Leslie Massey
Innsbruck, the capital of the Austrian state of Tyrol, is the fifth-largest city in the country. It is situated in a valley of the Inn River between mountain ranges above 2,000m (6,562ft) above sea level. The city's population was 132,493 as of 1 January 2018, though other sources state it to be around 130,000.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 132,493 as of 1st January 2018. Approximately 130,000 currently |
| Location | On the River Inn, at the junction with the Wipp Valley in the valley of Inn River between mountain ranges above 2000m (6562ft) above sea level. |
| Climate | Humid continental (Köppen Dfb) or oceanic (Cfb) with larger annual temperature differences than most of Central Europe due to its location and position around mountainous terrains. |
| Weather | Winters are very cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping to -10°C (14°F). Springs are brief, with days becoming warm (over 15°C/59°F) but nights remaining cool or freezing. |
| Language | German is the official language, but English is widely understood and spoken as it is the second language in the educational system. |
| Currency | Euro |
| Voltage | 220V, 50Hz |
| Country Code | +43 |
| Area Code | 0512 |
| Capital of | Tyrol, the Austrian state of Tyrol, and the federal state of Tyrol in western Austria |
| Major Attractions | Goldenes Dachl, Imperial Hofburg, Hofkirche, Alpenzoo, Schloss Ambras, Bergisel Ski Jump, Tyrolean State Museum, Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum, Stadtturm, Triumphpforte, Innsbruck Clocktower, and the University of Innsbruck |
| History | Innsbruck was the centre of administration during the Napoleonic Wars. It was part of Bavaria until 1814 when Austrian rule was restored. It was occupied by Italian soldiers towards the end of World War I and was a location of subcamps of the Dachau concentration camp during World War II. |
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What You'll Learn
Innsbruck's population in 2018
Innsbruck, the capital of the Austrian state of Tyrol, is the fifth-largest city in the country. In 2015, the population of Innsbruck was approximately 127,000. This number grew to 132,493 in 2018. The population of Innsbruck in 2018 can be further broken down into students and commuters. The University of Innsbruck, the Innsbruck Medical University, and the Management Center Innsbruck had a combined total of about 25,000 students enrolled in 2018. Additionally, over 35,000 people commuted to Innsbruck every day.
Innsbruck's population of about 120,000 to 130,000 people is relatively small compared to other major cities. However, the city is a popular destination due to its proximity to the mountains and the many nearby options for winter sports. The city has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1964 and 1976 (or 1978 according to another source). It has also hosted the Winter Paralympics in 1984 and 1988, the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2012, and various other sporting events.
Innsbruck's location in the "heart of the Alps" contributes to its appeal. The city is surrounded by high peaks, including the Nordkette in the north and the mountains Patscherkofel and Serles in the south. The name "Innsbruck" is derived from the River Inn and the antique word "bruck," meaning "bridge over the river Inn."
The small population of Innsbruck belies its significance and attractiveness as a destination. The city's rich history, cultural offerings, and natural beauty make it a centre of attraction for tourists and students alike.
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$82.03 $234
The city's popularity
Innsbruck is the fifth-largest city in Austria, with a population of 132,493 as of 2018. The city has been described as one of the most beautiful in the world, and its popularity as a tourist destination is well-established.
Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and the Austrian Alps. It is nestled in a valley between the Alps and the Tyrolean Alps, providing a stunning backdrop of high mountains, including the Matterhorn, which rises to 988m (3,353 ft). The city is also home to several of Europe's highest peaks, including Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Innsbruck's location in the mountains makes it a popular location for winter sports and it has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, as well as the Winter Paralympics and the first Winter Youth Olympics.
Innsbruck has a rich history, dating back to the early Stone Age. It became the capital of Tyrol in 1429 and was a centre of European politics and culture in the 15th century when Emperor Maximilian I resided there. The city has several notable historical landmarks, including the Golden Roof ("Goldenes Dachl"), a building with a roof made of 2,657 copper tiles gilded with six kilos of gold, which was gifted by the Emperor to his wife. The Hofkirche, with its funeral monument to Maximilian I, is another significant historical site.
Innsbruck also has a modest but intriguing art and cultural scene. The annual ART Innsbruck fair is the second-largest in Austria, and the city boasts innovative galleries like the Galerie Bernd Kugler. The city also has a vibrant Christmas market, with wooden stalls selling handcrafted goods and serving homemade dishes.
Innsbruck offers a range of attractions, from its Old Town and museums to its natural wonders and outdoor activities. It is a popular destination for hiking, with its scenic mountain backdrop, and also has public outdoor swimming pools and a bathing lake for summer recreation.
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Innsbruck's history
The capital of Tyrol and the fifth-largest city in Austria, Innsbruck has a rich history that dates back to the early Stone Age. The earliest traces suggest initial inhabitation in the early Stone Age, and surviving pre-Roman place names indicate that the area has been continuously populated.
In the 4th century, the Romans established the army station of Veldidena (now the urban district of Wilten) at Oenipons (Innsbruck) to protect a crucial commercial road in their province of Raetia. The first mention of Innsbruck is found in the Latin name "Oeni Pontum" or "Oeni Pons", meaning ""bridge over the Inn", referring to the Inn River, an important crossing point.
Innsbruck was acquired by the Counts of Andechs in 1180 and later passed to the Counts of Tyrol in 1248. The city's arms, featuring a bird's-eye view of the Inn Bridge, have been used since 1267. Innsbruck became the capital of all Tyrol in 1429 and rose to prominence in the 15th century when Emperor Maximilian I resided there. The city flourished under his rule, as evident in landmarks like the Hofkirche, which houses a funeral monument for Maximilian.
Innsbruck's strategic location on the trade route between Italy and Germany also contributed to its development. The route over the Brenner Pass facilitated transport and communication between northern and southern Europe, making the city a significant hub. The city's medieval walls, the first coin minted in nearby Hall in 1486, and the Fürstenburg, a palace with a balcony featuring a gilded copper roof, all bear witness to Innsbruck's historical significance.
During the Napoleonic Wars, Tyrol was ceded to Bavaria, an ally of France. Andreas Hofer, a Tyrolean hero, led a peasant army to victory against the combined Bavarian and French forces in the Battles of Bergisel. Innsbruck served as the administrative centre for Hofer until the Tyrolean militia army was defeated, resulting in Bavarian rule until 1814. Austrian rule was restored after the Vienna Congress, and Innsbruck remained part of the Austrian monarchy until 1918.
During World War I, Innsbruck experienced an air raid by Allied planes in 1918, causing casualties but no recorded damage. The city was then occupied by Italian soldiers. In the years leading up to World War II, Innsbruck was annexed by Nazi Germany, and the city became the site of two subcamps of the Dachau concentration camp. Innsbruck suffered heavy damage from air raids during the war.
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Climate and geography
Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and the fifth-largest city in Austria. It had a population of 132,493 in 2018. The city is situated in a broad valley between high mountains, specifically the North Chain in the Karwendel Alps to the north and Patscherkofel and Serles to the south. The city lies on the River Inn, at its junction with the Wipp Valley, which provides access to the Brenner Pass 30 km (19 mi) to the south. The name "Innsbruck" means "bridge over the Inn".
Innsbruck is characterised by a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) using the 0 °C (32 °F) isotherm or an oceanic climate (Cfb) using the original −3 °C (27 °F) isotherm. The city experiences larger annual temperature differences than most of Central Europe due to its location in the centre of the continent and its proximity to mountainous terrains. Winters in Innsbruck are typically very cold, with temperatures often dipping below those of most major European cities. Heavy snowfall is common, although the foehn wind can bring about sudden thaws. Spring arrives briefly, with days warming up to over 15 °C (59 °F) while nights remain cool or even freezing. July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 19°C (65°F), while January is the coldest, with an average temperature of -1°C (29°F). The wettest month is June, which sees an average of 130mm of rain.
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Culture and attractions
Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is an internationally renowned winter sports centre, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1964 and 1976. It is nestled in a valley, with part of the city climbing up the steep wall of the Alps to the north and other mountain ranges to the south. The city is steeped in history and culture, with a mix of Baroque churches, gabled houses, and twisting streets.
One of the main attractions in Innsbruck is the Golden Roof, a landmark built in the 15th century with a unique architectural style, combining both Gothic and Baroque influences. The shimmering tiles of the Goldenes Dachl are considered one of the central landmarks of the city. The Imperial Palace, with its magnificent state rooms, halls, and salons, is another must-see. It is one of the most important cultural buildings in Austria, with a rich history dating back to Emperor Maximilian I, whose funeral monument is located within the complex.
Innsbruck also boasts the Bergisel Stadium, which has hosted two Winter Olympic Games. The epic ski jump, designed by Zaha Hadid, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The city's Alpine Zoo is home to around 2,000 animals from the Alps, including eagles, vultures, wolves, and bears. Visitors can also explore the Schloss Ambras or Ambras Castle, which houses a museum with artefacts from the 1500s relating to Innsbruck's history. The castle offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Innsbruck has a rich culinary tradition, with dishes like consommé with sliced pancakes, speck (cured ham), beef goulash, schnitzel, and Moosebeernocken (fresh berry pancakes). The city also has a vibrant shopping scene, with Maria-Theresa Street being one of the most popular shopping destinations. For those interested in the outdoors, the Nordkette Skyline Park offers incredible views of Innsbruck and the distant mountains. The Hungerburg funicular provides easy access to the breathtaking views from the Nordkette mountains.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 1st January 2018, the population of Innsbruck was 132,493.
Innsbruck is the fifth-largest city in Austria, but with a population of around 130,000 people, it is not a major metropolis.
The official language spoken in Innsbruck is German, but as English is the second language in the educational system, Austrian citizens understand and speak it fluently.
The currency used in Austria is the Euro.
The country code of Austria is +43, while the area code for Innsbruck is 0512.
