In the shelter of the imposing Austrian Alps, the beautiful city of Innsbruck celebrates one of the most magical Christmases in Europe after receiving this character feared by naughty children.
In December, all the cities dress up, open markets with traditional products and turn on their lights to compete to tell the best Christmas story possible. To this bet, the Austrian city of Innsbruck adds its culture surrounded by fabulous ski slopes, which offer alpine adventures full of tradition to conquer young and old during the special dates.
The most magical holidays of the year begin with the arrival of the Krampus at the beginning of December, a mythological being, half goat, half demon, who accompanies Saint Nicholas -or Father Christmas- on his arduous journey through the villages of the Alps to make sure that naughty children behave well.
Its terrifying beastly appearance and the sound of its bells are intimidating at the Krampuslauf parade, which brings together, in the streets of Innsbruck, both foreigners faithful to this tradition and curious tourists who want to meet this kind of Christmas demon from local folklore.
A Christmas tale in Innsbruck
If there are places that bring together all the magic of Christmas in cities, these are, without a doubt, the Christmas markets. Each one with its own style, they are a good example of the crafts and products of the region. In Innsbruck, the one that presides over the main avenue of Maria Theresien Straße is the most famous and the last to close, with the last Tyrolean gifts available until the evening of January 5th.
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It is also the perfect place to taste specialties such as kiachl, a fried doughnut filled with jam, to accompany with glühwein, the traditional spiced mulled wine.
Walking along this avenue, flanked by colourful medieval facades with the snow-capped peaks of the Nordkette, is a spectacular sight. The Stradtturm tower, from which you can take some of the best photos of Innsbruck, or the elegant Golden Roof in contrast with the white peaks, invite you to wander to the Market Square, where, in front of a Christmas tree made of Swarovski crystal, another of the popular markets of the Tyrolean capital is displayed.
There, next to the Inn River and with the mountains embracing the city as if it were a decoration, the bustle of skiers is constant. If this image impresses you, even more so is accessing these peaks by funicular from the very centre of Innsbruck. To do so, we must go to the Congress station.
As soon as we arrive, we can continue shopping at what is probably the Christmas market with the best alpine views in the world. We will then continue up to Top of Innsbruck to be completely amazed by the peaks of the Nordkette and its panoramic views of the valleys of Germany and Italy.
Nature and snow lovers who want to continue exploring the surroundings of Innsbruck can go to Graf Ferdinand Haus and take a snowshoe excursion through white forests and then descend by sleigh to Kühtai, a charming village located 2,020 meters above sea level.
Just a few kilometers from Innsbruck are also the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a corner where crystal art takes on another dimension, and even more so at Christmas, when the decoration, the use of technology and the lights make this particular museum dazzle notably.
The cultural offering during this time of year is unstoppable. No one should miss the contemporary dance shows by the Spaniard Enrique Gasa and his company Limonada, with choreographies full of strength and emotion.
At dusk, the lights begin to come on, making Innsbruck’s charms multiply their reflection in the mountains. A moment that can be enjoyed with a drink on the terrace of 360° Cafe. However, if there is one place that shines more brightly when night falls, it is the Imperial Gardens or Hofgarten, located in the historic centre of the city, where the lights of LUMAGICA run along paths that lead to more than 300 artistic installations that bring this winter paradise to life.
