Between Munich And Bolzano Is A Charming Mountain City With A Walkable Downtown, Antique Shops, And Tasty Eats

There's something about visiting places nestled within mountains that feels extra special. The sunlight hits the peaks at varying times of day, changing the scenery dramatically. On a cloudy morning, the mountains take on an imposing look, but during a golden sunset, those same peaks are sun-kissed with a pink glow, creating an ethereal landscape. Germany and Italy are home to incredible mountain towns and cities, but between Munich and Bolzano, you'll come across an Austrian gem that offers postcard-worthy scenes everywhere you glance. Innsbruck, Austria (the capital of the Tyrol region), is a mountain city where you can walk down charming streets, stop at antique shops, and enjoy plenty of tasty eats.

Having traveled extensively through Austria myself, Innsbruck stood out to me as a gem of a city for many reasons. The charm of Innsbruck can be felt all throughout its stunning downtown area, more notably referred to as the Old Town, or Altstadt. Walking through its cobbled streets lined with pastel colored buildings adorned with intricate artistic details, it was hard to know where to look next. Innsbruck's setting is enhanced dramatically with mountain views, which can be seen from all across the city. The Nordkette Mountains provide plenty of outdoor adventures, such as hiking, cycling, and tackling a challenging via ferrata.

Innsbruck's accessible location allows travelers to visit as a day trip from both Munich, Germany, and Bolzano, Italy. Whether you take a train, bus, or car from Munich, the trip will take around two hours. Coming from Bolzano, the journey is similar, matching the two-hour transit time. Alternatively, from Munich Airport (MUC), there are direct flights multiple times per day to Innsbruck Airport (INN).

Known for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976 and widely popularized as a skiing destination, Innsbruck isn't exactly considered Europe's under-the-radar winter resort haven. For those that don't partake in winter sports, the Old Town of Innsbruck is charming and walkable, regardless of your reason to visit. Walking around Innsbruck isn't only a good way to get in those daily steps; it also allows travelers to soak in the epic mountain scenery, as well as enjoy the Baroque and Rococo architectural delights at a leisurely pace. All of the major attractions are within walking distance, so getting lost in the colorful, narrow streets is a must.

Strolling down Maria Theresien pedestrian street is certainly a highlight. The long, grand boulevard is lined with restaurants, bars, cafés, and a plethora of shops, selling everything from traditional wool scarves to kitschy magnets. You'll hear church bells echoing down the street, filling the air with their melodic tune. Bookended by mountains and arches, walking along this beautiful street is a pleasure. To the north, the Nordkette Mountain stands tall and offers one of the most picturesque scenes in the city. If you head south on Maria Theresien Street, you'll come across the impressive Triumphal Arch (Triumphpforte), built in 1765.

Although Munich may have been given the title of the most walkable city in the world, Innsbruck is great for strolling, too. Throughout Innsbruck's Old Town, you'll come across plenty of notable landmarks worthy of checking out. To delve into the lavish lifestyle of the Habsburgs, visit the 16th-century Hofburg Imperial Palace and marvel at the interior that drips with opulence. For one of the best views in the city, make your way up the 102-foot high City Tower (Stadtturm) providing unobstructed views all around.

The city of Graz may be considered Austria's "culinary capital" with a fun food scene, but Innsbruck certainly delivers when it comes to tasty eats. Tyrolean food is hearty and doesn't skimp on delicious flavors. From barley soup to dumplings, Innsbruck has delicious food scattered throughout its streets, but you'll also find a restaurant with an ultimate view high above the city.

During my visit, I took the cable car up Nordkette Mountain and visited Restaurant Seegrube, where a golden beef broth with a large, bacon-speckled dumpling paired quite well with a view of the mountains. Back in Alstadt, visit the highly rated Restaurant Goldener Adler to order a hearty gröstl — a dish combining bacon, potatoes, and fried onions, all topped with a fried egg. Don't think we forgot about dessert. For a decadent treat and a taste of traditional Viennese coffee culture (which is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage), head to Café Central, the westernmost Viennese coffee house in the country. Enjoy a slice of chocolate Sachertorte, paired with Melange-style coffee (espresso with steamed milk and a foam cloud). After indulging in a Tyrolean feast, stroll along the River Inn for dramatic mountain views before checking out the Golden Roof (the Goldenes Dachl), decorated with 2,657 copper tiles thinly layered with gold.

When it comes to scouring the streets for vintage finds and antiques, Innsbruck has plenty of options. Nectar Vintage Studio has a friendly vibe filled with unique items. A shopper on Google raves about their visit, saying, "Second-hand store with amazing selection of items of good quality and condition and fair prices. I love the emphasis on natural fibers." A treasure trove of antique furniture can be found nestled along the banks of the River Inn at Ho&Ruck Gebrauchtmöbel Gemeinnützige. Reviewers praise the ever-changing collection of charming, historic pieces.