Innsbruck, once the ancestral home of the Habsburgs, still bears witness to its regal heritage through its opulent historic buildings. Architecture enthusiasts should make sure to visit the former residence of the Tyrolean rulers - Hofburg Palace. Another iconic symbol of the city is the "Golden Roof," a balcony adorned with sheets of gilded copper.
For art lovers, Ambras Castle is a must-see museum, with its collection initiated by Archduke Ferdinand. The museum houses an array of paintings, weaponry, and other treasures. Innsbruck's primary religious site is the Cathedral of St. James, which holds an important Catholic relic - the image of Mary the Helper. Among the city's religious landmarks are also the Hofkirche Cathedral, home to the tomb of Kaiser Maximilian I, and the Basilica Wiltener.
Additionally, visitors should set aside time to explore the Olympic Museum, as Innsbruck hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1964 and 1976. Other notable attractions include the Royal Hunting Museum, the Anatomical Museum, and the Bell Museum, with a collection amassed by the same family over 400 years. And if you venture 15 kilometers from Innsbruck, you'll discover a true gem underground - the "Swarovski Crystal Worlds" museum, situated on the site of the company's first factory.
