ITA/ENG
Just four hours by car from Milan, crossing the Brenner Pass, you reach Innsbruck, the charming capital of Tyrol in Western Austria. With its 130,000 inhabitants, Innsbruck is the fifth-largest city in the country, also known for being the most expensive—but have no fear: it’s worth every penny!
Extremely well-connected to Italy by both road and rail, the city attracts a large number of tourists year-round, especially lovers of nature, the imposing mountains, and, of course, skiing enthusiasts.
A Unique Panorama: The Nordkette 🏔️
The mountains, particularly the majestic Nordkette chain overlooking the city, can be visited with great ease. A funicular departs from the very heart of the city center, right next to the famous Inn River. This line features several stops that lead up to over 2,600 meters in altitude, offering a unique and unforgettable view of the city, enveloped in crisp, fresh air even in the middle of summer.
The Historic Center and Its Treasures 🏘️
Innsbruck is a very walkable city: the historic center, or Old Town (Altstadt), is easily accessible on foot, allowing visitors to explore the main attractions. Strolling through the squares and avenues, you enjoy a marvelous perspective, framed by the contrast between the city’s architecture and the sheer size of the surrounding mountains.
The Golden Roof and Helbling House
In the heart of the Old Town stands the Golden Dachl, or Golden Roof, the unmistakable symbol of Innsbruck. This feature is the roof of a balcony, beautifully covered in gilded copper tiles, which was added as a decorative element to the residence of Emperor Maximilian I.
Practically opposite, you can admire the Helbling House (Helblinghaus), a splendid palace originally Gothic but re-faced in an opulent Rococo style, characterized by elegant stucco work and soft pastel colors.
The Inn River and Its History
Take a walk along the Inn River and cross the historic first bridge, InnBruck, which in the past connected the two hamlets of Inn and Bruck, giving the city its name.
Not far from the bridge, you will often find a lively square where, especially on weekends and during the Christmas season, you can sample authentic Austrian street food, accompanied by refreshing drinks and local beer.
Culinary Delights and Nightlife 🍻
The city hosts numerous restaurants and typical Viennese coffee houses (Kaffeehäuser), serving unmissable local specialties. These include the famous Wiener Schnitzel, an enormous veal cutlet traditionally served with Tyrolean potatoes, Tyrolean liver, dumplings (Canederli), and, for a sweet finish, the much-loved desserts like the Sacher Torte or Apple Strudel.
And for an evening drink? Just a short walk from the historic center, I highly recommend the Dunlin Bar, a wonderful cocktail bar that recently won the award for the Best Cocktail Bar in Austria. You will find a cozy atmosphere, friendly and knowledgeable staff serving excellent cocktails in a warm and well-designed setting.
Day Trips: Swarovski and Fine Distillates 💎
If you wish to explore the surroundings, in just under half an hour’s drive you can reach Wattens, a small town in the province of Innsbruck, home to the famous Swarovski company. Here you can visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Swarovski Kristallwelten), a sparkling experience for crystal lovers.
If, on the other hand, you are passionate about fruit brandies (Schnapps), cross the river and head to Fritzens to visit the magnificent Rochelt distillery.
Rochelt: Bottled Works of Art
At Rochelt, you will have the opportunity to discover the production process and participate in a tasting of their highly prized and expensive fruit distillates, accompanied by local specialties such as venison salami, pork paté, typical cheeses, and their renowned Speck, a product that bears no resemblance to what you have tasted in Italy until now.
Rochelt does not create simple spirits, but genuine works of art in a bottle. The design and packaging are unique: every product is bottled in the same distinctive bottle shape, featuring a minimalist and stylish label. What sets them apart are the corks, unique and valuable pieces that take on different shapes depending on the flavor, totaling around 20 distinct variants. The most special? The one made of Swarovski crystal, a tribute to the family ties between the two houses.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit this stunning city and enjoy the beauty of Tyrol and Austria, right on Italy’s doorstep!
Cheers ! ( Salute! )
Diego Ferrari 