Innsbruck 1

Innsbruck is the capital city of Tyrol in western Austria.
It hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, the 1984
and 1988 Winter Paralympics and is to host the 1st Winter
Youth Olympics in 2012. Innsbruck translated literally
means "the bridge over the inn".

City center contains variety of eclectic facades and bold

colours. Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical and other types

densely populate the streets, with a large pedestrian

walking area in the middle.

Triumphal Arch: one side expresses happiness and the joy

of marriage while the other side grieves over the death of

Emperor Franz Stephan during the wedding celebrations.

Detail of top of Arch. I have to admit, I was only in Innsbruck for 12 hours

which sounds ridiculous, but it's really quite astounding

how much can be accomplished in half a day.

Hofgarten. Beautifully kept. Right next to Kaiserliche

Hofburg. People play chess on huge chessboard installations.

Wooden play structure for kids. Very organically shaped

pathways that recall Olmstead.

Large fountains in park. The Hofgarten is open until

10:00pm, so great for scrolling around after dinner or a

show.

Imperial Palace School in inner city.

Example of Baroque Architecture.

Great thing about Europe is randomly walking somewhere

while on the lookout for a particular building and coming

across something beautiful.

On left: Ottoburg, erected in 15th century in place of

a small castle for the counts of Andechs. Ordered by

Maximilian I.

I love buildings with personalities. Years of memories

are impregnated in the walls...Disney should make a

movie about talking buildings (I guess there's Monster

House).

There was sick wooden installation art in this park. My

photographs of the pieces turned out horribly, but you

can sit, sleep, drink on them which is a straightforward,

efficient way of making art accessible.

Across the river away from the city center. Streets were

deserted when I was there.

Interior of Imperial Palace.

"Goldener Adler": Iconic golden roof building

Swarovski store with exhibit downstairs.

Indoor shopping center.

In general, I find cemeteries fascinating,

but the one in Innsbruck was exceptional.

Buildings whose structure and lines are

clearly defined really draw attention.

Innsbruck photographs so well. The scenery is obviously spectacular because you see mountains wherever you are. Someone told me that the further West you go in Austria, the friendlier people get, and Innsbruck actually reinforces that belief. Surprising amount of designer shops here. Very pleasant day overall.