Innsbruck and the Golden Roof

Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol, sits dramatically in a valley ringed by towering snow-capped Alps, so the mountains loom at the end of every street. Its pretty medieval old town is crowned by the Golden Roof, a balcony of gilded copper tiles built for an emperor, and a funicular and cable car climb from the very centre to the high peaks above.

What you actually see

• The Golden Roof - the gilded copper-tiled imperial balcony over the old town.
• The old town - the medieval arcaded streets beneath the mountains.
• The Nordkette cable car - the ride from the centre up to the high alpine peaks.
• The imperial sights - the Hofburg and the Imperial Church with its bronze tombs.

When to go

Year-round; summer for hiking and mild city days, winter for skiing and snowy peaks, since the mountains rise straight from the city. A clear day flatters the mountain backdrop.

Honest expectations

The Golden Roof is a single small landmark, so the real draw is the city's alpine setting and the easy access to the mountains. The old town is compact. It is a mountain city, so weather shifts the mood between seasons.

Nearby

The Nordkette peaks rise above; Swarovski Crystal Worlds and the Tyrolean valleys are close.