Igls (near Innsbruck, Austria)

View from our hotel

If you love the idea of being surrounded by green mountains on vacation, cooled by a gentle breeze and comfortable in 70 degree weather, Igls is the place for you. We arrived at 7:30 one evening after a twisting climb up from Innsbruck, Austria. The view from our hotel* was of the Alps!

Panorama while hiking

When we asked for dinner recommendations, the desk reception sent us on a five minute walk to "downtown" Igls where there was a plethora of restaurants. We choose a small pizzeria, named Pizzeria Venezia. A tiny taste of Italy in Austria. All the pizzas were under 10 Euro. The pizzas are thin crust and medium sized.

Top sign is for Jakobsweg with pale seashell against blue

In the morning, I explored some of the walking trails around Igls. There are so many options! For example, did you know that pilgrims came through Austria to get to Santiago de Compostela church in Galicia, Spain? That pilgrimage trail is called "Jakobsweg" here; and, it's marked with a seashell. I hiked along part of Jakobsweg as well as some nearby trails. The trails are well marked. Sometimes, they are nicely paved, sometimes they are just mowed stretches through meadows. It is quite the adventure! For those interested in hiking, check out this Tirol hiking link.

View while hiking around Igls

Unfortunately, rain clouds began to descend, obscuring our view of the mountains. As the rain started, we drove off to Bergelis, the Olympic ski jump. It's quite pricey to take the elevator up to see the view. (9.50 Euros). But, on a clear day, the views would be spectacular. While we were there, there were ski jumpers practicing on the green hill. We could see them from outside the gate. It was so amazing to watch them fly through the air and land on the turf!

Ski jump. Tiny specks up on right top of jump are a skier

*We stayed at Sonnenhof Hotel. It was the perfect location for a quiet evening, close proximity to walking trails as well as everything in the small town of Igls. Plus, it had great Alpine views from the rooms. (80 Euros/night)