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An unforgettable summer: top events in Innsbruck!

19 May 2023

Post originally written in: Deutsch

Running shoes on and "aufi aufn Berg"!

Sporty things are in store for June! Innsbruck becomes the place-to-be for all running enthusiasts, no matter if you are a trail run newbie, experienced runner or spectator. Two exciting running events promise unforgettable sporting experiences and competitions at the highest level.

On the first of the month the running festival starts with the adidas TERREX Innsbruck Alpine Trailrun Festival (IATF), Austria's largest trail running event. Anyone who has already been there knows that the IATF is a real festival with great side events. From June 1 to 10, numerous exhibitors present their latest innovations, there are great expo offers and raffles, and of course the physical well-being is also taken care of. What makes the IATF so special is that runners conquer unique trails with breathtaking panoramic views of the Alpine metropolis. In the World Cup edition, you even run partly the same routes as the world elite just a few days later - a unique opportunity!

World Mountain and Trail Running Championships: the elite mountain runners

From 6 to 10 June 2023 the World Mountain and Trail Running ChampionshipswMTRC for short, will take place and will be the crowning event of the ten-day running festival. The WMTRC are jointly organized title fights of the International Association of Ultrarunners, the International Trail Running Association and the World Mountain Running Association. Although the history of the WMTRC is short, as this year is only the second time they have been held, the individual competitions look back on a long tradition. Mountain Running World Championships have existed since 1985, Trail World Championships since 2004, and Ultratrail competitions since 2007. The WMTRC now combine all of these disciplines into one high-caliber mountain running and trail running festival. At the World Championships in Tyrol, athletes from all over the world will compete for medals in four competitions - Vertical, Trail Short, Trail Long, Mountain Classic. So look forward to a true spectacle!

High jumps at the Golden Roof Challenge

I love going for a run. For me, it's my way of relaxing: running shoes on, headphones on, world off. But what I do for my relaxation has absolutely nothing to do with the athletic feats you can see on June 7 at the Golden Roof Challenge in Maria-Theresien-Strasse. World-class track and field athletes will show what they can do in the pole vault and long jump. The athletics tour is already taking place for the 19th time in Innsbruck. This year, the top athletes even have the opportunity to collect important world ranking points for qualifying for the 2023 World Championships and the 2024 Olympic Games. I must honestly admit that I feel a little envious when I look at what top sporting achievements people are capable of. But it's best to see this top event for yourself.

It therefore seems only logical that also this year the Innsbrucker Kletterzentrum is once again the venue for international climbing competitions. Between June 12 and 18, three World Cups and one European Cup will be held in the Alpine capital in one week. In the World Cup disciplines Paraclimbing, Bouldering and Lead the athletes will fight for medals as well as in the Speed European Cup. An absolute highlight awaits you when more than 400 athletes from over 30 nations fight for coveted podium places. Among them are true climbing greats such as Olympic bronze medalist Jakob Schubert and the exceptional talent Adam Ondra. You should not miss this extraordinary spectacle! Let yourself be inspired by the impressive performance and the rousing competitive spirit of these international stars.

Even more action: mountain bike fans, watch out!

Rotura/New Zealand, Cairns/Australia, Whistler/Canada and Innsbruck/Austria - these locations form the backdrop for the spectacular Crankworx World Tour, of a multi-part series of mountain bike festivals where the world's best riders compete. In various disciplines they fight for the coveted title „King & Queen of Crankworx“. But it's not just about competing at the highest level: the events offer spectators a true festival experience with numerous side events. From the Bike-Expo with the latest trends in the bike industry to legendary after-parties and an action-packed program for kids, the Bikepark Innsbruck presents itself in full festival spirit.

Sound meets scenery: the Innsbruck Promenade Concerts

A gentle breeze tickling the nose, stirring music and a breathtaking backdrop - a summer evening could not be more beautiful. Exactly this setting is offered by the Promenade Concerts in Innsbruck. Because music doesn't need a concert hall, under the open sky it unfolds its beauty at least as impressively - especially in summer. Already in the 19th century, promenade concerts in Paris, London and Vienna were a great success, as they made music accessible to everyone. Nowadays, in the courtyard of the historic Imperial Hofburg in Innsbruck we can enjoy top-class brass ensembles, brass bands, a big band as well as international military, police and civilian orchestras. Don't miss it.

A musical journey through time: the Early Music Festival in Innsbruck

Innsbruck can look back on a long history of music. As early as the 16th and 17th centuries, Tyrolean sovereigns maintained exquisitely staffed court orchestras with outstanding musicians from all over Europe. This rich tradition also forms the foundation for the Early Music Festivalone of the most prestigious festivals in Europe. Since its inception, it has been dedicated to Renaissance and Baroque music and has attracted visitors from all over the world since 1976. No wonder, because where else can you listen to music in such enchanting settings as the Spanish Hall in Ambras Castle, the Hofburg Palace or the Tyrolean Landestheater?

The free (air) concerts are particularly outstanding again this year. Under the motto „Musica montana“ the mountains are made to resound. This is the best way to end the day: with entertaining music and happy dances on the alpine pasture. The „Concerto mobile“ also ensures a good mood in the old town. At various locations, musicians of the Innsbruck Festival unfold their historical instruments and delight their audience with lovely songs, lively melodies and folkloristic dances. Families will also have plenty to enjoy thanks to a fantastic supporting program. A remarkable workshop, which we already attended last year, will take place several times during the festival weeks in Claudia Unterkofler's violin making workshop. If you're interested in how a violin is made, you shouldn't miss it. But also the Ambras Castle Festival or the trumpet making workshop are highlights for the whole family.

Jazz, blues and the mountains

Did you know that Innsbruck has seven twin cities? One of these cities is the birthplace of jazz: world-famous New Orleans. The USA is one of my favorite travel destinations, and New Orleans is still on my list. But until that time comes, I'm happy to take the opportunity to tune in musically. From July 20 to 23 this year again the New Orleans Festival at the Landhausplatz will take place. And there is a reason to celebrate: for a quarter of a century now, this musical event highlight with cult status has been thrilling the people of Innsbruck with rousing soul and blues artists. This year, too, we can look forward to both local music celebrities and a spectacular performance directly from New Orleans.

Musical delight at 1,620 meters: Klassik am Berg

I love September, but I'm always a little sad when summer is over. However, so that the farewell is not so hard for you and you can enjoy the summer once again to the fullest, I have an absolute highlight for you at the end. We already know that music doesn't need a concert hall, and that the mountains are the perfect setting for a concert. On the Muttereralm a magical experience awaits you, during which the Tyrolean Chamber Orchestra InnStrumenti at an altitude of 1,620 meters will delight you with a unique blend of classical music and jazz. A little tip: Even though it's still pleasantly warm during the day, September evenings can get quite chilly at these altitudes. Therefore, you should take the precaution of packing warmer clothes. Because if you're freezing, even the most beautiful concert can only be half as much fun.