Situated at the heart of the Tyroler Mountains, Innsbruck sits at an important junction between Germany and Italy.

Over the centuries it has been fought over by these two countries but in fact retained its ties with Austria and own distinct character.
Situated at the heart of the Tyrol province it became the regions capital in 1187 and remains so to this day.

A compact city Innsbruck offers the best of two worlds namely being the gateway to some of the best Alpine ski resorts making it highly popular during the winter as well as offering a wealth of activities to enjoy during the summer months.

As small, relatively, as the province is, Tirol is virtually the shop window of Austria. Its very name conjures up visions of great chains of never ending snowcapped mountains.

Its remote winding Alpine valleys, rushing mountain torrents and spectacular glaciers that rise out of the depths like brilliant, icy diamonds, make this a beautiful place to visit.

Due to its location between high mountains, Innsbruck serves as an ideal place for skiing in winter, and mountaineering in summer.

There are several ski resorts around Innsbruck with the Nordkette served by a cable car and additional chair lifts further up. Other ski resorts nearby include Axamer Lizum, Igls, Seefeld, Tulfes and Stubai Valley. The glaciated terrain in the latter makes skiing possible even in summer months.

The Olympic Winter Games were held in Innsbruck twice, first in 1964, then again in 1976, when the Denver, Colorado voters rejected a bond referendum to finance the games.

Along with St. Moritz, Switzerland and Lake Placid, New York in the United States, it is one of three places which have twice hosted the Winter Games. It also hosted the 1984 and 1988 Winter Paralympics.

Other notable events held in Innsbruck include the Air and Style Snowboard Contest from 1994 to 1999 and the Ice Hockey World Championship in 2005.

Together with the city of Seefeld, Innsbruck organized the Winter Universiade in 2005.
Innsbruck is also one of the host cities for Euro 2008 which is to be held in Switzerland and Austria

In fact outdoor types are spoilt for choice with skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, mountain biking, hiking, horse riding, hot air ballooning as well as much more all catered for.

Lastly, the picturesque town centre contains many medieval monuments and buildings as well as a surprising choice of restaurants and bars set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop.

BlueWaterArticles.com: - Alpine Living At Its Best

About the Author

Douglas Scott works for The Rental Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Rental Site