A Mountain Town Tucked In The Austrian Alps Offers Incredible Cuisine And Endless Trails

Vienna and the charming city of Salzburg are often regarded as the star attractions during a visit to Austria, not least in the winter when travelers flock from all over to experience the incredible Christmas markets. That is perhaps a little unfair to the beautiful yet underrated city of Innsbruck, which has its fair share of culture, attractions, and cuisine, plus the added bonus of a prime alpine location for hiking and skiing around the year. The country's fifth-largest city is tucked away in the Austrian Alps in the heart of Europe, yet the mountainous location belies its accessibility from other major urban hubs: Innsbruck lies just two hours by car from Salzburg and Munich and a scenic five-hour drive from Vienna and Milan.

"Alpine urban living" is the promise on Innsbruck's website, and they're not kidding: The Tyrolean capital is flanked by tall peaks on both sides of the valley in which it resides. This gives the serene city of around 136,000 people the distinct vibe of a mountain getaway — indeed, a cable car will whisk you from downtown Innsbruck to the top of the Nordkette range in under 30 minutes. Not only is the ride spectacular, but it makes the city a great base for skiing trips and exploring the many scenic hiking routes in the region. If mountains and trails aren't your thing, there are plenty of sights, events, shopping, and terrific restaurants to keep you busy. Let's take a look at some of the highlights.

Things to see and do in Innsbruck

Arranged along the banks of the River Inn between two mountain ranges, Innsbruck is a very walkable city. Most sights and attractions are within a comfortable stroll of the picturesque Old Town (Altstadt), where the annual Christmas Market takes place. You can also climb to the top of the Gothic Innsbruck City Tower for superb views across the rooftops. Major landmarks include the very shiny Golden Roof, an important symbol of the city; Maria-Theresien-Strasse, an elegant promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and baroque palaces; and Schloss Ambras, the Renaissance-Era castle where Archduke Ferdinand II liked to show off his incredible collection of artworks. The Imperial Gardens make for a gorgeous stroll in all seasons but are especially lovely in the summer when you can find a shady spot on the grass and enjoy a picnic.

If you are traveling as a family, the Alpine Zoo is always a winner. Kids will love seeing the impressive range of animals, birds, and reptiles from the region, including bears, salamanders, vultures, lynx, and wolves — the latter are known to howl when they hear the church bells ring in town. A little further afield but well worth the trip is the remarkable Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a large exhibition center filled with captivating installations and artworks showcasing the company's glimmering gems. Once you're done exploring the city, the trails in the mountains above make Austria a stunning European destination for your hiking bucket list.

Eating and drinking in Innsbruck

You're in Austria, so you can always sniff out a decent schnitzel in some traditional Innsbruck restaurants, but the Tyrol also has its own distinctive cuisine to try out. Some local favorites include Kaspressknödel, or crispy fried dumplings filled with cheese — don't sleep on the classic bacon version. Another popular dish is Käsespätzle, pasta tossed with onions and spicy cheese, preferably of the Tyrolean mountain variety. A good place to taste some of these delicacies is Fischerhausl, a cozy restaurant not far from the Imperial Gardens.

Elsewhere in the city, Pippilotta is a popular spot for lunch, offering a slim menu of trendy options served with a personal touch. Visitors to Innsbruck also love it — the cafe has a five-star rating on Tripadvisor. If you want to treat yourself, book a table at Lichtblick for stylish modern gastronomy with wonderful views of the city and mountains beyond from the terrace. The three-course menu options change daily and are prepared with the finest fresh ingredients for a meal worthy of a splurge. If you are in the mood to sample some Tyrolean nightlife, Innsbruck certainly has a decent selection of stylish bars and pubs. Tribaun is a hotspot for lovers of craft beer with an excellent range of local brews on tap, while Fuchs & Hase is a hip spot to sip on a cocktail or spritzer while enjoying a fine view of the cathedral from its outdoor terrace.