Innsbruck: The coolest places in the region – a summary
Austria difficult at the moment under a heat wave. Certain popular spots in Innsbruck offer protection from the sun – others should be avoided at the moment.
When it’s 30 degrees in the shade, it’s best to look for a place to cool off. Classic at the lake and in the outdoor pool, at the summer resort in the mountains or at “cool spots” in the middle of the city – the Innsbruck region offers a variety of refreshment options for high summer temperatures. Whether mountain peaks, gorges, river meadows or pools – ProMedia suggests five places to stay really cool in Innsbruck.
Aim high
Do you want to keep a cool head when temperatures rise and not lose track of things? Then off to the high mountains. Whether it’s for a summer retreat in Kühtai at 2,020 meters above sea level, where in summer it’s often 10 to 15 degrees less than in the city, or for a “siesta” on the Nordkette, where there’s always a fresh breeze. The fact is: Those who move uphill have it cooler. In the mountains, the rule of thumb is that the temperature drops by one degree for every 100 meters of altitude.
“Inns-Bruck” and the cool zones
As the name suggests – this city is located on the Inn. And when it comes to water temperatures, the mountain river is at home in the single-digit range almost all year round. Admittedly, it’s nothing for swimming, but the sandbanks, meadows and squares along the green river are best suited for relaxing and “hanging your feet in”. Where plane spotters meet sunbathers, sports enthusiasts will also find a special offer: the opportunity to surf – which is rather unexpected in an Alpine town. Even further out to the west, lonely sandbanks entice you to sunbathe.
The most beautiful gorges
A little exercise and a lot of coolness: the Innsbruck summer offers a refreshing selection of easy-to-hike gorges. For example: The Mühlauer Klamm. You are right in the city of Innsbruck. The entrance to the gorge can be found at the foot of the Nordkette in the Mühlau district, and the path is best signposted. Arriving by bike, public transport or on foot is very easy. The Ehnbachklamm in Zirl is also a true natural jewel. The entrance is directly below the Calvary, on which there is a chapel that can be seen from afar. A little further away, but all the more spectacular is the Klammsteig including the stairs through the rock. The starting point is in the market town of Telfs, just under 30 minutes by car from Innsbruck.
Relaxation like in the days of the Emperor
In the immediate vicinity of the historic old town, the Hofgarten Innsbruck is an island of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Created in the Habsburg era, it is a sight in itself at any temperature and season. In summer, however, the park is one of the best places for a short break. In the shade of age-old chestnut trees, on the banks of the pond or on a bench under the large pine tree, you can enjoy a moment of relaxation just like in the days of the Emperor. Not far from the city center and right next to the great Sillpark shopping center is Rapoldi Park in the Pradl district. It is, so to speak, its “green heart”. As soon as it gets warmer, young and old will be drawn here.
Cool by the lake and pool
For those who are looking for a faster way to cool off, there are numerous bathing opportunities in and around Innsbruck that invite you to a refreshing visit. The Rossau bathing lake, known to the locals as “Baggersee”, offers plenty of space for paddling and swimming. The outdoor pools in Tivoli and the Olympic Village also invite you to (sun)bathe, while the glittering green of the Natterer See beckons. There are other swimming opportunities in the Axams leisure center, the Völser Badl and at Lanser See.
Sweaty downtown
One place to avoid during a heat wave like this is downtown, where the sun scorches the tarmac all day and tourists fill the streets. Even the modern fog machines cannot effectively fight against the 30 degrees plus that we are currently experiencing. There are also few shaded areas. Bad news for anyone who doesn’t want to break a sweat. However, nowadays more and more shops are air-conditioned! These include the Tirol department store and the Sillpark. If you can’t do without a shopping spree.
more on the subject
More information on the heat wave in Austria