Leisure Options In Innsbruck
The high mountains that dominate the horizon surrounding Innsbruck command the most attention in regards to sports and outdoor activities. There are many ways to enjoy the alpine valleys, even if you aren’t prepared to put too much effort into it. For the more athletic visitors, the recreation possibilities are endless.
Outdoor recreation
One of the favourite pastimes of local Tyroleans is walking up and down mountains. The hiking choices just outside Innsbruck offer everything from a relatively easy walk to one of the inns in the alpine villages of Hotting or Kranebitten to a day-long trek to the Stubai glacier. The trail system around Innsbruck is astounding. Any serious hiker will find themselves in an alpine paradise, where you can trek for days on end. If you don’t have the stamina to walk to the top, there are numerous funiculars which will zip you to the top of the mountains in no time.
Closer to town, Innsbruck’s best public park, the Hofgarten, contains several lakes and lots of shady trees and green lawns, which are perfect for relaxing or strolling around. The city is also home to plenty of tennis courts, swimming pools, gyms and several golf courses. In addition, horseback riding trails and paragliding are available just outside town.
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Skiing
In the winter, all attention turns to the snow and the incredible skiing around Innsbruck. All of the regions around the city are conveniently accessible by public transport, such as the glaciers in the Stubai and Otz valleys. Five cable cars and 44 chairlifts provide easy access to the five sunny, snow-covered ski areas surrounding Innsbruck.
You will find a variety of terrain, from the beginner slopes at Glungezer to the steep off-piste skiing of Seegrube. If you are a summer skier, there’s year-round skiing on the Stubai glacier, about 40kms from Innsbruck. A Super Ski Pass allows access to all five of the area’s ski resorts and includes all transfers. For information on ski conditions and transportation, call the Tourist Office at: +43 0512 598850.
In the winter, the city also has excellent bobsled and toboggan runs as well as several ice skating rinks.