Igls.
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Overview

Igls is an alpine town in the Inn Valley in the Innsbruck region of Tyrol, Austria.

Understand

As a town between Innsbruck and the Patscherkofel mountain, Igls is most appreciated as a haven of quietness just south of the regional capital city. It is popular with tourists in summer because of its archaeological heritage and hiking opportunities, and in winter for the ski facilities on the .

History The history of Igls is largely a mystery, although row graves were uncovered within its administrative boundaries, and the nearby Goldbichl hill to the south is an important archaeological site for Tyrol. There is discussion over the name of Igls, which is either said to originate from an 11th century monastery at the Tegernsee, which had possessions in Igls.

Igls developed from a rural village into a summer resort for the Innsbruck upper class in the 19th century, and with it came the construction of the first hotels in the town.

Igls rose to international fame through the Olympic Winter Games of 1964 and 1976 being organized on the slopes of the Patscherkofel. An ice bobsleigh track and Olympic ski run were constructed, and these facilities are still in use for international sports competitions such as the Youth Olympics of 2012.

Igls is a victim of global warming: snowfall is diminishing year after year. Lack of snow has resulted in the closure and decommissioning of the Patscherkofelbahn base station which used to offer skiers a direct ascent onto the Patscherkofel from the heart of Igls. The new base station straddles the mountain a few km to the south-east, and with skiers passing through the town by bus instead of visiting, the future of the tourism sector in Igls is uncertain. Restaurants and night life have reduced their opening hours to compensate for the lack of patrons, but travellers with a keen eye can profit from the reduced demand for accommodation as hotel prices have also dropped significantly.

Orientation Igls is a town of ca. 2450 inhabitants, on the heights south of the Inn Valley, and south of regional capital city Innsbruck to which it administratively belonged until 1961. It lies in the shadow of the Patscherkofel mountain, popular in summer for hiking and in winter for skiing.

Igls has an alpine climate, characterized by cold winters and mild but wet summers. In winter, because of its altitude, much of Igls precipitation falls as snow. From November to March, Igls is often covered in a picturesque snow layer ranging from a few cm up to almost 1 m. Snowfall on the Patscherkofel usually lasts until April or May.

Get in

Tram connects to in Innsbruck. The route is very scenic, as the tram meanders through the pine forests and offers travelers a great view over Innsbruck. Bergisel is a 2-min walk away from .

By bus Bus passes through Igls on the way to the Patcherkofel Talstation. Get off at . Alternatively, take bus 4141 and get off at .

Get around

Igls is small enough to get around by foot. To get to the , take bus direction and get off at the terminus station where the entrance of the Patscherkofelbahn is to your left.

See

Heiligwasser Pilgrimage Church. The Heiligwasser (literally "Holy Water" in German) pilgrimage is on the slope of the Patscherkofel mountain at an altitude of 1234 m, following a path of 10 chapels of which 5 remain. According to the legend, an angel appeared to 2 peasants searching for lost cattle in 1606, and showed them the way to a spring where they found their cattle. In return, the angel commanded a chapel to be built next to the spring, an undertaking completed by the bishop of Brixen. The site soon became a destination for pilgrims, and in 1661 a church was built to replace the chapel, in which a first religious service was held a year later. Halfway the 18th century, the church was expanded with a side chapel, and buildings around the church were constructed to accommodate the needs of pilgrims, who attribute healing effects to the spring's water. Of particular interest is the churches 3-sided choir with hexagonal choir tower and typical onion shaped roof. The portal is decorated with a fresco from 1743. The ceiling frescoes were added in 1945 by Hans Andre. The Baroque high altar dates from the first half of the 15th century but was stolen in 1971 and replaced with its current copy.

Goldbichl. One of the most important archaeological sites in Tyrol, Goldbichl is a 1064 m tall hill which was used as a place of worship in the Bronze Age. The oldest finds at the site are flint arrowheads from the Neolithic period, originating from Verona, and proving that long distance trade was possible in that era. The hill gained importance in the Bronze age, 4 millennia ago, when sacrificial fires were lighted on altars made of clay and stone, which were visible from afar in the Stubai Valley looking out over the deforested hill. Remains of residences and gardens were found on the northern side of the hill, built on terraces separated from the religious sites by ramparts. The terraces are still recognizable today, although the hill has been reforested since Roman times. Interestingly, the grave of a young woman, buried here after her cremation, has been uncovered. The grave made news headlines because of the numerous ceramic artifacts and other funerary objects found along the scorched skeleton. The location of her grave suggests she might have been a priestess. The Bronze Age site existed until the 16th century BC. In the Iron Age, around 600 BC, the site found renewed interest and underwent expansion with fortifications such as walls and palisades. Evidence suggests that the site became the center of a settlement, and sporting competitions were organized around the sacrificial fires. Goldbichl remained important until the Alps were conquered by the Romans between 100 and 15 BC, and all the heathen facilities were destroyed. The site can be visited, and in 2006 an archaeological trail was constructed which leads up to the summit from the northeastern side, ca. 15-min walk.

Pfarrkirche. Former Romanesque parish church consecrated in 1286, and rebuilt in a late Gothic style in the 15th century. In 1705 it was once again rebuilt in a Baroque style.

Do

Igls is best known for its Olympic facilities for alpine skiing and bobsleigh competitions. With 18 km of slopes, it also has a lot to offer to casual skiers who can explore the Patscherkofel mountain ski area with the brand new Patscherkofelbahn ski lift.

Alpengarten Patscherkofel. An exceptional collection of rare plants and flowers in Austria's highest alpine garden at an altitude of 2,000 m, the 15 000 m² garden is taken care of by the University of Innsbruck. In addition to native alpine flowers such as Edelweiss and Gentian, there are several species from the Himalayas to admire as well. Founded in the 1930s, the garden aims to preserve species that have disappeared in the wild. Visitors can follow a circular path along the gardens many trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers.

The Rung Thai Massage. The best way to relieve tensed muscles after a day of skiing, massages are available from 30 min to 90 min.

Olympic Sliding Centre. Built in 1975, this 1270 m long bobsleigh track was the first in the world constructed with supplemental artificial refrigeration to make the track usable year round. With a height difference of 100 m, 14 curves and a refrigerated surface of 5500 m², the track descends the Patscherkofel mountain with curves up to 7 m high. It is used for training purposes, and last used in the 2012 Winter Olympics.

Olympia Golf. Golf course between Igls and the Patscherkofelbahn

Winter sports Igls is most popular to travelers as a ski resort in winter, thanks to the Patscherkofel mountain in close proximity. With 18 km easy and intermediate slopes, the Patscherkofel ski area is ideal for beginners. Igls had its own gondola cable car up to the Patscherkofel summit until 2017 when it was replaced by a new aerial tramway with a higher capacity. It unfortunately no longer has a station in Igls itself, skiers must take a bus to the new base station about 20 min away from the Igls centre. Usage of the bus is free with a Patscherkofel skipass.

Übungslift. As only slope on the outskirts of Igls, the Übungslift is still in service for beginners, whenever there is snow in downtown Igls.

Buy

Intersport. Store specialized in mountaineering equipment for winter and summer. Although they're likely on the expensive side if you seek to buy your ski gear here, their location next to the Patscherkofel Talstation makes them a convenient solution if you happen to break equipment, lose ski goggles or gloves, or need your skis waxed. They also have PPE in stock all year round.

Spar. Convenience store with a wide selection of fresh produce and dry/canned foods. Also sells toiletry items and tape/glue to fix equipment.

Arakelian. Jeweler and gift shop in historic centre of Igls, under supervision of master gold smith Philip Arakelian.

Eat

Restaurant Hausberg. Small restaurant geared towards skiers. With a newly renovated warm wooden interior, it is the best restaurant in the area for those who don't feel like undertaking the 20 min walk back to the Igls town centre. The food is on the pricey side for what it is, and the service to the level expected at a tourist hotspot. Menus are available in English. Free wifi.

Alpengasthof Heiligwasser. Local Tyrolean cuisine of good quality, served in fairly sized portions.

Patscherkofel Gipfelstube. Restaurant and bar with a great view over the Stubaital and Inntal. The menu is rather pricey, but there aren't any other options available at 2,248 m altitude.

Das Kofel. Restaurant tailored to skiers: fast food with minimal service. Free wifi, suitable for kids.

Patscher Alm. Traditional Tyrolean mountain restaurant aimed at skiers in winter and hikers in summer, close to the slopes when they're opened. Pricey, but decent quality food in generous portions.

Bäckerei Höcks. Traditional Tyrolean bakery with great bread and pastries.

Ristorante Pizzeria Venezia. Igls' best pizzeria since 1994. Reasonably priced, with a wide selection of pasta, pizza, antipasti, and meat/fish dishes.

Agidihof. A very traditional Austrian Landgasthaus (country restaurant) specialized in local cuisine. Try their home made noodles, Knödeln, and ice cream. Indoor and outdoor seating.

Drink

Tee Hütt'n. Cozy bar for hikers and skiers seeking refuge from the alpine weather, or simply relaxing after a day exploring the Patscherkofel.

Hanibal. Hookah lounge and good food, with a variety of oriental specialties on the menu.

Cafe Fioriona. A cafe with typical Austrian Konditorei (cakes and baked goods), with indoor and outdoor seating.

Sleep

Hotel Bon Alpina. Large hotel in the Igls historic centre, with plenty of accommodation for hikers and skiers: indoor and outdoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, and storage room for ski gear. Among the cheaper options to spend the night in Igls, and good value. Wifi is BonAlpinaFree with password BonAlpina%.

Sporthotel Igls. Traditional 4 star hotel in the centre of Igls, tailored to the needs of those looking for an active vacation either in summer or in winter.

Hotel Gruberhof. A family hotel right next to the Igls practice ski lift, on a walking distance from the Congress.

Sonnenhof Bed&Breakfast. Bed & breakfast with on a 2 min walking distance from the city centre and 5 min from the tram station. Free wifi and parking for vehicles next to the building.

Pension Gothensitz. Small guest house at the outskirts of Igls, overlooking Vills.

Hotel Eagles Inn. A 4 star hotel right next to the tram station of Igls.

Pension Leitgebhof. A modern hotel on a 5 min walking distance from the nearest bus stop, and 10 min from Igls city centre. Looking out over the forest, and very quiet at night.

Appartements Waldhaus. Appartments for 2, 4 or 6 travelers on a walking distance to the practice ski lift.

Hotel Sonnenhof. A nice bed & breakfast on the outskirts of town.