Innsbruck

Cupped by the vertiginous slopes of the Alps, Innsbruck encapsulates Austria's best amid scenic surrounds, the likes of which are rarely seen beyond the embrace of this Tyrolean capital city. Coveted by monarchs across history, Innsbruck came to be the seat of Maximilian I in the 15th Century, who lovingly bestowed upon the city some of its most iconic facades. Of these, the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace are the most recognizable of them all. The Altstadt, or old town of Innsbruck, is a picture-perfect rendering of late-medieval architecture, overlooked by Habsburg Palace and the Cathedral of St. James in all its Baroque glory. The city meticulously balances its heritage and awesome scenery with a thrilling outdoor offer, ranging from adrenaline pumping Olympic ski-jump to beguiling gondola rides up to Seegrube at an elevation of 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). Activities like hiking and cycling can be enjoyed year round while snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding are popular winter pursuits. Schloss Ambras, the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, Rathausgalerie and Hungerburgbahn are other attractions that top the list of things to do in Innsbruck. Bridging the gap between the urban and the outdoors, Innsbruck has been aptly dubbed the Capital of the Alps.