5 Reasons Innsbruck Should Be on Your Radar

When it comes to Austria, Vienna gets all the love from international travelers. But don't sleep on the other side of the country, the high mountain terrain of Tyrol and the small city of Innsbruck. Contrary to the urban sprawl of Vienna, Innsbruck offers a mountain-metro combination in the middle of the Austrian Alps. Here are five reasons it should be on your radar:

Scenic Beauty

To say that Innsbruck is a mountain city would be an understatement to anyone looking at a photo. The tall peaks of the Austrian Alps tower over the city center in dramatic fashion, offering gorgeous views from wherever you happen to be down below.

As a greater area, Innsbruck sits in a tight, narrow valley, which runs east-west on the map. The mountains serve as borders with Germany to the immediate north and Italy to the immediate south, adding another interesting twist to this section of Austria, packed with rugged, scenic terrain, squeezed in between two neighboring countries.

City-Ski Combination

If you see someone standing on the street corner in their ski boots, don't worry. They haven't lost their mind, they're just waiting for the local ski bus that provides free transportation to several ski resorts surrounding Innsbruck, some of which you can spot from the city streets.

Skiing here is affordable, even for visitors. Nine of Innsbruck's ski hills can be skied with a single pass (Olympiaworld Skipass) that costs $160 for three days. Take notice of something different in the city skyline-the Bergisel Ski Jump holds 26,000 spectators, hosts international competitions each winter and is open for tours.

No-Car Access to Mountain Tops

That same ease of access plays just as well during the summer months. Innsbruck is home to endless hiking and biking trails, and you can access some of them via public transportation. The Hungerburg funicular runs from the city center up the mountainside, dropping off at the base of the Nordkette Cable Car, which in turns continues up the mountain to the Nordkette mountain lodge.

Check out the city and valley views from Hafelekar Peak and take a hike on one of the trails.

Mountain Towns and Mountain Lodges

Jump on the train in Innsbruck and you can be at any number of worthy mountain towns. St. Anton is the crown jewel of the Arlberg, one of the world's largest ski areas, and the Otztal was recently exposed to the world in the James Bond movie, Spectre. Plan an overnight somewhere outside the city and check in to one of these traditional mountain lodges for a dose of old-world culture.

Sauna Culture

Austrians take their sauna experiences seriously. A mix of dry and wet heat that improves health and aids in recovery (from outdoor adventures), not only is hitting the sauna a regular way of life for locals, the opportunity is provided in abundance for visitors, too.

The tallest building in Innsbruck, the Adlers Hotel, has a sauna overlooking the city, valley and mountains-a major perk. Otherwise, try the local community saunas or take a day trip out to the Aquadome for the complete cultural experience. Just be ready to leave your bashfulness at the door-Austrian saunas forbid clothing.

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