The fairytale European city break with £17.99 flights
I’VE always dreamed of taking a helicopter ride over the Tyrolean mountains, but it turns out an easyJet flight from Gatwick does the job just as well.
Seat 16A offered spectacular views of the stunning scenery, at a fraction of the price.
Snow-capped peaks surrounded the plane as we descended into the Austrian city of Innsbruck, a sight made only more impressive by the sun setting casting an orange glow across the whole city.
The view was so striking that passengers (including myself) had their noses pressed up against the windows in awe.
Your flight here will save you about £130 on the helicopter ride — so that’s one activity ticked off before you’ve even set foot in the country.
Innsbruck is known as a winter sports destination, but it’s so much more than that.
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With great food, imperial and modern architecture and snowy scenes straight out of a fairytale, it’s the perfect weekend break.
Surprisingly, almost everywhere in and around the city is cash only — so stock up on euros.
But there are two cards you will need while you’re there — a Welcome Card or an Innsbruck Card.
The former is supplied by accommodation providers free of charge to visitors staying three nights or more, while the latter is given to holidaymakers booked in at certain hotels — it can also be bought for €63 (£55) per adult and €26.50 (£23.50) per child.
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It’s your one-stop pass for the area’s best attractions — including ski resorts, museums, and a guided walking tour.
Both cards also offer unlimited use of public transport.
Among the activities included with the Innsbruck Card is the Nordkette cable car system which climbs 7,401ft (2,256m) from the city centre into the mountain range of the same name.
Three gondola lifts nearly got me to the top — but I had to do the final stretch to reach the summit on foot where I was rewarded with breath-taking 360-degree views of the region.
While misty on the day I visited, I’m told that on a clear day you can see all the way to Italy in one direction and Germany in the other.
If visiting in the depths of winter though, go prepared. It was -12C when I was there in mid-December, but was well worth the trip up, despite the bitter chill — and the creamy hot chocolate and apple strudel at the mountain-top cafe certainly sweetened the atmosphere.
With your Welcome Card, you get one ascent and descent on the cable cars at the Oberperfuss resort.
While skiing is of course an option, tobogganing is what this mountain range is famous for.
Innsbruck is fab for food
The city’s streets are lined with lively bars and restaurants, while Alpine huts are scattered throughout the mountains.
You should try:
- Tiroler Gröstl from Rosskogelhütte (a hut 5,855ft above sea level serving traditional Austrian cuisine).
- A burger from Ludwig (a much-loved Austrian chain which uses regional ingredients).
- Apple strudel with warm vanilla sauce from any of the charming cafes.
- A burrito from Machete – Burrito Kartell (a cheap and very tasty Mexican joint popular with locals).
- A mango chicken curry from Himal Nepali Kitchen (a cosy Nepalese restaurant in the heart of the city where it’s near impossible to get a table).
- Gluhwein from just about anywhere.
Sparkling sculptures
There’s a 6.2-mile run into the valley which riders fly down at astonishing speed.
I let out a giddy squeal as I hurtled towards a barrier with no brakes but my boots in the snow.
With numerous twists and turns and no way to steer, expect to feel a little out of control — especially while distracted by the panoramic views.
I stacked it twice, but thankfully the snow is much softer than the icy stuff we get in the UK.
If you can’t get enough of climbing to high points for a good view, the Bergisel ski jump also offers an unmissable vista — and it’s much closer than the mountaintops.
A short bus or tram ride away from the town square, the 820ft-high stadium gives visitors a different, uninterrupted perspective on the Alpine city.
It has twice hosted Olympic events — in 1964 and 1976 and is somewhat of an Innsbruck icon.
Also on the must-see list is the row of colourful houses on Mariahilfer Strasse along the Inn River.
Set against the snowy mountain backdrop, I felt like I’d stepped straight onto a film set.
And Swarovski Crystal Worlds in nearby Wattens is worth a stop, especially as the entrance fee and shuttle bus from Innsbruck are included with your Innsbruck Card.
I marvelled at the intricate sparkling sculptures and artwork, as well as costumes worn by everyone from Beyonce to Elton John.
My personal highlight was the dome which consists of 595 mirrors that makes you feel like you’re inside a crystal — surreal but very cool.
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I paid 63 euros (£55) for the 48-hour Innsbruck Card but squeezed in about £180 worth of activities — and the Welcome Card was free.
So coupled with a bargain easyJet flight, Innsbruck won’t break the bank — just maybe your fingers.
GO: INNSBRUCK
GETTING THERE: Easyjet flies from Gatwick to Innsbruck from £17.99 each way.
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STAYING THERE: Rooms at Ibis Innsbruck cost just under £75 per night.
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