Go beyond the stunning alpine-urban adventures in the Innsbruck region and there’s an opportunity to step into a rich culinary landscape, which is gaining ground as a place of discovery for foodies looking for unique inspiration.
From quaint cafés, through to farm-fresh produce, the Capital of the Alps offers an array of culinary delights for foodies to enjoy, inspired by the natural environment.
Innsbruck Tourism’s Marketing Manager, Colette Verra, said: “Travellers might be surprised to know that Innsbruck offers much more than an adventure holiday, the city is full of culture and adorned with cafes and restaurants, perfect for a foodies’ holiday.
“The region offers everything from culinary tours to fresh mountain fish, as well as the chance to taste locally made Tyrolean alcohol.
“It’s also a well-connected destination, with excellent public transports links between the different locations, and the airport just a 10-minute bus ride to the city.”
Highlights of the Innsbruck region’s foodie experience include;
Fish dishes served in the mountains
While the Innsbruck region is surrounded by mountains and the sea is a long way off, it is gaining increasing recognition as the home of fish dishes that rival even their coastal counterparts.
The proof is in the dish, with restaurants such as Schwarzfischer in Stams being awarded a ‘toque’ by the gourmet guide Gault&Millau for their meals, which include ingredients from cold mountain streams around this upper part of the Inn Valley.
Guests can also try their hand with rod and line, either in the adjacent fishpond at Schwarzfischer, or at the Geroldsmühle in Götzens – and there’s an opportunity to taste trout from the Bergoase Forellenhof restaurant’s own fish stocks in Haggen.
Wine with a view
Wine is an essential element of the Innsbruck experience and a visit to the pictureseque Romasi winery in Hatting is a highlight for enthusiasts.
With rows of vines snaking along the surrounding hills, the site gives the impression of an Italian feel about its appearance, but this Tyrolean winery is quintessentially Austrian, forming part of the estate on the mountain above the village of Hatting.
In this stunning location the winery, located 20 kilometres west of Innsbruck on a small plateau, produces and presses its wines from the grapes grown there.
The Innsbruck region is also proud of its local craft of schnapps production.
Sites include Friedrich Mair’s s distillery in Flaurling, based on a farm, where the owner paints his own bottles, while a distillery, belonging to the Draxl family in Inzing, offers interesting insights into the production methods, honed in the region over generations.
Coffee-culture and market memories
Coffee connoisseurs will love Brennpunkt on Innsbruck’s “Arch Mile,” known for its organic, fair-trade coffee. Another spot to enjoy premium beans is Thomas Hofer’s delicatessen in Telfs, offering sustainable coffee varieties.
And for travellers who prefer to self-cater when on holiday, a visit to a local farmer’s market will elevate your cooking with locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as meats, cheese and honey. Markets are held Monday to Saturday at the city’s Market Hall and monthly in Axams from April to November.
Foodies on tour
Innsbruck has a range of food tours on offer to get the most out of your visit. The Culinary Craft Tours provide insights into local breweries, cocktail bars, and vegan restaurants, whilst the Innsbruck Food Tour lets you sample Tyrolean specialities while learning about the region’s history.
There’s also a chance to engage younger people in food provenance, with the Kofele’s educational bee trail on the Patscherkofel mountain offering children, and visitors of all ages, the opportunity to learn about bee welfare and understand how to make Alpine rose honey, which is used in various dishes at Das Kofel restaurant and at the Hochmahdalm mountain inn.
To enjoy the region’s culinary delights to the full it is recommended that visitors check the opening times and availability of restaurants and offers in advance.
More details at www.innsbruck.info/essen-und-trinken.html.
Innsbruck Tourism’s Welcome Card, provided with a stay of at least two nights at selected partner hotels and accommodation, includes free public transport in the region and discounts on cultural attractions.
Direct flights to Innsbruck are available from major airports across the UK.
Image credit: Romasi Winery - © Robert Zangerl, courtesy of Innsbruck Tourismus
