Innsbruck Austria

We were in a Christmas market tour in Innsbruck. It was really a nice and worthy visit and shopping 🛍

Innsbruck, city, capital of Bundesland(federal state) Tirol, western Austria, on the Inn at the mouth of the Sill River in the Eastern Alps. First mentioned in 1180 as a small market town belonging to the Bavarian counts of Andech, it developed rapidly because of its strategic position at the junction of the great trade routes from Italy to Germany via the Brenner Pass and from Switzerland and western Europe. The bridge (Brücke) over the Inn originally carried this traffic and gave the city its name and its insignia. Innsbruck was chartered in 1239, passed to the Habsburgs in 1363, and in 1420 became the capital of Tirol and the ducal residence under Frederick, the duke “of the empty pockets.” Napoleon gave the city to the kingdom of Bavaria in 1806, and during the War of Liberation (1809) four battles were fought around Berg Isel, a hill (2,461 feet [750 metres]) immediately to the south, by Tirolian patriots led by Andreas Hofer against the Bavarians and the French.

The most wonderful time of the year is even better in Innsbruck. Festive Christmas markets entice visitors with delicious punch and local specialities, such as Kiachl – freshly baked farmers’ donuts served with sweet or savoury toppings. The medieval streets are filled with the romantic glow of twinkling lights, traditional Austrian brass bands play out from the towers and Advent concerts get visitors in the Christmas spirit. Traditions, such as the Krampus parades (when demon-like creatures from Alpine folklore parade through the streets in elaborate costumes), nativity scene displays, visits from St. Nicholas and Advent concerts entertain guests of all ages. And traditional Christmas specialties, such as delicious fruit breads and Christmas stollen, are just waiting to be enjoyed.