The glamorous Golden Roof shines in Innsbruck’s old town, where this week’s #AustrianExplorer leads us to. Behind it, the Nordkette mountain range rises up to around 2,300 meters above sea level. The Middle Ages meet the Modern era, urban bustle meets alpine nature: The Tyrolean Capital is full of contrasts, especially when it comes to the combination of city and mountains.

Anyone who comes to Innsbruck for the first time will be impressed by the alpine backdrop. It is a sportsman’s paradise and recreational area. But the region is more than just mountains; Innsbruck is a major university town with a lively student population, it is multifaceted and versatile, both in summer and winter: Habsburg master builders have left their mark here just as much as architects of the modern era, the burger joint is next door to the rustic Tyrolean inn, small boutiques with local delicacies meet trendy stores, living traditions meet urban subculture.

Is Innsbruck on your bucket list this summer?