The Inn Valley is the location of the beautiful Olympic city of Innsbruck in western Austria.  Picturesque Innsbruck is the capital of the Tyrol region, located on the Inn River and nestled between spectacular high alpine mountain peaks. (Innsbruck Translation: ‘Bridge over the Inn’). 

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AUSTRIA
Find out about European Travel Insurance and Ski Insurance .

Innsbruck is a hugely popular winter sports destination, but also a year-round resort and very popular during all seasons.  If the winter season is not long enough for the ski-addicted it is possible to ski all year round on the Stubai Glacier.  

Surrounded by mountain peaks that reach almost 9,000 ft (approx. 2,800 metres) Innsbruck is famous for having hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1964 and 1976, and the 1984 and 1988 Paralympic Games.  The city was also chosen to host the 2012 Youth Olympic Games.

Innsbruck has a very charming Old Town, which is a big tourist attraction and therefore usually very busy. A popular landmark amongst the medieval buildings is the 16th century Golden Roof, which is actually made of gilded copper tiles.  The city has many interesting and historic churches and museums.  Other attractions include Ambras Castle and the 14th century Imperial Palace.  The Old Town is a place for people to get together in the many bars, cafes and coffee shops. 

Another popular attraction is the Bergisel Ski Jump Stadium.  An elevator ride to the café at the top provides a stomach-churning insight into the courage of the jumpers, as well as fantastic views.  The city also has a zoo (Alpenzoo) and aquarium as well as several parks.

In spring and summer an array of outdoor activities are available, including river rafting, hiking, climbing, mountain biking – as well as water sports on nearby lakes. If you plan to hike, camp, or spend time in the forests from spring to autumn, be aware of tick borne encephalitis.  Medical advice should be obtained regarding inoculations.

It is easy to get around the city on buses and trams, and a good way to see the city in summer is by bicycle. Innsbruck has an airport, but many visitors choose to arrive by train.

For a terrific view of the area at any time of year ride one of the cable cars to the mountaintop, or take the new Hungerburgbahn funicular railway that departs from the town centre and makes a few stops before it reaches the top.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Useful travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for travel to Andorra. Click Here

Before your trip to Innsbruck we recommend a visit to the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for the latest travel advice for Austria as part of their ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. Their advice covers many important topics, including:

• Passports and visas
• Driving in Austria (especially motor homes/caravans)
• Use of motorways (autobahns) and purchase of Vignettes
• Avalanche danger (even during summer in some areas)
• Avalanche safety – advice and links to websites
• Use of helmets for skiing
• Carry identification (passport)
• Emergency and consulate numbers
• Travelling with children (important: entry requirements)

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid for Austria.  However, the EHIC should never be used as a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance (and ski/winter sports insurance).  Always check that your travel insurance covers all your planned activities. 

Useful website:  http://www.innsbruck.info/en

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure the information in this Travel Guide is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy, or the content of external links.

Inclusion in this Travel Guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in any country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued an advisory against travel.

You are strongly advised to visit the FCO website for updated travel information and general travel advice before you travel.