gondola station with valley below

Having spotted the Bergisel ski jump and gotten our bearings, we descended back into town to catch a bus to Bergisel.  Bergisel was the site of the ski jumping competition in both the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympic Games.  Once at Bergisel, we took the tram up to the top of the ski jump.  At the top of the tram line, a short walk around the building is required to find the elevator to the top of the jump.  From the top of the jump, Innsbruck unfolds splendidly below.  The steepness of the jump is deceiving and seems not so intimidating.  I might try this!

Bergisel ski jump with Innsbruck as a beautiful backdrop

Steeper than it looks!

Landing area

Olympic cauldrons

With the Kaiserjager Museum nearby and to add a bit of military history or wargaming content to this post, below is a photo taken in the museum of an early jager uniform from the Kaiserjager Regiment.