Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported
When you think of Austria, does the renowned Vienna come to mind? For those planning a trip to Austria, why not take a journey to Innsbruck in the west? Here, you can enjoy the simple scenery of an Alpine mountain town, listen to open-air concerts, try paragliding, rock climbing, or challenge yourself with off-road cycling. You can also experience a cable car that climbs over 2,000 meters above sea level in just 20 minutes, and feel the thrill of skiing in the Alps. If you visit in December, you can explore Christmas markets set against a backdrop of a silver-white world.
Located in western Austria, Innsbruck is a traditional Austrian mountain town with a strong historical atmosphere. (Image provided by TVB Innsbruck)
Situated in western Austria and nestled in the Alpine valley, Innsbruck is an ancient city with an 800-year history. Surrounded by towering mountains and vast forests, this Alpine town has hosted the Olympic flame three times, including the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976, as well as the first Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2012. Ski enthusiasts can experience speeding down high-speed sled runs at 90 km/h like Olympic athletes, or carve elegant arcs through the falling snow on ski slopes. A must-do is taking the Nordkette Cable Car from the city center of Innsbruck, ascending over 2,000 meters above sea level in just 20 minutes, and savoring the refreshing sensation of crisp alpine air.
It takes only 20 minutes by cable car to climb from the city center to over 2,000 meters in the Alps. (Image provided by TVB Innsbruck)
After descending, stroll through the city streets, swap your hiking boots for high heels, and admire the "Golden Roof" covered with 2,657 gilded copper tiles—the city’s dazzling landmark. Maria-Theresien-Straße is a glamorous shopping and leisure area where you can linger in street-side cafés and bars. In Innsbruck, you get to embrace both the city and the mountains. If you visit in December, the traditional Christmas market of this medieval mountain town begins every year on the first Sunday of the month. In addition to colorful Christmas decorations, there are various handicrafts and a rich program of performances. Even just strolling the streets, with the Alps as a backdrop and the strong charm of a foreign Christmas atmosphere, will create unforgettable holiday memories.
● Further Reading:
A Crystal Dreamland: Giants' Valley Entirely Frozen in Winter
http://goo.gl/Sjek0X
Visit Innsbruck in December and immerse yourself in the exotic Christmas markets beneath the Alps. (Image provided by TVB Innsbruck)