Winter sports hotspot combines nature and culture

Bergisel Ski Jump, a futuristic landmark of the city, is a reconstruction project built after the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. Iraqi-born and London-based star architect Zaha Hadid created what is already considered a star attraction. The tower stands 47 meters and holds 28,000 spectators. Each year, the refurbished Bergisel Stadium plays host to the annual Four Hills Tournament in January and a summer grand prix jumping event.

Tirol also combines cultural heritage with a history of more than 800 years and a period as a royal territory of Austria-Hungary from 1867 to 1915. Witnesses can see remnants of Tirol's turbulent past at the Imperial Hofburg in Innsbruck, Ambras Castle and Kufstein Fortress. The Imperial Hofburg used to be the seat of Tirol's sovereign princes. Giant's Hall, Guards' Hall, Empress Elisabeth Apartment and Chapel give visitors a palpable sense of the elegance and wealth of the former Habsburg Dynasty.

"All the buildings and different colors are imbedded in the huge mountain scenery...the combination of culture and nature is unique," said Kahr.

Tirol's villages, towns and regions are famous for traditional customs and celebrations, as well as museums and other cultural attractions of the highest quality.