Vacation on the road: Stopover Innsbruck

Anyone traveling from north to south - or vice versa - must pass Innsbruck. That's the way the eternal rock wants it: the small town lies, idyllically crumpled and picturesquely divided by the Inn, in the middle between the mountain ranges. Whether the Tyroleans were so friendly or the neighbors so nice is no longer known. In any case, panoramic pass roads have been rolled through the Alps above and below so that it is easier to meet in the middle. Innsbruck not only shines as a popular excursion destination from all sides, but also as a strategic travel side trip. So for travelers passing through and all those who want to become one: Why stopping and lingering shouldn't be called "traffic jam" this time, but simply "Innsbruck".

Vacations start on the road. At least in fairy tales. Where urban Innsbruck lolls seductively between the Alpine mountain peaks, this tale also deserves the necessary grain of truth. Simply enjoy the brand-new paved old town for a moment and look out over Innsbruck from the highest peak just one gondola ride away. Finally, a little culinary rendezvous in the colorful Wiltenthe trendiest part of town at the moment. Right there is also the driveway towards Brenner, so next to the Bergisel ski jump is also the take-off ramp to the sunny south - just make sure you take the right turn here. Or just ring in your vacation (see the Grassmayr bell foundry) and stay there for two nights. The city's adventure department has even recently curated some hand-picked recommendations for just this purpose.

From tedious to relaxing: Innsbruck really plays all the right tunes as a casual rest and refreshment stop. First get rid of the car, then a little sidestep into the Innsbruck Info for the Innsbruck Card (either 24, 48 or 72 hours) and the sightseeing and event recommendations for the day. Anyone staying at one of the hundreds of partner businesses receives the Welcome Card (a.k.a. guest card with numerous included services such as public transport and discounts) completely free of charge! The included experiences are staggered according to the length of stay - from two nights, for example, there are guided hiking and e-bike tours as well as public transport and a city bike (on loan) for free. For stays of three nights or more, a promenade concert and four mountain railroads are free of charge.

As you know, Tirol offers everything from sloth to advanced. Experienced strollers can take one of the seven lovely city walks or a guided city tour, which are now also available in the evening (and also free of charge with Innsbruck Card ). Alternatively, take a gondola up the nearest local mountain (be careful, because Innsbruck has two: Patscherkofel in the south and Hafelekar in the north, peak-to-peak: bus line J). But even on more extensive alpine tours, there are expert guides on request - I once let myself be seduced into the sacredly beautiful Sellraintal and up the Fotscher Windegg let myself be seduced. And I still dream about it today.

Another tip leads to the quiet Mieminger Plateauwhere you can also try your hand at golf. Another wonder can be found further east in Wattens, where a sparkling giant sleeps in the meadow and not only enchants children. For a spontaneous Alpine quickie between five mountain pastures, we locals head straight from the city to the Nordkette. Just follow the signs or the locals - don't forget to fill your water bottle on the way! If you want to be closer to the Tyrolean nature idyll, one of the charming campsites in the area surrounding the city (e.g. at Natterer See) is the best choice.

Exercise naturally makes you hungry, so a few fine recommendations should not be missing here either: Anyone who is inspired by our podcast and visits the Schwarzfischer in Stams, you should definitely try to get a schnapps and a blessing in the monastery (say hello to Father Lukas), while the orangery right next door serves fine monastery cuisine. The rustic Buzihütte in Innsbruck offers similarly traditional cuisine and rewards every visit with a panoramic walk along the Höttinger panorama trails.

On the other side of the valley, you will find the Kulinarium Koi Bar on Lake Lanser, where you can enjoy sophisticated fusion cuisine and cool off at the weekend. For an excursion into Tyrolean dumpling culture, Laura has recently made herself smart, the Burenwirt serves the best schnitzel and spoils gourmets directly at the lake die Wilderin spoils gourmets right in the old town. For dolce vita, we recommend Due Sicilie at Höttinger Gasse, Aperitivo Italiano and La Cantina at Sparkassenplatz. Otherwise, simply enjoy a sundowner with a view of the city at Café 360 on the rooftop of the Rathausgalerien or enjoy a drink at Kulturcafè Treibhaus or along the Innpromende.

An equally common farewell phrase: Servus. But before you get back to the fun of driving south (or backwards), please don't forget the souvenir photo. Nobody else at home will believe you're that beautiful. Master photographer Danijel has compiled a list of the most beautiful spots and there is almost always at least one somewhere along the way. To stop, linger a while, say a quiet goodbye and say Auf Wiederschaun (Austrian for "goodbye") out loud. Because you won't be able to get past Innsbruck on the way back at the latest. That's what the eternal rock wants. With this in mind: goodbye and see you soon for a stopover in Innsbruck!

Photos: The cover photo was taken by Christian Vorhofer for Innsbruck Tourismus.