5. Take a Trip to Innsbruck: Austria’s Olympic City
A pleasant two-hour train (or car) ride southwest of Salzburg, the former Winter Olympic city of Innsbruck is well worth exploring. Idyllically located in the wide Inn Valley, Innsbruck has long been one of Austria’s most visited tourist destinations, whatever the season.
Much of the city’s popularity is undoubtedly due to its distinctive medieval architecture, most notably in the pedestrian-friendly Old Town Innsbruck. Here, you’ll find the city’s wonderful-to-wander narrow, twisting streets and lovely old buildings, including the Helblinghaus, with its fine decorative ornamentation.
Another must-see architectural highlight, and perhaps the city’s most iconic piece of architecture, is the famous Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl). Built in 1496 and made up of 2,657 gilded copper tiles, it makes for an idyllic selfie spot. Other buildings of note include Innsbruck Cathedral (Innsbruck Dom), with its imposing twin-towers and magnificent ceiling paintings, and the spectacular Hofkirche, built in 1563 and home to the Tomb and Museum of Emperor Maximilian I.
And, of course, no trip to Innsbruck would be complete without spending a little time admiring the views from the many mountains surrounding the city. The highest of these is the 2,403-meter Saile and the Serles group, along with the 2,247-meter Patscherkofel, where some of the country’s best skiing lies.
6. Climb Every Mountain: Kitzbühel
A little under 90 minutes’ drive southwest of Salzburg is one of Austria’s largest and most popular ski resorts, Kitzbühel. Often referred to simply as «Kitz,» Kitzbühel is as popular in summer as it is in winter, thanks to fun things to do such as hiking, biking, and golf. Perched on a long ridge of hills, this picturesque medieval town is a treat to explore, with its narrow streets and centuries-old gabled houses.
The town also makes a great base from which to explore the mountains of the Kitzbühel Alps, the closest of which is the 1,655-meter-tall Hahnenkamm. Getting to the top is surprisingly easy, thanks to the many chairlifts and cable cars available. It’s a journey that’s well worth fitting into your Austria travel itinerary – the views of the surrounding countryside are wonderful, as are the many excellent walking trails leading back down. And even if you only go part of the way, it’s a worthwhile experience.
Alternatively, the 1,772-meter-tall Hornköpfli, also reached by cable car, offers equally stunning views. Some of the best views are from the Gipfelhaus, a unique mountaintop complex with a chapel, restaurant, and garden.
