Innsbruck - Europe's Oldest City

The oldest city in Europe and unarguably also one of the most beautiful, Innsbruck, Austria is far more than just another Austrian ski destination. The capital of Tyrol state, Innsbruck is located on the Western side of Austria, close to the country’s borders with Germany and Italy, and its picturesque location among snow-capped mountains has made it a favourite destination for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts, and this Alpine city has twice been the venue for the Winter Olympics. Tiny by city standards, with a population of less than 150,000, it remains the feel of an Alpine town, and if you are looking for a cosy hotel Innsbruck has plenty of comfortable choices in all price ranges. The city attracts tourists throughout the year, but the winter ski season is when it becomes seriously flooded with tourists, whose presence makes for a lively apres-ski scene at the bars and restaurants that are dotted around the town. Aside from drinking and dining, Innsbruck offers many unique attractions that combine to make this far more than your average ski destination. Many of these attractions, such as the largest zoo in Europe, are suitable for families, and Innsbruck is a great place for a family holiday at any time of year. Many Innsbruck hotels are extremely family friendly, and some are able to arrange babysitting services and creches in addition to providing the necessary extras such as high chairs and cots. While the slopes surrounding Innsbruck are the city’s principle attractions during the winter months, but there are festivals and events held throughout the year, and Innsbruck’s beautiful landscape really comes to life in the spring and throughout the summer, when flowers bloom on the hillsides and visitors can enjoy mountain walks, swimming in mountain springs and natural waterfalls, and enjoy al-fresco dining and drinking at the city’s picturesque public squares. Bear in mind that hotels tend to be fully booked during the ski season, so it’s advisable to make reservations well in advance of your visit if you intend to be in Innsbruck during the months of December through to February.