Innsbruck travel guide

What blogs and Internet magazines should one read in and about Innsbruck?

Tirolblog.org provides a witty look behind the scenes of events and current affairs in Tyrol.

In which movies, books, and songs does the city of Innsbruck play a major role?

Movies:
"Andreas Hofer - Die Freiheit des Adlers" with Tobias Moretti (2001)

Die Piefke Saga (TV cult movie from the 1990s, set in a Tyrolean mountain village)

Songs:
"Dem Land Tirol die Treue" – the unofficial state anthem of Tirol (teenagers love it too)

"I bin aus Innsbruck" by IBK-Tribe (Innsbruck hip-hop outfit)

Books:
The stories about Frau Hitt (ballads by Karl Egon Ritter von Ebert)
Cognac & Biskotten, abbreviated "Co & Bi," is the essential Tyrolean literary magazine.

What are the most famous and the most exciting events in the city?

The most famous events:

- New Year's Ski Jump (Four Hills Tournament)

- Air & Style Snowboard Contest

The most exciting events:

- 20 Inch Trophy in spring (local BMX contest)
- Wetterleuchten festival (July): electronic music festival on the Seegrube at 6,500 feet, http://www.wetterleuchten.at/

What free offers should I not overlook?

Every Monday there is a free concert at the Weekender, every Friday at Treibhaus. Skaters can enjoy themselves in the city's skate park as they wish.

What places give me that special Innsbruck feeling the fastest?

- A "Radler" (beer/lemonade mix) and Kaspressknödel Soup at Wolke 7 (restaurant at the Hungerburg Lower Terminus, 10 minutes with the bus out of the city on the mountain), where in the summer, downhill cyclists and hikers pass by (in winter, skiers and snowboarders)
- A coffee at the "360 Grad" cafe in the middle of the old city center, with a view of the city and of the Nordkette mountain range, somewhat more upscale ambience
- Summer tip: Ein Aperol spritzer from Strandbar on Marktplatz, just stick your feet in the sand and enjoy the view of the Nordkette
- Winter tip: A cup of punch at the "Fischer Häusl" – after 5pm this place is jammed with students

Where and how can I get to know approachable native citizens?

A lot of students go to the Weekender on Monday evenings. Lovers of electronic music can be found every Thursday at midnight at the Aftershave Club. If you go to the park (snowboarding or freeskiing) on the Nordkette, you will quickly get to know locals. In summer it's fun to congregate at the Baggersee and play a game of volleyball. In Innsbruck, sports a good way to get to know locals.

How much is...

...a snack?

Small breakfast (coffee, roll, butter, marmelade) in Stefan's Brotmanufaktur: € 3.30; stuffed bun at Bäcker Ruetz: €3.50; a Kebab at Chili’s Kebab: € 4.00

...a subway/bus/streetcar ticket or taxi ride?

€ 1.80 for a bus or streetcar; taxi start fare is € 5.80

...a coffee / a beer / a pack of cigarettes?

Kaffee, on average: € 3.00 / € 2.80 for a beer at the Weekender / € 4.00 für Muratti cigarettes

...a museum ticket?

€ 4,00 for the Goldenes Dachl Museum, for example

...a fun night in pubs and clubs?

Depends how fun! There's only an entry fee in Innsbruck on Fridays and Saturdays and for concerts, usually not more than € 5. On Monday at the Weekender there is always a free concert on Student’s Night and white wine spritzers for € 1.80. Every Friday there is a free concert at the Treibhaus. As a rule, by the end of the evening, € 20 for drinks (beer/wine) should see you through.

I still have some money left over, what should I buy in Innsbruck as a souvenir?

Tyrolean Bergkäse and bacon, or how about a hand-knitted winter hat? For example from http://www.bluebirdheadwear.at

What makes this city distinctive, unique, or nerve-wracking - and what are the reasons for it?

The Alpine capital of Austria is beautiful situated in the mountains. Behind every corner you can spy a small piece of mountain. The city is also famous for the often prevailing "hair dryer" winds, which heat the valley. If you are susceptible to migraine, however, you may not enjoy it so much.

Innsbruck has many student athletes who know how to party. Those who go with the flow and return to the same locations will get to know a lot of people and and appreciate the small-town feel. If you wander the city with locals, you can be sure that your guide will frequently have to stop to greet someone. This creates a friendly atmosphere, but it can also be a hassle, as secrets do not remain secrets for very long.

Where and how can I get a good Internet connection?

The Treibhaus Club has free Wifi.

What should I avoid in Innsbruck under all circumstances?

The many souvenir shops in the old town and along the Maria-Theresia-Strasse are expensive.

Is there anything else that people should know about Innsbruck?

The Tyrolean dialect is not easy to understand, especially not for people who are still learning German. It is best to go slowly and let the locals explain the linguistic idiosyncrasies. They mostly have fun with it.

Tyroleans love the "ch" – the Viennese poke fun at Tyroleans with jokes like this:
"What does a Tyrolean say to a banana?" "Banane-chhh"